The Trial of Wilhelmine Vlaardoen

In a lonely forest somewhere in the vast forests of Denagoth, Wilhelmine Vlaardoen, Princess of the Flaems, wife of Prince Vanserie Vlaardoen XI of Bergdhoven, is garbed in commoner's clothes and stands boldly outside a wooden hut surrounded by a fence decorated with skulls. An icy rain is relentlessly pouring on the Flaem. She raises her voice to speak, but is drowned by the rumbling thunder and the howling winds.

"Baba Yaga! O Great Ogress of times forgotten! Hear the plea of a child of fire!"

The hut stats to wiggle, then rises on bird-like legs to dance a maddening dance.

"Baba Yaga! Powerful sorceress from days of yore, subduer of dragons, Destroyer of the Enduk Empire! I, Wilhelmine Vlaardoen of the Braejr nation implore you to listen to my request!"

Wilhelmine quietly activates a spell of protection. The storm dies down for an instant, enough for an ancient and terrible voice to emerge from the hut.

"You want... a child..."

"Yes, Great Witch! You are truly all-knowing."

"There is... a price..."

"Of course, Mother of Ogres, I bring you the Staff of Eiryndul, stolen from the hated elves."

"That is... not... enough..."

"What else would you ask? I can offer you all the riches of Linden!"

"In twenty years time... there will be a war... the greatest since days of Lhomarr... The Immortal's... Wrath... is coming..."

"What would you have me do, O Wise Killer of Gods?"

"In the city... of the wizard-queen.... you will—"

A great bolt of lightning crackles from the sky and strikes an ancient oak. The tree bursts into flames and falls inches from Wilhelmine. The fire does not faze her, not a single strand of her hair is singed, but Wilhelmine stands shocked and stunned.

"You cannot be serious? The whole continent?"

"That is... the price.... Drink... this potion... after being with... your male... You... will have... a daughter..."

"A daughter! O thank you!"

The storm abruptly dies. Wilhelmine is standing alone in the forest. Baba Yaga's hut is no more. With a word, she teleports back to Glantri.

Author: Ohad Shaham