Yamuna River

Roman POV

“Yamuna River…..” I heard Solomon’s strong voice echoing around our odd gathered group, snapping me from my thoughts of my night with Dragana and her revelation of truly being my mate. I was ecstatic and apprehensive all at the same time, as even though Aisha and Caleb had acknowledged and recognized each other, Dragana did not accept me, nor did we mate, nor was she marked. I did not know how to feel about it all, but one thing was certain. At least I was not crazy, well, not as crazy as everyone thought anyway. I knew I had seen the beautiful white wolf; Caleb and I knew she was our mate. What sorcery Alice was playing at and why to fake mate bond, I did not know. Both Dragana and I also thought that perhaps there would be a possibility of her being an unwilling victim of a larger force at play. We had a plan. A plan I was going to discuss with Art and Gamma Aldar when I returned. Dragana had promised to discuss this with Solomon and the Slavic Coven, her uncle, Lord Samuel, the King Regent of the said coven, and her aunt, Lady Asma, their Queen. My mind was going all over the place and I could still taste Dragana’s lips on mine and her scent around me, invading me, calling me to her.

“Yamuna River…. Also known as the Dead River….” Solomon continued, stopping suddenly.....“Alpha King Roman, are you with us this beautiful morning, or are you too preoccupied?? Something more important than your journey?”, he asked, his dark eyes locked on mine, a tight smile dancing on his lips. I could tell he was mocking me, but I needed to snap away from my daydreaming. Art snickered, all while Lady Asma and Lord Samuel were chanting spells of protective magic. “Apologies King Samuel, my mind indeed was elsewhere”, I replied, beaming at everyone, Dragana giving me a small nod and a knowing smile. Solomon said nothing to that, simply glared at me and continued. “There is a reason Yamuna is called Dead River. Old as a creation itself, its very existence is a deception, created by magic, imbued by magic, and surviving on magic alone. Nothing lives in this river, well, nothing of this world anyway”, he continued gravely, catching my attention.

“The most important thing to remember about it, is that nothing, and I do mean nothing, is what it seems. Pretty much everything you will encounter on your journey is an illusion. Now, do not think for one moment, that you are safe in those illusions. Many have underestimated its power, only never to return”, Solomon continued. “How will we know what an illusion is, once we are there?”, Art asked, curiously. “My young Beta, EVERYTHING that you feel, see or experience, will be an illusion. Do not chase it, do not let it overpower you. You can easily get lost – and once you are lost - you will be gone... forever..”, Solomon replied. I could see that Dragana’s face was darkening, she was getting more and more worried with every word Solomon spoke. The sun was shining its morning rays and the sparkles of morning dew were still on the grass and blossoms of the blue-blooming tree. Everything around us looked serene, everything but us. We were starting to realize just how dangerous this journey would be, and although I initially refused, I was grateful that Art was going with me. In case something went wrong, we could make sure that at least one would return, I thought to myself.

“The additional danger that lurks within Yamuna are its water dragons. Vicious creatures, largely left unchecked in their existence, populated that area after the first snake shifter created the river itself. You will not win if you engage them, so the best approach is to try to stay out of their way”, we were advised grimly. “However, the most important advice, gentlemen, is to pay attention to the water color…. Its waters will vary in color, and go from dark green to black. If the water is black, you must turn back… Immediately!”, he warned us. I interrupted him, wanting to make sure that everybody understood we are not coming back without the Blessed Blade. “We are going to get the blessing and cure for Jasmine that she needs and requires. I am not turning back until we accomplish this!”, I said sternly, only to earn yet another glare from Solomon.

“Roman… nobody is doubting your bravery or power. Nor yours Art”, he now got us both in his sights. “However, there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity. That line should never be crossed”, he deadpanned. “I am trusting you both to come back sound and accomplish your goal, and not break my great-grand daughter’s heart in the process, simply because one of you chose to play a hero!” he now grumbled, as if we were children. Dragana’s face blushed and she briefly glanced at both of us, clearly embarrassed by his comment. “Are there any other questions????”, he asked, ignoring the obvious tension his words created earlier. “How will we know where to bless the swords??? Also, swords can only be touched by direct descendants of the Spietta line… What can I do to make sure I help Roman with this?” Art asked, always practical and to the point.

“You will take the blades to the snowy spring… It is the area of Yamuna that is always covered in snow – you will know it easily. However, getting to it is treacherous, so I again implore you both to use your cunning instead of your brawl.” Art simply nodded and I could tell he was getting anxious. We were both seasoned warriors and Art was one of the best fighters I have ever seen. However, this was proving to be a serious and potentially deadly undertaking. As if he heard my thoughts, Solomon continued, in a softer, concerned, sounding voice, “Death, at times, dances in the shadows of all men…. Yet she ignores us, watches us, plays with us… When you are on the shores of Yamuna, never will you be closer to the shadow of Death… Ignore it.. and you may fall to it.” The chanting was intensifying and Dragana looked bewildered. I could sense that she was feeling guilty for asking us for such a sacrifice, for asking that we undertake a journey so perilous and dangerous, a journey from which we may not return. I had no regrets, and I knew Art did not either. We both loved her – we would do anything for her. However, I did not want her to have that burden and guilt, I did not want her to feel that she was responsible for this in any way, shape, or form.

“Thank you for the warnings, King Solomon… We are grateful indeed…. This journey, whatever it may be, we take on our own volition, honorably, and with no fear and hope that when we return, Lady Jasmine will be with us again”, I spoke, looking at him, but pouring out my energy and my aura directly at Dragana. I wanted her to understand, I wanted her to hear me. “We are both able warriors, and strong wolves… Thank you for opening our eyes, King Solomon. We know ourselves, and now we also know our enemy, so our mission will surely be successful”, Art stated firmly, his handsome face smiling at everyone, and I understood, as I already presumed, that he shared my concern about Dragana and her fears.

“Ah, I almost forgot”, Solomon said, fumbling in his robe pockets, looking for something. He took out a large, ornate, silver coin with strange inscriptions. “Dragana will open the Silver Gate for you to leave… Once your task is done, drop this coin on the ground, and it will open the portal back to Rising Moon”, he explained, handing it out, and I took it quickly, placing it securely inside the leather sheath covering one of the swords. Lady Asma and Lord Samuel came over and chanted something directly over Art and me, placing their hands on our foreheads. I felt a warm jolt of electricity like sensation, spreading all over me. “My husband and I have placed protective spells on you both”, she smiled warmly, looking worried, but trying to put up a brave front, to which we simply thanked them and bowed our heads in gratitude and appreciation.

The time had come for us to depart, and I was ready to get this over with. Somehow, in comparison with my own internal turmoil and emotions, I was not afraid of water dragons and dangerous dead rivers. I was much more scared of my feelings for Dragana, and downright petrified by the fact that she was, indeed, my white wolf - my mate.