The baby fretted, though she couldn’t possibly understand the gravity of her situation. The old woman touched her nose with a sly smile, “You will just sleep, my dear one, sleep until the wicked woman who has bestowed this gift can find you no more.” She patted Aurora’s head and looked at Doina, “Take her away from here, child,” her voice was grave, “Do not stay long in this place, for only sorrow can come of it.” With that, she left, and was never seen again in the castle, or the village. It was said that Opara found her, and the evil woman hated anyone who helped her enemies.

Alexandru received word from Alaric the following morning, that the king was planning on invading Italy later in the year. He decided it would be the perfect reason to leave Pannonia, and immediately offered his services. Doina was too please to pack their things, and prepare to leave for Alaric’s palace. With much haste, they left for the castle in a few days.

The attack on Italy would commence quite soon. They prepared for war.