The kingdom has always been fond of gossip, especially about mysterious people. The most popular topic in recent years was a girl who lived on the edge of the forest, far from the village. They said she was a witch. She knew more about herbs and potions than any village doctor, and often came to the forest to collect plants. She was shunned, but no one could deny that she helped the sick and wounded, although she always stayed away from human affairs.

Then in the royal castle lived Prince Arden, a young man who was strong, proud, and firmly convinced that witches and magic were only evil. One day, the king, his father, ordered his son to go hunting to prove his prowess to the court.

Arden, who was not used to disobeying, went to the forest with a small group of knights. At first, everything went according to plan: they hunted prey. But soon robbers appeared from the shadows of the trees. There were more of them than the knights could have expected.The knights, seeing that they had no chance, abandoned the prince and fled.

Arden fought to the last, but he could not resist the numerical superiority. The robbers did not kill him, seeing no benefit in it, but took all his armor and sword, and then, leaving him beaten and bleeding, left. The prince, unable to bear it, fell into an unconscious state.

A girl who was gathering herbs in the forest noticed a body lying by a tree. She had to make a lot of effort to carry him to her hut. The prince was heavy, and his wounds were deep, but the girl, accustomed to labor, managed.

When Arden opened his eyes, he found himself in an unfamiliar place. The wound on his stomach was carefully bandaged, but he was still dizzy and the pain throbbed throughout his body. Sitting by the bed was the girl he had heard so many stories about.

Her eyes were calm but tired.

„You're awake.“ she said quietly.

The prince frowned, recognizing her instantly.

„Witch“ He breathed out. „I don't need your help.“