Hagar's Place

The sound of hooves echoed against the brick walls as the hackney-coach entered the large compound. The carriage swayed gently along with the rhythmical trots of the horse's hooves, creating a soothing melody that filled the air.

Masha thrusted her head out the window to have a peek at the environment. Some stern faces of guards and sullen faces of maidens stared back at her as they walked about the yard.

It was a relief to Masha that after two days, they finally arrived at Hagar's palace. She confirmed the strong relationship Czar had with the witches when it hadn't been difficult passing through the gates. Just one look at his face, the guards had granted them passage.

The witch's palace was not so bad; It was a beautiful structure of stone and wood, with a peaked roof and towering turrets. Masha beamed a smile at it.

Suddenly, a horse rode pass them, the hard sound of the hooves jerked Masha out of thoughts. She looked ahead to see the rider pulling the horse to a stop and clim