"Darius you need to calm down and explain what is going on! I demand to know!" Zorya yelled at her husband. Fear pierced her heart and she shivered, just once in her entire life, she saw Darius was now, and that was when she was giving a birth.

"Zorya, you don't understand in how big danger are we right now." Darius said, refusing to even look at his wife.

"Then tell me!"

"Those people, are from distant lands, and never before have Walnia had any contact with them. They are strong, and they are dangerous, but their leader is the most wicked of them all." Darius began speaking.

"Who is he, Darius?"

"His name used to be Temujin, and that name means both, blacksmith and iron as well, but now he is more known for other name." Darius said.

"And that name is?" Zorya asked.

"They call him Gengis-Khan."

Zorya felt annoyed enough to attack Darius and scream at him, because she still didn't understand how important this name is, and who are these people Walnia is up against. Immediately, Darius noticed her facial expression.

"Their ship was found near our shore. They are Mongols, they probably came to inspect our lands, and to see if our lands are suitable for them to conquer. After Temjuin, became their leader and general, they became the unstoppable force. They already entered Moscow once, and burned it to the ground, destroying everything." Darius said.

"What about my home?"

"It is safe, they weren't interested in that, they wanted the large cities that are rich with gold." Darius answered.

"And you are telling me this just now? Darius we allowed the ship of the enemy to approach our shore! We are in grave danger because we relaxed in our tranquility! We need to prepare because they will attack for sure!" Zorya yelled.

"I know, and I agree with you my love, we shall be preparing for the attack, but we need to secure our children first, that is our priority." Darius said.

"What do you mean Darius?" Zorya asked. Her heart ached from thinking that she will be separated from her children.

"We should send them to Gora Nevskaya, with my brothers and their families, until this war ends." Darius said.

Zorya felt her heart sinking. How could she do that? Who knows for how long is this war going to last, and more than anything she wished to watch her children growing up in happiness.

"What are you talking about?" Zorya asked him.

"Love, we both know that is for the best. We shall send food, clothes and gold with them. Avram was already there, he is considered a friend of Boris. He shall arrange everything, and they will be fine."

"No Darius, you cannot do that! You can't send them away from me!!! Please!!!" Zorya yelled as her arms trembled. She couldn't let them go, she had lost too much in her life, and her family was everything to her, especially the twins.

"You will stay with them, and I will remain here, to fight." Darius said looking away from her, not wanting her to see the tears in his dark, damaged eyes.

"But Darius..."

"I am a King of Walnia, I must stay and protect my kingdom. You should go back home, Zorya. Please, I am begging you. If I know that you are safe, I will have strength to move on and fight...I am begging you to take our children and leave Walnia, until it is safe for you to return." Darius begged.

Zorya could hear the sorrow betraying his voice.

"Alright."

Bustling maids began packing the twins immediately, after the decision about their travel was made, so fast, not leaving the enough time for everyone to say goodbye to each other, because who knows? Maybe they shall never see each other again? Everything happened so quickly, everything was decided to fast, and Zorya was confused.

"Shall I pack you some more warm clothes Zorya?" Mary asked her godmother, helping her with packing.

"I am not leaving Walnia Mary."

"What? But, your children are leaving, the war is about to come. You don't want to stay, and perhab even die here, you don't want your children to remain alone." Mary said.

"They will never be alone Mary! Even if both, Darius and I die in the battle, they shall never be alone because we will always be with them and they will know that!" Zorya yelled at her godmother before sitting down on the bed and hiding her face in her hands. She felt as if her own life was simply slipping away from her hands, and that she was losing everything, this war, seemed so hopeless.

"Zorya, My Queen, please forgive me for my words, I didn't mean to upset you, I shall have more faith in you and our God. I promise you that, to prove it, I can remain here and fight."Mary said.

"No, go Mary, go with your family, and with my children, and if they have to grow up with you, treat them like your own, but do not allow them to forget me and Darius."

"They could never forget you, my Queen." Mary answered.

Soon, everyone were prepared for their trip, leaving to the safe place, if something like thet even existed. Zorya and Darius tried their best to believe that it did, and that their children shall have a safe life there, while they remain to fight, securing Walnia, and making it home again.

"My brothers, we shall see again if the God decides that."Darius said.

"Come on Darius, don't be so dark..."Avram tried to joke.

"Of course we shall see each other again, you will win this war. Walnia never fallen before."Jonah said.

The brothers hugged each other, trying to remain strong, trying not to shed a single tear.

"Why do we have to go dad?" Cyrus asked."

"I don't think I can go anywhere! I am sea sick! Can I please stay with you?" Mira asked as the tears began pouring from her beautiful, blue eyes.

"My princess, I promise you that the sea sickness won't harm you much, and that I will come for you as soon as I can. Please, do not cry, and stay strong for your old man?" Darius asked and kissed the forehead of his daughter before hugging her tightly.

"Dad, war is scary."Cyrus said as the tears were already staining his adorable face.

"The people die, and the wolves too, but I shall come back for you." Darius answered hugging his boy as tightly as it was possible.

Zorya felt her heart breaking.

"My children, please, you are allowed to cry, and we shall stay strong and fight this war for you, and when we win, we shall see each other again, I promise you that, I swear to the new God and to the old gods, you will never be alone." Zorya spoke as the tear rolled down her cheek.

Darius looked at her, he wished she came with twins, and remain safe, but, she choose for herself...

"Zorya and Darius held their children in their arms for a long time, giving them a sword and an axe, a cross and a kolovrat Zorya gained from her brother Yaropolk, giving them what they could, just to never be forgotten by them.

And soon, the twins left on their ship, holding each other, crying loud enough for everyone to hear.

"I envy you."Zorya told her husband.

"Why?"

"You can't see them leaving." Zorya said, finally allowing just enough tears to stain her cheeks.

"I can feel them my love."Darius answered pulling Zorya to his chest, as the tears emerged from his eyes as well...

Hey guys, I am currently crying after writing a chapter like this. I hope you enjoyed reading it, and that you will continue to support me. What I wanted to emphasize is that I do not hate on Mongols or Vikings, I think they are amazing, and strong people, and I admire their history! That is the reason they are part of this story! Please do not think that I hate any of them because Walnia is in war with them!

I love you all, and please, remain safe during the times like this!