Vojislav scowled as he stared at the gates of Volengrad, his thick arms crossed over his broad chest. The city guards stood in front of the entrance, their spears pointed outward in a defensive stance. Vojislav's clan milled behind him, restless and eager for a fight. They had traveled for days to reach the city, all because of a dream Vojislav had - a vision from Zorya herself, he was certain of it.

In the dream, the warrior goddess had shown him a woman with hair that shined and eyes that pierced his soul. In all his travels he'd never seen someone so beautiful. Zorya's voice had echoed in his mind, telling him this woman would bear him strong sons, that she was meant to be his. When he'd awoken, Vojislav knew what he had to do. He'd gathered a group of his best and set out for Volengrad, determined to claim the woman as his bride.

But now these puny guards dared to deny him entry. Vojislav could feel his temper rising, his hand itching to grab his axe and teach them a lesson in respect. Small men. One strike through head... Just as he was about to order his men to attack, a scrawny page boy came running up, slightly out of breath.

The boy bowed to the guards, then turned to Vojislav. "Great chieftain, I come with a message from the Lady, high priestess of Vesna's temple. She bids you enter the city...as her honored guest. I am to escort you to the temple myself."

Vojislav narrowed his eyes, studying the boy. Guest? A guest? Vojislav threw back his head and laughed, a harsh, grating sound. He was no mere guest. He was a conqueror, a warrior blessed by the gods themselves. And she was his destiny, his prize. But perhaps this was Zorya's way of telling him to be patient. For now.

He turned to Radoslav and jerked his head towards the gates. "Watch the men. I go see the priestess." Radoslav nodded, understanding the unspoken order. If Vojislav didn't return by nightfall, Radoslav was to storm the temple.

With a grunt, Vojislav pushed past the sputtering guards and strode into the city, the page boy scurrying ahead to lead the way. Around him, the people of Volengrad parted like reeds before a bear, gawking and whispering at the sight of the massive barbarian in their midst. Good. Be scared.

Soon enough, they reached the temple of Vesna. It was an impressive structure, he had to admit - all gleaming white marble and soaring columns. But it was nothing compared to the raw, untamed beauty of the wild places Vojislav called home.

"Wait here," the page boy said, his voice trembling slightly as he scurried away. Vojislav barely spared him a glance. His attention was fixed solely on the massive wooden doors that barred his path. Somewhere beyond them, she was waiting. His bride.