Chapter 2: Juhak

Juhak had been traveling for weeks, searching for any sign of Yahitsha's army. He had been through many towns and villages, but he had found nothing.

One day, as he was walking through a dense forest, he stumbled upon a clearing. There, he saw a woman sitting on a log, her head in her hands.

Juhak approached cautiously, not wanting to startle her. "Excuse me," he said softly. "Are you okay?"

The woman looked up, her eyes red and swollen from crying. "No, I'm not okay," she replied. "I'm lost and alone, and I don't know what to do."

Juhak sat down beside her. "I'm Juhak," he said. "What's your name?"

"My name is Valery," she said, wiping away her tears. "Why are you out here?"

"I'm looking for Yahitsha," Juhak replied. "I heard she's back, and I want to stop her."

Valery's eyes widened. "Yahitsha? The evil queen?"

Juhak nodded. "Yes. Have you seen anything? Any signs of her army?"

Valery shook her head. "No, I haven't seen anything. But I'm not really looking for her. I'm on a quest of my own."

"What kind of quest?" Juhak asked.

"I'm searching for love," Valery replied. "I know it sounds silly, but I've been through a lot, and I just want to find someone who will care for me."

Juhak looked at her with sympathy. "I'm sorry to hear that. What happened to you?"

Valery hesitated for a moment, and then she began to speak. She told Juhak about the abuse and rape she had suffered at the hands of her former lover, and how it had left her feeling broken and alone.

Juhak listened with compassion, and he could see the pain in her eyes. "I'm sorry that happened to you," he said softly. "No one deserves to be treated that way."

Valery looked at him gratefully. "Thank you," she said. "It's hard to talk about it, but it feels good to know that someone cares."

Juhak reached out and took her hand. "I care," he said. "And I'll help you in any way I can."

Valery smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope for the first time in a long time. "Thank you," she said again. "I appreciate it more than you know."