Elina

Did he fear me?

No. I didn't sense fear. Or hate. I don't sense the intention to kill either. But I assume before me, he's never really talked to a witch before.

The same goes for me. I've never really talked to a witch hunter before. I always blew them up right away. So this was good chance. To ask the questions on my mind. To satisfy my curiosity.

I asked, "Why did you become a witch hunter?"

He gave me an odd look. Like I asked why it rained or why the sun rose.

He said, "Why do you want to know?"

"Because it never made sense to me. Us witches are so much more powerful than humans. I understand that things are not perfect between humans and witches, and I understand that some humans hate witches. But for someone to try to kill a witch is utter folly. To earn a living doing it is suicide. There are so many other jobs out there. Why do this?"

I fixed my gaze at him. Reading his face. He looked straight at the road. He didn't answer. But there was something in his eyes. He was thinking. Maybe thinking of someone.

Without turning to me he said, "I want to ask you something first. One question for another."

A deal. An exchange. Making sure that he gains something in return for sharing information.

I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. But I still wanted to know.

I said, "Go on?"

"Why didn't you scream for help just now? Your disguise was perfect. If you, that mercenary and the merchant teamed up, there'd be a good chance that I'd die. And you'd still get your clothes."

He glanced at me. "Why didn't you do that?"

My lips formed an O shape. He was smarter than I thought. If I wasn't careful, he'll find out my little game through the sheer force of deduction.

I said, "If I did that, the mercenary and merchant would've gotten hurt."

He raised an eyebrow. Disbelief. Doubt. Pleasant surprise.

I added, "Besides, today is just the first day of our travels. You still have nine full days to make a mistake. And when that happens..."

"You'll kill me."

"Yup!"

Salem let out a laugh.

The horse neighed. The wind wandered. The birds sang.

I said, "Your turn. Why do you do this job? Do you really hate witches that much?"

He shook his head and let out a deep breath. He stared ahead. Not at the road. At something else. A memory. A thought. Something in his heart.

He said, "Because I need the money."

"There's other ways to make money. Ways that won't get you killed."

"Witch hunting is the fastest way to make a lot money."

"Why are you in such a hurry?"

He smiled slightly. It was a sad smile.

"Now, now...we agreed on one question."

Which wasn't a bad thing, I suppose.

But I'll get more answers out of him later. There's more than one way to get information out of a man.

I went back to my bed of corn.

Usually I'd never wake up this early in the morning, but Salem insisted that we begin traveling at first light.

Seeing the peace of the early morning was nice. But only once in a while. Sleep was better. Sleep was the best. I craved it.