Elina

The girl noticed us when we were close enough to see the color of her hair. Blonde. She turned and waved. She carried a single knapsack. She wore a thick coat.

Salem waved back. I kept my hands hidden.

Salem said, "Don't reveal yourself to her."

"And what incentive do I have for that?"

"..."

I snickered. "Don't worry. I can't profit from this situation. There's no point in stirring trouble with this traveler."

He liked her. A lot. She was pretty. Blonde hair, blue eyes, a bright smile and timid voice. She appeared demure and full of youthful energy. Slim shoulders that begged for protection, a will to take on the world. The summation of all the contradictory things a man wanted in a woman.

On road, under the sun, in the middle of nowhere, she was like an angel who suddenly appeared. Like a dream.

But that's the thing about dreams. They aren't real.

My guess was that he also liked her because she wasn't a witch. Because she wasn't me. The first real human woman he's seen in a while.

She said her name is Anja.

She asked, "Are you and your companion traveling to Merkelborough?"

Salem said, "Yes, just doing a bit of trading and then heading home. Are you traveling to Merkelborough as well?"

"Merkelborough!" Her eyes glittered with childish curiosity. Then her shoulders slumped and the light in her eyes dimmed. "One day I would like to see the great city." She pointed ahead. "My village is just a little ahead, in the next forest once we cross the grassland."

Salem smiled.

I've never seen him smile like that.

He said, "Perhaps we can accompany you there. The road is long and there are many dangers for single travelers."

I raised an eyebrow underneath my hood. This is the first time I've seen him act like this. Offering help. A kind smile.

Heh-heh~

I focused a little magic to my ears.

Badum-badum...

His heart was pounding, his blood flowing fast. Focusing on one area. I looked down.

Oh Salem, my foolish little hunter.

Anja's eyes shone like the stars when she heard those words and thanked him for this kindness. Salem scratched the back of his head, slightly embarrassed and feeling pleased at the same time.

I focused a little magic to my nose.

Hmmm…interesting. So Anja was this type of girl.

Salem said, "Will you be comfortable in the back of the cart?"

"Yes, thank you so much!"

She hopped on and sat on the corn. My corn.

I stepped on Salem's foot.

He gave me a look that said, 'what?'

I spoke in a whisper. "How shameful. Is she really that pretty?"

"That's not the point here."

"Is she really that much prettier than me?"

He said nothing.

I said, "I suppose you can't help it. When such a cute human girl asks for help, a man just can't say no, hmm?"

"That's not true. Travelers have to help each other."

"Really? And would you react like this to every fellow traveler?" I nodded at his legs. What's between his legs.

Salem drew a sharp breath. He looked away. There was nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. I stared at him, willing him to drown in embarrassment.

He turned to Anja. "Are you ready?"

She nodded.

We crossed the grass fields and reached the forest by nightfall. I was largely silent throughout. I listened to the way Anja talked to Salem. She kept asking him questions and listening intently to his answers. She rested her chin on his shoulders from behind. She was young and sweet.

I was sure Anja had some sort of plan. Because everything she said was targeted at Salem. She ignored me. Like I wasn't even there.

So I stayed quiet. I wanted to see what she wanted. What ways she'll use to lure Salem into her trap.

I didn't warn him though. Because I felt he deserved a bit of punishment. He fell for her shoddy act, but wasn't moved by my unbelievably convincing, and pleasing-to-the-eye, towns girl appearance.

After we entered the forest and night fell, Anja announced that this far was enough. She got off the cart.

She said, "Thank you so much for your help!"

Salem nodded with a smile. But looked a little disappointed.

I waited. If I wanted to save Salem, now was the time. Interject using my role as a wife. Urge my husband to listen to me.

But I said nothing.

Anja said, "I must repay you for your kindness! It's already so dark...."

She drew her hands to her chest and her face flushed. She made eye contact with Salem. Then glanced to the side. Like a maiden in love.

She said, "Uhm...I'd love for you to stay in my village. I hear there are many dangers in this forest at night. Wild animals might attack and..."

Salem said, "Oh! Uhm…"

He looked at her. Then at his feet, then at her.

Ba-dum. Ba-dum.

I sighed. Sometimes a man was too easy to read. Too easy to predict. When instincts overruled any and all reason.

Anja said, "You could stay the night with me, and then continue to travel the morning. It's not save at night…"

Salem looked at me. I shrugged.

Salem whispered. "I promise you'll get a warm meal at the village, alright? And a soft bed. Just don't cause trouble tonight."

I wanted to slap him for thinking that I, Elina the great witch, could be bribed with a warm meal and a soft bed.

But I nodded and agreed.

Because it's more fun that way. Because if nothing spoiled Anja's plan, then Salem would probably die.