Elina

I created a tiny spark of magic that formed an eye around the back of my head, a tiny eyeball floating in the air. I focused that eye on him. Zoomed in on him.

Hmmm, he didn't look too bad. He might actually be handsome.

It's a shame that I'll have to kill him. Until that happens, I'll have some fun.

But there was something strange about him.

Two witch hunters had been sent after me in the past. And I killed both of them. Quickly and efficiently. After a little torture. Just a little.

Those two witch hunters radiated hate and bloodlust. But this man was different. Even though he was at the edge of the village, I couldn't feel the intent to kill. Which was odd.

Then what was that intensity I felt?

I guess I'll find out.

To make sure that he could follow me, I let my silver hair sparkled brightly in the sun. Usually I'd try to disguise myself. But in this case, it might be fun to make it easier for him. I want to meet him. See what he's like.

I might not come back for a while if this witch hunter proves to be interesting. But these villagers depended on the medicines I made. So before I went back into the forest, I touched the head of one of the children and used a little magic to create a crystal clear memory in his head. A memory of how I invited him over for some cake and tea. A memory of the exact path he traveled through the forest. Every step. Every turn.

There was a large stock of herbal potions in my little hut. That should last these villagers a year. Unless an epidemic hit.

I broke a few branches on my way back. Left some careless footprints. Carved a few runes on tree trunks to guide him to my home.

I lounged in my hut, waiting for him to follow the trail I left behind, find my hut and try to ambush me.

But he didn't act as I expected.

Instead, he touched the runes and triggered my early warning system.

Is he stupid?

Or maybe he had a plan?

Either way, I had to find out.

I followed my own runes out of the forest and onto the main path. And there he was: lying on the ground, his face covered in blood, a lazy horse and a cart filled with corn.

I asked, "You are a traveling merchant?"

"Y-yes, I'm just a traveling merchant...and there was a group of bandits. They attacked me and..."

What was he trying to do? Did he think I was stupid enough to fall for his trick? But let's assume he thought I was stupid enough. What was his plan? I didn't see how disguising yourself as a merchant can make killing a witch easier.

How interesting. I'll stay to find out.

He emerged behind me. He drew his sword. Was his plan really that simple? Cut off my head from behind?

I summoned a little magic into my hands. I guess I could blow him up now...

Wait.

He turned his sword to its flat side.

He didn't intend to kill me. He wanted to capture me alive.

How interesting.

I decided to go along with his plan.

He brought his sword down on my head.