He talked to her politely, albeit with a little awkwardness. This man was not used to speaking to her kind, she thought idly. Neither ‘witch’ nor ‘woman’ kind.
She repressed a chuckle. For some reason, he reminded her of Keran.
“Why are they like that?” she asked. The knight looked at her with confusion, and she specified, “Why are they acting like I am a threat? I didn’t give them any reason to be concerned.”
She now felt inclined to, but that part she kept to herself.
Sir Themas took a moment to ponder. “I suppose they’ve put too much faith in the stories of old. Most of these men were either mere boys or not yet born during the last witch purges. So was I, to be honest. We’ve all grown up hearing stories of Bleak witchcraft and the feats of warwitches. Mix in some morbid fascination for a people as mythical and rare as yours and … well, you’ll find a breeding ground for superstition.”
“What about you?” she asked.
“Me?”
“You don’t seem scared or curious.”
The Venator knight chuckled, revealing dimples on his cheeks. “Of fear, I know enough to not show any if I ever felt it. As for curiosity, I like to think my father raised me better than to harass a young woman just for my personal satisfaction. I am curious, but I can be patient until you feel comfortable enough to speak to me.” He paused, clearing his throat. “Regardless, if someone in the retinue gives you trouble, Miss Witch, please let me know, and I shall handle it.”
Semras’ face bloomed into a grateful smile. His eyes widened, and he looked away, a blush sprawling on his cheek.
“I will, Sir Knight.”
The young man’s flush deepened. “Oh! I did not introduce myself, forgive me! I am Sir Themas de Maldoza, Knight-Brother of the Confraternity of the Venator Choir. It’s an honour to assist you, Miss Witch.”
“Just call me Semras,” she replied. “I am pleased to stand beneath the sky with you, Sir Themas of the Venator Choir.”
With a hand over his heart, he bowed his head to her. “So am I, Semras.”
Theyspenttherestof the day’s ride in a comfortable silence.
Keeping close to her, Themas stopped any other guards from approaching, letting her concentrate on keeping up the pace atop her gelding. Whenever Semras fell too far behind, the knight slowed down too and gave her discreet tips on how to handle her gelding.
The sun had begun its descent toward dusk when the retinue stopped abruptly in the middle of the road. Semras prayed it meant they would take another break. Her legs were cramping after spending so long in the unfamiliar riding position.
Themas rode ahead to take the news, then came back a few minutes later. “There was an argument between Sir Ulrech and Inquisitor Velten about our travelling plans,” he said. “I believe Sir Ulrech won and that we will stop for the night soon.”
She scoffed. “I have a hard time believing anyone could win an argument against that man.”
“The men and the horses are tired.” Themas gave her an apologetic smile. “Inquisitor Velten knows that and has graciously accepted to slow down the pace.”
“How gracious of him indeed,” Semras said, rolling her eyes.
Now if Inquisitor Velten could only be gracious enough to leave her be for the evening, her day would end better than it had begun.
Chapter 04
“Youshalldinewithme tonight, witch,” Inquisitor Velten announced behind her.
Standing with the reins in hand and without the slightest idea of what to do with her horse, Semras took a deep, calming breath before facing him.
A few minutes ago, the company had dismounted in front of a large roadside inn plastered with lime and built at the edge of farmlands. Night was about to fall, and the two-story, slate-roofed building was the last accommodation before the road would lead them through another part of the Vedwoods.
Her eyes flickered aside, seeking Themas among the crowd of steeds and men. The knight had left her to help prepare the horses for their stable stay after he had assisted her down the sidesaddle and was now nowhere to be seen. She hadn’t minded the solitude; the long day of riding had given her more sore muscles and cuts than she had expected and taken all her energy in exchange. All she longed for now was a quick meal and a comfortable bed.
Suffering Inquisitor Velten’s company was decidedlynotpart of her evening plans.
Semras smiled sweetly at him. “No, I think not.” The inquisitor’s incredulous frown almost made her laugh, but she kept her composure. “You do not command me, Inquisitor. In case you forgot: I am not part of your retinue to order around as you please.”
He grinned, teeth bared like a snarling wolf. Amusement tainted by aggravation sparkled in his eyes. “Brazen witch. I do not care to entertain whatever rebellious fancy this is. I have spoken, and you have heard me: you shall dine with me.” He stepped closer and swept his arm at the group of Venator guards unloading the horses. “Or would you rather eat gruel with the sword-bearers?”
