Burning Soul

They began the journey quietly, no one was really having a talk. Everyone was strayed in their own world; thinking about the ongoing circumstances. As usual, their faces didn't show any sign of excitement instead, everyone was sitting in their place quietly without doing many movements and with no expressions on their face. The atmosphere around them was actually stressed.

There was no discussion of plans and strategies which they were going to utilise in the war against the enemy, no general talks, no giggles, no excitement on their faces which they usually have when on an adventure. It was no fun adventure. Theo was just sitting quietly, massaging his injured arm slowly, he was mumbling a little bit and taking deep heavy breaths in between due to pain. His face was white and the area around his eyes had become black in colour; it seemed that he didn’t have a good sleep. Looking at him like that Milot asked Catherine in a whispering tone, “Psst!

Was he like this all the time, it’s like I’m sitting with my father?

He’s looking quiet but giving off a scary aura!”

She felt cold and numb all over; seeing Theo in such pain crushed her heart with sadness and she tightened her throat. She didn't know why there was a lump in her throat.

She looked at him narrowing her eyes, which were full of tears and looked even sad when she talked. “You saw him before all this so why ask something so stupid!”

Her annoyance flared and she trembled with fury, her pulse slammed in her neck. But there was nothing she could do, but sit quietly as before.

Give him some time, it was just yesterday and he’s also recovering from his wounds. She nudged her face and stroked her hair flicks back which trembled over her face when she talked and gave him a malicious side glance and then turned her cervix opposite to the side of Milot.

After some time, she became quiet and her mood was back to normal. She was wandering her eyes around the area in which they were present. Besides, what is the place we are going to like? She moved back stroking her hair and sat more comfortably.

What is this deal with the Witch?” Catherine was curious, it was the first time she had heard of the term Witch, people used to scare kids with the term Witch.

All she knew about her was that her appearance was a surprise, mumbling to herself with that dreamy ghostly smile. Her hair may be lank and lustreless, falling around her like strings of rotting straw.

Certainly, she wouldn’t look any better, right! After all, she’s a witch!

She might have cunning eyes and a vulturous nose and have skin grey or zombie white in colour, a weird face, and snuggle teeth. There were many more versions of witches in her head but didn't exactly know.

Milot rested his back on one of the sides of the cart and began talking, “Actually she’s just a Wizard.

A talented one, she was the one who cast the surveillance spell on the entire Arnor. She came from some unknown place a long time ago.

Her appearance was out of nowhere and all I know is that she’s had a screw loose ever since!”

“screw loose? What do you mean?” Catherine didn’t understand this,

“She… she was the clumsiest person Arnor ever saw, but she was known to tinker with Witchcraft.”

“So there really is something like Witchcraft!” Catherine replied,

“Well, I personally don’t believe in such a thing, she must be tinkering with something unexplainable.

Can you believe the level of magic needed to cover the entire kingdom? But one thing you must not do, don’t call her old, even though her age is the same as gramps!”

Hearing this she had a rough idea of what kind of person they were expecting. The only question was, “How much time will it take for us to reach there?”

“Umm, not sure!” His reply didn’t satisfy her,

“What do you mean? Don’t you know where she is or the way to her place!”

She pulled him by his collar and asked furiously, he struggled to reply to her actions, “Oye let me answer first idiot my head is all dizzy!”

She let his collar loose as he swung back, this caused him to hit the side of the cart, “Ahh!

Damn it, why are you aggressive!

.

As I said she’s gone a little mad she won’t let just anyone come to her. It takes a bit of time to lock her position as she hides quite well and with her skills it’s even a big headache.

That’s why we are going with Wizards as well. If only father was here, she’d let us in easily!”

She narrowed her eyes and glared at him with an intimidating look, “No, it’s not like that, he was her student for a while and she took a liking to him!

God, why did you have to think like that?” Milot replied in a flustered tone to which she replied back, “Did I say anything?”

“Did you have to?

Anyways, we can lay back a bit and relax for the time being, besides how’s the spirit floating around you doing?

I haven't heard her say anything since the attack! Did something happen?” Milot pointed at Sylph

“She’s just exhausted after that, we healed a lot of people and aided in battle too! She must have taken a toll on her, so maybe she’ll be fine by evening!” She ruffled Sylph’s head and let her rest on her shoulder.

“Spirits are interesting beings, I wish one had blessed me as well!” He looked up in the distance.

The forest started just as they left the capital’s borders, the path was narrow yet not dangerous looking. It must have been a crowded road but due to the attack on Capital, the gates were sealed off to the citizens and only merchants and important people could enter and leave the city at will.

The surrounding was pretty and with so much greenery came cold air. The journey was rather quiet but with the sound of wind and the smell of fresh ripe fruits still hanging off the branches, it didn't look so boring.

They had to travel deep in the forest which meant they’d be stepping off the main road and travelling on one of the inner paths. The road as per Milot was a little too narrow but the carts were just wide enough to be able to pass through, “We shall be good on these roads and if everything goes well, we’ll reach the hideout by the evening.

That is if everything goes well” He sowed a bit of a tense look.

The wizards they were accompanied with were given the task to guide them through the forest, with her traps it was possible for them to get lost in the Forest.