“She is the witch who you should truly fear. In her, a great-flame of destruction grows. She’s been killing humans for as long as I’ve known her. Even witches aren’t exempt to her path. Simply put, she’s a fucking psycho.”

“A witch killing her own kind? For what does she gain in doing so?”

“Ruth’s blessing is the ability to absorb strength from the others. Simply put. The more she kills the stronger she becomes.” This is only half the truth. All witches obtain power proportionate to the human’s when killing one. However, only Ruth can absorb the power of another witch and that’s what makes her special, that’s what makes her dangerous even to me.

“P-preposterous! What does she intend to do with such power?” Ah, he seems to understand the gravity of the situation.

“She wishes simply for the destruction of humanity even if it costs the lives of her own kin. For me to reach my goals. I will need to stop her, and sadly enough. She has already bested me in combat time and time again. If I am to stop her, I will need help.” From my last confrontation with Ruth, although I was in my weakened state. I could tell that she has grown far superior in strength to me. I will need the help of more witches to best her now.

“Bethany, you must have led an uneasy life up to now. Not only are the Templars hunting you, but also your own kin. Fucking hell.”

“Yes, and that is exactly why I’d like to remain in Veil for the time being. Both for my sake and yours.”

“What do you mean by that? That I need you? I could very well turn a blind eye to you and pass you on to the Templars. Pretend I am a fool Bethany and explain to this old-fool exactly why your presence benefits me.”

“You wouldn’t be able to give me up to the Templars, I’m too strong. And if you casted me out of Veil, the day Ruth attacks your home. No one will be able to stop her. You need me here Henry.”

“So, you’re telling me. Either enrage the Pope and have you on our side? Or to fight Ruth alone, and to be massacred?” I simply nodded. It will take time for him to swallow such a truth. But to be honest, from what I’ve seen. Veil has good people. Their military might be pathetically lacking and with only their militia they don’t stand a chance against Ruth.

“Do you really think that you can change the lens in which the world sees the witch? Because, I don’t.”

“I’m more than what meets the eye. Henry, take a seat whilst I prove you wrong.” He took a moment to think, letting the silence sink in before speaking again.

“Alright, you have my permission to stay in Veil, to thank you for what you’ve done for my daughter. I will tell Cecily to find accommodation for you. Bethany, I Henry Vilax the lord of Veil informally welcomes you. You will have the privileges of a knight, to be able to enter and exit freely without tax however, I won’t be granting you any land nor any men.” Olivia diligently handed him a small gilded chest. He drew a small dagger from the box and placed it before me. “I will provide you with benefits Bethany and in return, I expect you to provide me with aid when the time calls. This dagger has my insignia, it will allow you to travel freely.”

I thank him for the blade and notice as the atmosphere brightens. The sun, previously hidden behind grey-clouds now beaming through the windows and into the room. I finish my tea before speaking.

“Henry. After my preparations are complete I will be departing to Rockwell. A while back, I picked up rumours of a witch attack and I’m planning on going there to see for myself whether this witch is a friend or foe.”

“More witches? Well, I hope that this witch is as charming as you’re. Sadly, I’m unable to assist you with my men. I simply don’t want to put them at risk so…”

“Ah, no worries. I wasn’t going to ask for your militia, but there is one person I’d like to take with me, Richard Thorn.” I saw the sparks of curiosity flicker in his eyes.

“Very well. I’ll have him become a trainee-knight. He’ll have the authority to leave at whim, but like you. I won’t be granting him any land.” He simply glanced towards Olivia and she nodded.