“I’m the first?”

“Yup.”

“Because I was your first kiss?” I know I was trying to be nice and make him feel better, but after his last question I took his weight and threw him to the ground. He laughed like I had told him the stupidest joke as he sat up. Guess I’ll make his training even more Hellish when we get back.

After things had returned to normal. We spoke about Veil, the tavern-goers at Chizu, the children at the church and a little about Cecily’s development.

“Her father would kill me if we took her any further than we did.” Richard shivered as he imagined the lord with malicious-intent.

“She can demand it all she wants, but any further than this and indeed things would be bad. I hope this witch is friendly…”

“Same, I wouldn’t want to fight a witch. Especially not if they’re all as strong as you.” The conversation lasted until we reached the end of the footpath and took our first step into the boundaries of the forest. Richard paused, as did I. We had entered the witch’s nest, and we instantly felt the hostility.

I’ve taught Richard that practical uses of a shield and sword. Under my guidance, he no longer brandishes that heavy-sword of his. I’m glad he listened, because from the shadows a Dire-Wolf attacked him.

A normal human would’ve had his head bitten clean off. But since Richard’s reflexes have been heightened due to our contract. He barely managed to bring his shield up. The Dire-Wolf pranced off the shield with all of it’s weight, dropping Richard to his knees. I immediately drew my sword and made for the beast, but something stopped me. Something sent me flying through the trees. I staggered against a tree to get up. Whatever had hit me, it was charging towards me again. As it got closer I noticed its sturdy body. A Golem? Large rocks held together by strains of red to form a Wolf. The face had been painted on like a child’s drawing. I guess that’s why it didn’t bite. Its mouth has no literal use. This must be the work of the Witch. Her blessing, what the fuck is it? I can no longer see Richard, but I can distinctly hear the fighting. He hasn’t lost yet, so if I finish up here. I can go and help him.

I placed Vitae back in its sheathe. If I am to fight a golem, it’s best not to pointlessly dull my blade.

“Well, I won’t be using my blade, and you don’t have any teeth nor claws. So, lets see which is tougher. Your head or my fists!” Tsk! Why do I even bother speaking to it? It’s not showing any emotions. Just mindlessly charging at me. It’s speed and strength is impressive, but it’s one flaw is its agility. It appears unable to turn at the apex of it’s sprint. At first, I traded blows with it. Taking it head on, but I was evidently losing, so I decided to run.