The Witch's Love ( Book I of The Witch Duology )

Chapter Two: Encounter

    "Can I believe you?" James was asking.
    Mornings of Shelter Forest were as cold as the nights. The fog was much reduced and the way could be seen almost clearly. There were periodic chirpings and calls of birds but they weren't near us.
    I tightened the cloth around my shoulder and glanced up at him.
    "Do what you will." I snapped.
    I understood James's uncertainty. He has known me since many years. He has known that a part of me is too desperate to find something while the other doesn't speak when I'm not sure. But I was not in the mood to pamper his thoughts.
    "We need to cross the forest fast." I said, trying not to discuss about it further,      "We're already late." I mounted the horse.
    James came and stood in front of me. "Hey!"
    "Get the hell out of the way!"
    "Calm down, will you?" He almost pleaded, "I just wanted to say...relax."
    I chuckled, "You think I'm roused?"
    He ignored me. "Be careful. Please. You scare me."
    I smiled widely, "That's interesting. Anyway, want to make a race to the clearing?"
    He glanced at me perplexedly.
    "I need it." I said.
    He mirrored my smile, and then shrugged.
    As he turned to mount on his Dark Moon, I had already pulled the rein and was zooming through the clumsy growth on horseback. I laughed at James's catcalls as he was left behind.
    We were moving quite fast through the forest, thanks to the natural barren way that was made in the years by passing humanity.
    The rush made me realize that it was colder than usual. The breeze lashed on my face and a drop of water entered into my eye. I could hear the sound of horse's hooves from behind. James had finally gotten quite close to me. A smirk curved my lips as I thought that he was never going to able to overtake me.
    Before I could lash the rein, my heart skipped a beat in shock as I pulled to a stop. The sudden silence was painful to the ears after those booming thumps of the air.
    I dismounted and walked to the bottom of a sal.
    Someone lay, unmoving.
    I knelt down and turned her over. I removed the black cascade of hair that almost completely covered her face. I touched her cheek and shook her a little, "Hey!"
    She did not respond. There was something in her face that made me feel drowsy. She was beautiful, indeed. But a strange, old longing gripped me when I saw her.
    James's question broke the trance, "What?"
    I glanced up at him, startled. He had finally caught up with me.
    "She...She is sick...or something." I mumbled. But alive she was; I could feel the heat of her body.
    "Hmm?" My friend was still confused.
    I slipped an arm under her nape and sat her up against the tree trunk. She winced ever so slightly.
    "Bring the water." I said.
    "You sure?"
    I glared up at him.
    "Okay." He shrugged and did as I said.
    I sprinkled some of it on her face. She flinched and then slowly opened her eyes.
    "You okay?" I asked.
    She looked around blankly for a while before fixing her eyes on James, then me.
    She cleared her throat before saying, "I think I had a black out."
    I nodded and rose up, handing the water back to James. I offered my hand to this strange girl.
    She looked at it for a second and then took it, pulling herself up. "Thank you."
    "Not a problem." I said, "What are you doing here?"
    Her voice was as sweet as honey; it reminded me of the myth of the sirens. "I was returning from the city market."
    It did not occur to me at the first instant but as soon as it hit, I blurted out, "You were passing through this forest at night?" It was only minutes after morning broke out. "Alone?"
    She opened her mouth to speak but James butted in, "She may not have heard of the wolves...or the witch for that matter."
    She ignored him and continued, "I do that every day. I go to the city market every afternoon and return by night. I was late yesterday." She turned to James, "And I know of both." She turned back to me again, her caramel eyes were luring,     "Where are you going?"
    James began proudly, "We are-"
    I cut him off, "We are going to Misthaven. Got some business to transfer there."
    James looked at me suspiciously. The girl looked pleasantly surprised, "Oh. That's where I live."
    Misthaven was the first glimpse of civilization after one crossed Shelter Forest and the clearing. It was very condensed and only a handful of families lived there. And everyone was aware of the dangers haunting the forest.
    I looked at her, "I don't think you are in the state to walk. Should you come with us?"
    She hesitated only a brief second and then nodded modestly, accepting the offer. "But before that, what should I call you?"
    "I'm Chris."
    She smiled. "I am Irina Elizabeth."
    "Irina." I repeated the name again and again in my mind. "Beautiful." I said.
    We both looked at each other in the eyes. James cleared his throat quite unnecessarily.
    "Sorry to interrupt but, hello. I'm James. James Vogel." He smiled sheepishly.
    "Ignore him." I muttered.
    Irina laughed and said, "Hello James. It's nice to meet you both. And thanks again."
    I walked her to the horse; her steps were apparently unsure. I wondered whether it was the sickness or just an emotional reluctance.
    I held out my hand. "Hold tight. Put your foot on the stirrup and mount up."
She gripped my hand with her left and holding the halter with the right, quite fluently performed.
    James said disappointedly, "My Dark Moon was a better runner. And far better tamed."
    Irina frowned, "What?"
    I mounted myself and sat behind her on the saddle.
    "My horse." James said patting the animal.
    "Oh." She did not take it seriously, "But I like white horses better." She turned to look at me and smile. I kept my eyes intact on hers as I reached for the rein and thrashed it.
    The horse neighed and started trotting. Our bodies were close as I had to keep the rein in my hands; I was breathing in her scent.
    "Tell me if you feel dizzy." I muttered to her as we began our journey together.