Blacksmiths daughter

Pursuit

A man, dressed in black, was bent over an equally dark, galloping horse. They flew through the country, the man never talking. Wherever they went, people ran out of the way. They were scared of them. Terrified even. As the day went past, the miles flew by, until it was evening at last and the man pulled on the reins of the horse. It stopped. They had arrived in a small village, but no-one could be seen. They had all run inside their houses, locked the doors and windows to escape the man.

As he descended, his shadowed face could be seen for a second. Zadic. An evil smile played on his lips. Pulling the horse by the reins, Zadic walked confidently towards the inn, then into the stables. "stable boy!" he called in a loud voice. First there was no answer, but as Zadic prepared himself to call out again, a small noise was heard behind him. A boy of about 11 walked out. He had bright red hair and his very pale skin had many freckles. "finally." Zadic growled. With shaking steps, the boy walked towards him. "take care of my horse. Give him your best hay, the purest water, then groom him thoroughly." the small boy nodded without a word, looking terrified. Zadic passed him the reins, and, without looking back, strode into the inn.

Inside, an equally red-haired man was waiting for him anxiously in the otherwise empty room. While Zadic say down at the best table, the one by the fire, the innkeeper bowed. "master, um, what do you wish to have?" he asked, sounding terrified. "your best food and wine. And quickly." Zadic responded harshly without pause. The innkeepers head bobbed up and down in agreement and he hurried into the kitchen, apparently in a big hurry to get away. Soon, he could be heard calling orders to people in the kitchen. Zadic sighed when the innkeeper left. "finally." he mumbled.

He was tired of people, even though this was the first man he spoke to in the whole day. He wasn't used to being around real people... Only his horse and the other ones of his kind. Zadic leaned back on his seat, sighing in contentment. Even a Ragnãk liked his comfort.

Soon enough, the innkeeper came back with a glass and a bottle of wine. He put the glass down and poured a glass, then put the bottle down ans stepped back. "The food?" Zadic inquired in an almost angry voice. Shaking visibly, the innkeeper replied. "We are currently roasting for you a piece of mutton, with fresh vegetables." he gulped, hoping the Ragnãk would be happy of the food offered to him. Zadic nodded slowly, and a slight smile could be detected in the shadows of his cowl. "very well. After, I shall take a room to sleep here tonight. Get your best room ready." the innkeeper nodded again. "I will, master." he said, and hurried away. Soon enough, Zadic saw a terrified maid run up with an armful of sheets.

After another fifteen minutes at least, the innkeeper entered the mostly empty room holding a steaming plate filled with vegetables and a big piece of meat. Zadic smiled again. Good food was one of the only things that could make him smile. Other things included killing, burning, and other destructive acts. The innkeeper put the plate on the table, accompanied with the cutlery and some bread. Then he turned to leave. "wait a second, innkeeper." Zadic spoke up, and the innkeeper froze. He turned back, very pale. "Y- Yes?" he asked. "I want you to be here when I try this. And beware if it is not perfect." the innkeeper was paler than ever. "yes master." His voice was barely more than a squeak. He stood very straight as Zadic took a bite. The Ragnãk chewed, while the innkeeper shook on fear. Finally Zadic leaned back. "fine, you can leave." he growled. He had looked forward to killing the man, but it would be a shame killing someone as good at cooking as him. The innkeeper nodded quickly and hurried away. Zadic guessed the man would crash down on a chair all pale and trembling as soon as he was out of sight.

Only half an hour later, Zadic had finished everything and stood up. He didn't need help knowing where to go. Zadic quickly went up the stairs and went to the end of the wooden corridor, where he knew the best rooms always were. When he entered, his facial expression did not change, but he was satisfied. Clean sheets, a jug of water on the table. Nodding, Zadic put his bag on the ground next to the bed, locked the door and placed the chair under the handle so no-one could enter. You could never be too safe. Then he slipped under the covers and fell asleep, dreaming already of his sweet revenge on the little girl with eyes like a leaf...