Witch Hunt

It's About the Destination, Not the Journey

The afternoon sun was blocked by the dense tree tops, which were now showing signs of the changing seasons. With autumn fast approaching, orange began to decorate the forest like beautiful ornaments. Some leaves were even making the journey to the ground, falling gracefully around Enya and her company, Vali.

Enya could feel his eyes boring into the back of her head. She wondered if he was aware of her heightened senses or if he just didn't care how uncomfortable she felt. The raven seemed to pick up on Enya's mood and flew down to land on her shoulder. The bird squawked at Vali, to which he chuckled in response.

"She doesn't like you." Enya didn't know for sure if that was accurate or not, but still took pride in the thought of a loyal raven.

"I wonder why that would be. Everything else seems to adore me." Vali's conceited attitude irked Enya and she halted the horse.

"I need a break. My legs hurt." She quickly slid off the side of the horse, patting its neck appreciatively. The raven fluttered up to a nearby tree branch and got comfortable.

Enya wandered away from the obnoxious man and stretched behind a massive tree. A gentle breeze swayed the branches above her, but she couldn't appreciate the cool relief from below. The late summer heat was gone for the most part; however, autumn had not entirely taken over the season just yet. The warm air caused sweat to bead on Enya's forehead and the long journey had caused her throat to dry. She had left in such a hurry she didn't even think to pack food or water. Her gaze drifted to the raven and she worried that it too was also hungry and thirsty.

"Thirsty?" Vali stood beside her now and extended out an open canteen. It was as though he could read her thoughts. The idea of him tapping into her mind made her visibly uncomfortable and she shook her head.

"No. I will find my own water." She scoffed at him and began wandering away from the trail and into the thick woods. There had to be a creek or river nearby.

"What, don't trust me?" Vali kept up with her and she rolled her eyes.

"Have you given me reason to?" Her attitude dripped off her words like venom. The stress of her predicament and the cocky man were getting under her skin. She just wanted to find Fey and get this entire journey over with.

"How can I prove to you anymore than I have that you should trust me?" Vali skipped in from of her and faced her, now walking backwards.

"You have not done anything to gain my trust."

"I told you my name, I told you I could get you into the ceremony, I told you how to find Fey." Vali lifted a finger for each point he made.

"I don't recall asking for your name. You somehow knew I needed in the ceremony when I never told you. Also, I still haven't found Fey so as far as I know you're lying to me."

"But you trust me enough to let me lead you to Fey regardless if I am speaking the truth." Vali pointed out with a smirk on his face.

Just as Enya was about to protest his arrogance, the sound of rushing water snatched their attention. In response to the noise, Enya's throat burned and the sweat on her body seemed to pool. Excited, she hurried in the direction of the sound, ignoring Vali's frustrating presence. Together they made it to a small rocky cliff that neighbored a nearby waterfall and overlooked a beautiful plunge pool. The water was clear and Enya's soul rejoiced at the sight. Although logically she knew she should return to her horse and continue the journey, the desire to cool off was too strong.