Calytrix's Journey

Chapter XVII: Safe

I recently learned that the Awertaton King profited from the sale of human organs. The fact that he preyed on children made it particularly vile. The Witch's guild, who threatened punishment, thwarted my attempt to bring him. They were meant to be the champions of justice, yet they condoned the king's actions by doing nothing. My faith in them was gone. In my mind, they were a beacon of inspiration, guiding us towards the right path, but the truth could be the reverse.

I regretted leaving the king to his own devices, but I hope to rectify the situation someday. The two days following my departure from the Awertaton Kingdom were uneventful. I journeyed north, staying at inns each night. Although it sounded dull, I had fun since I'd never travelled before. I enjoyed the adventurous feeling of experiencing everything for the first time.

The sun shone brightly today, warming my skin. I walked in the sun and realized how boiling it was. Despite it being spring, the heat felt summery. I began to perspire slightly. The unexpected heat slightly clarified my thinking. Worrying won't change the situation, but I'll oppose his evil deeds when the chance arises.

Heading north, I came across an unbelievable sight. A red-haired man stood near a heap of rubbish. While he observed it, the fire began by itself. His actions were magical, yet only special women wield such power, not men. I rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn't seeing things.

Burning trash was a common and accepted way to dispose of it. Using fire spells to get rid of rubbish was my job in the village, a task others performed using tools. However, this individual observed a spontaneously ignited fire intensity with no attempt at intervention.

"Excuse me!" I called out to him.

Seeing me, he reacted with a panicked jump.

"Hello lady! It is rare to see people pass by these parts. Are you perhaps lost?" he asked me.

There was something odd about his eyes. I've never seen such colour. Blending red and gold, they evoked the image of flickering flames in my mind.

"No. I'm on a journey through this main road towards the north," I answered, keeping my calm despite his strange appearance.

"A journey, all by yourself?" he looked at me with eyes full of doubt.

"Yes. I'm a witch and I just started my journey," I explained.

"A witch on a journey? I heard about it, but I didn't know that the old costume was still upheld. You must have turned 20 recently?" he asked me.

"Yes. My birthday was 3 days ago," I said.

"Did you perhaps come from Awerataton?" he seemed interested in questioning me.

"Yes, but I am not associated with the king there," I guarded myself.

"Is your name Calytrix, perhaps?" he asked.

"Yes." 

I lost my composure for a second, but I quickly got it back. 

"I see you heard of my great magical achievements," I said, feeling full of myself.

I was the only witch in the larger area, so people must have admired my magic and rumors spread so far away. It was true that I didn't yet have a significant accomplishment, but simply being a witch could be impressive to others.

"I haven't heard about your achievements, but I was selected to be a fiancée for a witch from Aweratoton named Calytrix," he calmly said.

I felt like lightning struck me. I unexpectedly found my fiancé, Leo, a suspicious man who had never contacted me.