Gevaudan

Chapter 2: The Witch of Fairies

"I know of witches who whistle at different pitches, calling things that don't have names"
-Helen Oyeyemi, White is for Witching

It was dark when I saw him. Cold and moist, typical of Ireland, but tonight it felt different. The woods had always been avoided. We, the people, knew what lived there.

Monsters.

Most people in the world think they don't exist. They think that it is all speculation or the trick of the eye and mind. But I know better. They can come in all shapes and sizes. Some look like the most horrendous beasts imaginable, while others look terrifyingly human. But one of the most hated and feared among humanity would have to be the witch.

    Witches have been hunted since the beginning of time in some way or another. They are given many different names, as well as many different stories, but the fact of what they are remains the same. They are humans that have become monsters. Not in the way of a vampire, undead or lycanthrope, but through their dealings and bargains with the most powerful of creatures. The kings and queens of monsters.

   The most terrifying part of it all is how well they blend into human society. That's been the case for many small settlements and villages across Europe and the new world. I hadn't ever really thought much about it before.

   But now, I was facing one of those so called monsters. I don't really know how I knew he was a witch. He didn't wear anything like the rumors claimed, in fact, he was dressed like a normal man of his age. To anyone else he would seem to be human, but I knew it wasn't true. I could just feel it, as if the air around him was speaking and the shadows were giggling at me for the confrontation.

     I have no idea how long I sat there before finally hearing his voice. But I came back to reality when he spoke.

    "You shouldn't be here you know," he said blatantly. His voice echoed in my mind. He had a dark yet smooth voice, as if a violin with strings made out of coal was being played and formed into words.

    "I know you want me dead," he calmly spoke, "and I understand why. But you must also understand why it is I do what I do." I had heard all about the many abilities witches had growing off of the stories in my village, and I knew not to be tempted by his words. And so I unsheathed my sword.

   The witch only sighed. "It seems that cooperation is not possible," he said in a soft voice. "That is a pity."

   Before I knew it I felt warm. I could see him for one second more, a sad smile spread across his face, and then I couldn't anymore. I only saw pink and tanned orange. Tiny streaks of red and blue here and there. And then the pain came. Moving my arms was unbearable, and as I fell to the ground I felt my arms hit my stomach. ...... My stomach?

    .......oh.

   The witch had pulled me inside out. I had heard of that before now that I think about it. How awful.

  I hope at least my family will be safe.

     "They will be."

   What strange last words to hear.

    Well, I suppose since I was bested, it would be right to wish my opponent good fortune.

   Good luck, sir witch. May you find peace.

              Chapter 2: End