8 Chapter 8: Not Alone (2/2)

When the sun cracked the horizon, I got up and went to the tent. Looked inside and there she was. Right where I left her. Kind of.

Elina was wrapped in a blanket and curled up in a ball. Shivering.

I said, ”You look cold.”

Elina flashed a stiff smile. ”How can a human body be this fragile?”

I shrugged. ”You should've slept by the fire.”

Elina got up. She moved mechanically, as though ice had formed around her joints.

”What's for breakfast?” she asked.

”Fresh air and exercise.”

”I meant food.”

”Fresh air and exercise.”

”You really are no gentle — ”

I stuffed some leftover corn into her mouth. Then I loaded her onto the cart.

There was always something about the early morning that calmed me. Erased any worries from heart and mind. The air was so still, so devoid of any sound, as though the world had decided to live in harmony. The chilly air cleared the fog in the mind, the first rays of the day warmed the body.

Even the birds were quiet. I breathed in. I breathed out. It was at times like these when the solitude of traveling alone became more obvious than ever.

But I wasn't alone.

”It's nice, isn't it?” Elina said.

”Yes.”

”Most witches can't appreciate the morning...it's when our magic is at its weakest, but I personally like it.”

”You shouldn't have told me that. I'm a witch hunter.”

”Heh heh...even in the morning it will be impossible for you to lay a hand on me.”

I opened my mouth, but said nothing.

The stillness of the morning was disturbed by something. A sound. Somewhere in the distance. I closed my eyes and listened. The sound of wheels turning, a horse neighing. A traveler. Coming the opposite way.

I glanced back at Elina. She tilted her head. ”Hmm, what is it?”

How do I hide her? How do I explain her to whoever passed by?