Chapter Eighteen ~ A Quick Chat

“Ah, Hazel. It’s been awhile, hasn’t it?” The witch greeted, approaching the nervous knight. Ignoring her entrance, she snapped, “What do you want?” “Calm down. I merely wanted to check in on you.” Hazel frowned in wary confusion, saying, “And what exactly does that mean?” “Just want to have a quick chat.” Ximena replied. Hazel narrowed her eyes and practically growled, “I’m all ears.” Deeper in the forest, Jack leaned closer. He couldn’t miss this!

The witch held up the familiar vial filled halfway with red liquid. “Do you know what this means?” she asked, tilting her head. The knight remained silent, arms crossed. Ximena sighed, seemingly disappointed by the lack of an answer. “It means,” she explained, “That you’re safe for now. This being here now means I haven’t used it, and that you’re okay. Now, I was told recently that you have been warned about this fluid’s potential.” To this, Hazel muttered, “I knew it. You two are working together.” “That’s besides the point. What do you think I have planned?”

The knight didn’t respond right away. Instead, she looked back down at the fallen man. Her eyes widened slightly upon seeing the neat cut across his palm. Ximena caught her gaze and said, “So you do see where I’m going with this. Just keep our friend here,” she nudged his unconscious form with her foot, “In mind.” Silence settled over the two. It took all of Hazel’s willpower to keep herself from shaking. The witch stared at the girl, as if trying to memorize every bit of her. “You look so much like your father…” she whispered, loud enough for Hazel to hear. Before the knight could react, Ximena disappeared.

Jack was also able to hear the witch’s final comment, and frowned in confusion. What was all that about? He saw Hazel standing alone, standing completely still with her fisted clenched at her sides. The expression on her face was unforgettable: a unholy mixture of fear and confusion. He became even more worried when she began shaking and… crying?

Hazel took deep breaths, trying desperately to calm her nerves. Wh-What? How does she know? This isn’t possible… She wiped her eyes, trying to clear the tears. I can’t let this get to me right now. I need to stop the black knight, not worry about Ximena. Unfortunately, that witch has my blood and I don’t want to end up like him… She looked to the ground, where the man was regaining consciousness with a low groan. Her head whipped up upon hearing a crack in the forest. She squinted, trying to locate the source. Jack pressed himself behind a tree, glaring down angrily at the snapped branch. He began making his way back to camp, leaving the troubled knight to her thoughts.

Emily woke up in the middle of the night. I forgot to write a letter! She pulled out her paper and began writing:

Dear Iza,

We’re leaving Queen Irma’s kingdom and are heading into Queen Veronica’s next. Only two more left, and then we face off against the black knight! I got your last letter. Do you have any ideas? I don’t. Hazel knows we are in communication, but she’s seems okay with it.

I’ll See You Soon!

Emily