Thread: Witchhunt

Teyha shifted the heavy pack on her shoulders slightly to relieve some of the discomfort of the thin straps digging into her shoulder. There wasnt much in the small bundle, one or two changes of clothes, a few pieces of dried meats, cheese, and fruits wrapped tightly in wax paper and tied with coarse string, and a crudely copied map drawn on soft leather. Every now and then shed stop to stare at the locations again, wondering just how far it was to the next village. It felt like she had been walking for miles already, but she was no closer to her goal then before. With a sigh she tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear and started forward again, knowing that resting now wasnt an option. She would find an inn in the village to sleep, or at least a hayloft that she could sneak into for a bit of rest. But first, she had to actually reach the village. Itd be easier if I could use my magic. She grumbled to herself sourly, aggravated that even that wasnt an option now. Magic was in her blood and came as easy to her as walking did to other humans. It was a gift she was born with, and wielded fairly, but all the same Mortal humans feared witches. After the last reign of the dark witches and warlords, and the terror they spread with black magic, spellcasting itself has become beyond taboo. Any caught trying to learn witchcraft are sentenced to hang. Any born with the power to perform magic are set to burn. It was a prospect that sent shivers up her spine. She had seen a burning once, years ago before her gift had developed, and it is a long and agonizing demise. Witches were actively hunted to. He newly formed church offered twenty gold pieces for every confirmed witch found, and the class of witch hunter had begun. Noblemen set out for glory, to bring back the mark of the church on their armor breastplate signifying them a hero And farmboys left home for the wealth. Twenty gold could easily buy a small home and farmland, and for the poverty stricken country it was a tempting prize indeed. Good witch hunters brought with them tools to find and capture their targets. A dragonstone, normally a bloody red, would turn a shade of black or grey in the presence of magic. Witches only had to touch their source to draw the attention of the accursed stone. Many nobles bring with them ancient swords, ironically enchanted by white witches that aided in the overthrow of the dark reign, only to be slain by their creations, to cut through magic weaves and enchantments. Some, the most dangerous hunters of all, carried a black collar on their hip. If attached around a witches throat the collar would bind them to the person who adorned them, leaving them almost incapable of resisting. Thoughts of disobedience, spellcasting against an order, or violence would lead to severe pain, or even death. Teyha shuddered again, and rubbed her arm to pat down the goosebumps before she realized that she reached the top of a steep hill. Nestled at the bottom was the village, and Teyha laughed in relief, almost running to it in her eagerness. She ducked her head meekly to the locals as she pushed through the crowd, seeking out the tavern for a real meal. It didnt take her long to find, and she seated herself in the corner of the room, setting her pack on the floor. Miss? She called to a server girl, waiting for her to approach. Id like a mug of cider and small plate of whatever the supper is. She said quietly, fishing out a copper piece t place in the center of her hand. The girl bopped her head and darted off again, leaving Teyha to settle back and wait.