Chương 2: Leah Fox

Felicity galloped for miles, leaving the village and any possible law enforcers far behind. The morning mist slowly rose as the horses moved along muddy paths and desolate clearings. When they were far enough away, the girl she had saved sniffled and spoke, struggling to catch her breath between sobs.

"Thank you…you saved my life. My name is Leah…Leah Fox. And you?"

"Felicity Prinz" she replied, her voice steady.

"Prinz?" Leah stared at her in disbelief.

"Like that clan that was exterminated years ago?"

"Yes, but I have no connection to them" Felicity said, keeping her gaze fixed on the road ahead.

"Well…they called them demons, but you seem like an angel to me". Felicity remained silent for a moment, then cleared her throat.

"Betraying one's husband is considered one of the worst crimes in this part of the kingdom. Were you really in such a hurry to die?"

"I was stupid…I fell in love with a kind and handsome man, the complete opposite of my husband, and because of me he was beheaded. You avenged him by killing my husband…thank you. I'll be forever in your debt".

"I'm glad you feel indebted, but you won't have to repay me" Felicity said firmly.

"At the next village I'll leave you there, and we'll each go our separate ways".

"What? I'm wanted. On my own, I'd be doomed".

"I'm wanted too but I survive. You will too".

"I'm not as strong as you…I can't be alone. You can't save me and then leave me to die! It makes no sense". The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

"I only saved you because I hate the kingdom's laws, not because I particularly wanted to save you". Leah lowered her gaze, silent and humble. By sunset they reached another village, small and poor, surrounded by wooden and mud houses. The toll collector, an old man leaning on a cane, approached them with uncertain steps.

"Two young women and one horse…that'll be seventeen crowns".

"Seventeen?" Felicity pulled out the coins and tossed them to him.

"You're cheaper here". They entered the village and headed toward an inn. Felicity tied the horse outside, then they crossed the threshold. Inside, the hall was full of people of every age and ethnicity: some drinking, some gambling, others arguing animatedly. A man in his forties, with shoulder-length blond hair and neatly groomed mustaches, approached them with a smile that promised nothing good.

"May I offer you ladies something?" Felicity looked at him coldly.

"No, thank you".

"Are you sure?" the man insisted.

"We are. Go back to your drink". The man's smile grew thinner, almost cruel.

"What a shame…I would've liked to have a drink before beheading the last demon of the Prinz clan. Five hundred crowns to whoever brings your head to the King…in times like these, that's serious money". Felicity froze, instinctively going on the defensive, her hands gripping the hilts of her swords.

"Who the hell are you?" she asked, her voice as cold as a blade.

"A bounty hunter…Lucas Morte". Felicity drew her swords, while the people around them stopped what they were doing and watched in silence. Leah moved behind a table, searching for cover. Lucas unsheathed his sword: it was crude, but razor-sharp, reflecting the candlelight.

"I've killed fifty-seven people with this sword, but I rarely get the chance to kill demons. And such opportunities shouldn't be wasted, right?" he said, taking a step forward.

"But I've never killed a demon before. There's a first time for everything, right?" Felicity did not answer. She remained still, her eyes fixed on him, ready to defend herself.