… She nods.

"Thank you," she responds, "for your help. It's been reassuring."

He nods and gives a cheerful old-man-smile. "I'm glad I can help folk with words now that my bones are weak. I'm meeting God soon. It's the way of things.  But you're not. Try not to die fighting demons, young lady."

She nods, solemnly, and repeats, "Thank you."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you sad. Today should be like a festival for you really!"

"It's been a bit surreal," she admits. "I'm not really sure – how to respond, to people."

"I think you're doing fine so far. Relax."

Nod. "It's weird." Pause. "And I'm going to be leaving. For a long time."

"Yes. You don't need to leave, strictly speaking. It's just a waste of an opportunity if you stay."

She nods. "I think I'll be leaving. It just hasn't really sunk in yet."

"Well, you'll have time to let it sink in a little more. Ah, here comes father Clements. I think I'll head home." He waves to the approaching priest, riding that same ancient-looking horse at a slow pace toward the center of the village.

"I'll – see you some other time, then?"

"Certainly. Come to my house if you have more questions - I just don't like the cold."

She nods. "Thank you."

Off he goes.

The priest is fairly distinctive, for while his clothes are simple enough, he's not nearly as skinny as most everyone else. "I hear we have excellent news and you have been blessed as a chosen Witch of God!"

She nods. "I am most thankful for the opportunity to help."

"I would not have expected God to choose you... But please, don't take that as an insult. Our Lord works in mysterious ways, and we must be faithful."

She nods. "I hope – and trust – that He chose me for good reason."

"I have dispatched riders to inform Baron Leoni and Dame Murray, of the Defence Force. I am sure they will be happy to hear about you as well."

Nod. "May I ask how long it will take?"

"The Baron's castle lies a mere few hours' ride away, but Dame Murray's recruitment post lies a full day's worth of hard riding from here, in Lindenset. But once they hear of you, I am sure they will dispatch a Witch and be here by nightfall tomorrow."

"Thank you, Father."

"Is there anything you find you might need, in light of your newfound blessing, young one? You were always studious, perhaps I should invite you to read some of the abbey's texts?"

"– If I may?"

"You may. Though I ask you to treat them with care - I would not be offering even now if I did not expect you to be more capable of this than others your age."

She nods, smiling. "Thank you."