Vlad slowly recomposed himself to sit more comfortably, his voice low and calm, as if he was musing about this situation.
- Funny how similar you witches are… Emma asked the same question from me… The very same question to the very same hunter. Although at that time we had a little different topic.
As the man finished his slow sentences he looked up to see a confused and curious woman facing him. This surprised him as he was sure that hatred and anger already blinded the witch.
- And what was that topic? Another witch whom you killed? – Erzsébet asked half sarcastic half annoyed.
- Actually yes. – Vlad smirked. – It was a surprise to me as well, since that was the first time a witch had a question towards me, the hunter.
- What was that question? – Vlad was disappointed to see the witch putting her mask back. He couldn't read her again.
- She asked if I had any information about the execution of Irina. – The hunter observed the woman's face as the minutes passed in deep silence. Nothing. Her mask was perfect this time. – More specific, who were in charge at her execution, who was the hunter and who was the inquisitor. – another long silence. – That's all. Now you know that she did ask me a question. – he waited patiently but the witch was just frozen in her seat. – Anything else?
- Did you answer her? – clever, but not enough.
- Maybe… Maybe not. I cannot really remember clearly. – he smirked but the woman wasn't looking at him at all. She closed herself along with her interesting thoughts. Vlad felt that if only he could maintain an honest conversation with her… all mystery of the universe would be solved in his head. But this witch, this strange, not too cruel but deadly dangerous creature had no desire to share its knowledge with him. Sad story, as he was more stubborn than this. He will force those answers out of her somehow... He had a plan. Crazy and mad but it may work. Vlad watched the woman closely and more intense than before trying hard to find a little crack on her perfect mask. After a long silence he sat closer to the other cell smirking a little.
- Now, Erzsébet. – it worked. The witch snapped her head towards the hunter in surprise and something else. – I was kind enough to answer your questions. I can see that there's something with that Irina that makes you powerful sinister creatures of the dark almost beg to know the truth. Although I couldn't be there personally (or could I?) – he smirked even more, enjoying the colorful feelings changing themselves in her eyes rapidly – I was lucky enough to hear about her case from the most trust worthy persons, and learn from it as much as I could. As far as I can recall, the time we are locked up together I was more than kind to you, answered most of your questions and even played with you, just to not let boredom kill either of us. I would really appreciate it if for a change you have answered my questions. – Vlad tried to catch her gaze, forcing her with willpower, trying to back her in a mental corner or something. Those poisonous green eyes however remained mysterious. He waited for any sign, reaction, anything.
- As I said earlier, I won't answer any type of questions you have. You have to find the right ones. – she answered finally.
- The right ones you say… Then I should try my best. –he offered her a reassuring smile, but she remained the same. – So what bothering my mind from the beginning is why didn't you attacked me properly.
- Again?
- Still.
- You won't believe anyway, so there's no point answering this one.
- Could you please leave the decision to me if I believe it or not?
- I would take poison for it that you won't.
- And now I want to hear that answer. – he smirked. – Or are you afraid that you would have to kill yourself with that said poison?
- Please… - she sighed. – That's your only question?
- Of course not. Do you know anything about this witch-queen stuff? – Erzsébet quirked an eyebrow.
- What?
- Witch-queen. Supposed to be the strongest one of all of your kind. And some people say that you're it.
- I'm sorry?
- Never heard about it? That's strange. Almost every second town that you destroyed believes this thing.
- Just how much do you know about me that I should be?
- As I said you weren't easy to find… I had to ask around a lot. But I guess it worth it.
- Did you by any chance asked about me from Emma?
- You would be surprised… - Erzsébet tilted her head eyes filled with curiosity. Vlad decided that now she looks harmless and to a point normal. – No, I had no time to ask any questions of mine from her. She was to busy screaming at me.
- But you answered her questions in the end.
- Maybe… maybe not. But I guess we talked about this.
- Anything else?
- About that man whom you made to follow you and I killed… yesterday? – he trailed off for a moment but looking up and seeing the waiting witch across him brought him back. – Why did you make him follow him?
- Wrong question.
- Then how long did he follow you?
- See, you can ask normal questions as well.
- Then to celebrate this lovely moment would you answer it?
- With pleasure. – she smiled sweetly again and Vlad wasn't sure he like it. - Until you killed him. – her face became serious and dark a little bit, but not dangerous.
- But when he started to follow you?
- You should already know that answer… - she sounded strange again.
- I only know that much about you what you told me. – he waited again.
- Why don't we try to figure out how to heal your mother? – she asked after two long silenced minute. Vlad was so surprised from this sentence that he just stared at her with huge eyes.
- I'm sorry I guess I just misheard what you said before. – he shook his head trying to recollect his thoughts.
- I asked if you would want to figure out how to help your mother when you go back home.
- I guess I'm still hallucinating. – he laughed. Erzsébet sat still in her cell patiently. – Did you just offer your help?
- Kind of. – she replied plainly. Vlad laughed in disbelief.
- Why would you do it?
- You can decide after this whole thing is over.
- Why are you this kind suddenly?
- I don't have to be necessary evil.
- You're a witch.
- I know that. Thank you.
- Why do you want to help my mother?
- I feel sorry for her, lost in her thoughts, making everyone worried.
- How would you know that?
- I had a family, mind you.
- Oh yeah. With an abusive father and a strange and fearsome mother…
- I'm impressed how good your memory is. – she smiled.
- You're still to strange for me. Why do you want to help?
- Why do people help each other?
- Because… - Vlad searched for the right words.
- See?
- But you're a witch. Daughter of the darkness. You're selfish and dangerous. Besides what would the others think if I turned up and healed my mother out of the blue? They would accuse me with witchcraft.
- You're the best hunter in the country. You should know a thing or two about witches and their power. Maybe you just tried to use your knowledge to save your mother.
- To save her?
- You probably want to bring her back before it's too late.
- She's already constantly lost.
- But she's still alive.
- Are you trying to suggest she can die because of this?
- While in a trance, does she eat or sleep properly?
- Yes. Only she cannot answer any of us.
- Hm… And wanders in the garden.
- Or the forest.
- I see… How much do you remember your stepfather?
- Why do you ask?
- The more I know the more I can help.
- This is definitely the strangest sentence I've heard from a witch.
- Do you have any other way to help her? – she seemed patient. Vlad was more than amazed.
- I guess no. The famous doctors were clueless. – "And you're the witch-queen or something." He thought to himself. – So my stepfather. I was really little when he ran back to that fire. But he was kind and caring. I think he was normal.
- Any idea why he ran back?
- No. I've asked my mother sometimes but she didn't know either.
- You mentioned that her favorite color, the ocean blue, reminded her of hope for forgiveness. – Erzsébet voiced sounded like she's deep in her thoughts. Vlad studied her again, a completely new side of this mysterious and powerful witch, the one he never dreamed any witch would have.
She looked like a friendly, caring human.
So Erzsi decided to show she's not that cruel, but can Vlad actually trust her? He saw all the chaos she left after herself with his own eyes...
Anyway welcome back to this story, hopefully now the chapters will be more frequent.
Any feedback positive, negative is welcomed with a big hug
Have a nice day :)