Conrad

The wind whistled through the branches as Inquisitor Konrad's cart glided slowly along the forest path.

Conrad sat on the box, holding the reins with one hand.

"You know, " he said, glancing at the captive witch, "I've heard it all before. 'She poisoned my cattle,' 'She stole my wife's love.'"

Silence in response.

Konrad sighed. The weight of responsibility weighed heavily on his shoulders. Inquisitors must act methodically, following the Church's laws. Magic is a gift from the gods, but without a blessing, it becomes a sin. He remembered his mentor's words: "Anyone who plays with unknown forces will sooner or later become a slave. "

Konrad was an orphan from Doncaster. His parents died of fever. He remembered hunger, cold, and the feeling of being unwanted until he found his calling among the paladins. Now he had a family—brothers and sisters in arms who trusted him with their backs.

The air suddenly grew heavy. Conrad felt it before he saw it.

The first corpse crawled out from behind an oak tree on the left. Then another on the right. Countless rotting figures surrounded the cart. The air filled with the smell of decay.

There were more than a hundred of them, maybe more. The chances of victory were minimal. But his will was strong.

He just grinned, taking a fighting stance.

And then the witch rose in the cart, though she was bound. Her body contorted, her lips moved, uttering words in an unfamiliar language. Blackness spread before her eyes.

The dead began to retreat, dissolving among the trees. Silence.

Konrad stood with his sword drawn, glaring at the witch. She had saved his life, but she had used forbidden magic twice in one day.

He lowered his sword, the internal struggle reflected in his eyes. Duty versus gratitude.

"You saved my life, " he said harshly, without gratitude. "But your sins are not forgiven."

His right hand slid to his belt. He pulled out a knife and began cutting the ropes.

"Don't think this is forgiveness, " he added, cutting the last loop. "This is a chance to escape before I change my mind. If I find you again, and I will, there won't be any chance."