The Protagonist

Lia flinched as the physician treated her cuts from the stone-throwing she got herself earlier.

The physician, Jeremiah, as he introduced earlier, smiled sympathetically. "Does it hurt somewhere else? Headaches?"

She shook her head and thanked him. It actually surprised her that they gave her a proper room and a doctor to take care of her wounds. It was beyond her expectations that she could not help but think that there was a catch to it.

She got a glimpse of Jeremiah who was fastidiously wrapping a bandage on her arm. He was still quite young, Lia guessed that he must be in his mid-twenties about the same age as the protagonist. He used his soft yet clear voice to direct the men around but not in a bossy way. He has a scholarly look, but he always had a good-natured smile ready that eased Lia. It was good to have someone here who treated her like a human being.

She stared as Jeremiah moved about, but her eyes were unfocused. All she wanted was to turn off her mind from the events. She did not expect them to be kind to her, but getting physically hit was an experience she did not want to experience in her life ever again.

Just as the treatment was wrapping up, they heard a knock, and the door opened. She felt a hand on her shoulder, "Easy," Jeremiah assured, "they won't be able to get up here."

Lia understood that he meant the town folks. She knew that they would not do that, but her body thought otherwise. She shuddered when she heard the knock again.

Eldric and another man whom Lia recognized as the man beside the protagonist earlier. She stilled, but her eyes were caught by the protagonist.

When he entered, she could not help but think that he really was the main character of this novel. He exuded power, strength, and charm with every move. He did not speak when he entered, but his whole aura spoke for himself. Wearing his soldier uniform now, she could only see traces of the young man she met at the market.

"Save from the deep gashes on her forehead and arm, she's fine. But she's still being monitored for other pains," Jeremiah said then, he huffed. "Stone-throwing, how barbaric."

Eldric's lip twitched. "I think they're still out there Jeremiah. Want me to call them and hear your observations?"

"Oh, then forget I said anything." The men chuckled, and Lia's eyes went from one of them to the other. They all seemed to be good friends if they were joking around like this.

Jeremiah picked up his things. "Anyway, I'm done here. I see that you have a business with Lia then I won't stay here any longer." He turned to Lia, "If you feel pain or anything unusual at all, call for me, alright?" With that he left the room, leaving Lia with the other two men. She eyed them warily, unsure if she had to say something. So she just sat there and stared. Eldric saved her from talking when he sat opposite her.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

Lia shrugged. "Good, I guess. Given the circumstances. I should thank you for the accommodation." She was aiming for sarcasm, but from his reaction, it flew over his head.

"That's my thank you for getting delicious fruits at a lower price. Allow me to introduce myself again. I'm Eldric and this is Tim."

She only stared, her mind working overtime to what this interrogation would be about. When she realized that he was not speaking, she realized that he was waiting for her to speak.

"...Lia."

"I just want to make this clear, are you the witch?"