(Cay)<br/><br/>Heart was beating like a drum that was about to announce the culmination of the song... Hands held steady onto the crossbow while she spoke, words professing her innocence meant nothing to him. Even bolt that landed by his foot did not make him flinch, not out of burning hatred but the odd sensation of anxiety and even a slight bit of fear. He simply did not know what to expect from her. Rabble of people quickly followed their every step, revealing the faces that they hid so well under the veil of fear. There is something bigger and stronger than fear that made them stay and watch. Hatred and sadism, the anticipation of blood being spilled and visage of death that hovers above the pair that stood one across another. They wanted to see that blood, they wanted to see someone's death.<br/><br/>Situation changed as soon as a man stopped witch's retreat and quickly grasped her by arms, but it didn't look as if it was in his favor. Her lips moved, eyes closed and soundless words lined up one after another. Heat enveloped him, rising from every pore, every opening on his clothes. It was no adrenaline or the hot day... no, it felt out of place, unnatural. It was only then he realized that like the old woman in the apothecary shop she too was chanting a spell and conjured fire that threatened to eat him inside and out. He had no time to think and making distance would not end her spell. Bolt of his crossbow aimed down and shot straight into the crossbow she held. Wooden limbs snapped and free hand flew fast to close her mouth, clenching her jaw with all of his might until the heat started disappearing. The chant was interrupted but adrenaline still pumped and with a strip of clothes he tied her mouth, making sure that it sinks beneath her teeth.<br/><br/>Man behind her still did not let her go but it was clear that he himself felt just as much rush as Anton did. "Kill her!" Shout came from behind him "Burn the witch!" Crowd chanted at the Anton who pulled Kateri from the grasp of tall man. His mind raced... what should he do? Surely killing her now would bring end of his troubles. Getting her back alive always doubled the price and the inquisition would pay a hefty price and promise boons for her 'safe' delivery. They preferred live prisoners, corpses tell little. Crowd still demanded her death but he did not heed their demands. With firm grasp on her arm, he led her outside of the town, followed closely by the mob that called for injustice. More than once he cursed at them, said that she does not belong to them. He wondered... did he just spared her life from them or their lives from her? How potent is she? Could she really set entire town on fire with just a few words? It was no surprise why they feared one such as her.<br/><br/>But there was more to it than just bigger bounty. Anton never saw a witch in his life, not this close and not this free. But that didn't mean that he hasn't heard about them. Stories from other hunters were filled with awe and dread. Many spoke that they would rather tangle with a bear all night than face one witch and all spoke of their fortune to be alive... at least those who survived spoke of such. It sparked curiosity in Anton. No doubt she will not be only witch he shall face and he wanted to know about them... about her. Once the town was behind them and road before clear, he removed his hand from her arm and hesitantly untied the cloth that prevented her from speaking.<br/><br/>"If you chant again, I won't aim to disarm you." Anton spoke the cold threat, still keeping himself one step behind her with crossbow in hands. Though fear and anxiety subsided, curiosity rose and road before them was long "You gave me quite the trouble, most would rip out your tongue as precaution. Figure you might need it for a while longer." He spoke, though it was more of a monologue than praise to her despite the fact she could hear it "They won't be all that keen to ask if you like it or not, you know. Why are you running?"