I glanced down at the new report on my desk. I could already tell that it wasn't nearly as much information as I usually got, but I wasn't complaining. It had been too long since I had seen a task from the Inhibeo.

Age: 16

Name: Ariana Etherhart

Gender: Female

Category: Believed to be a witch.

Description: Medium height. Shoulder length brown hair. Bewitches using voice.

Village: Elm

Danger: 8/10

I grinned without humor. This looked like a more lucrative task than usual. I got up and folded the document carefully, tucking it in my pocket, and donned my travel-worn hunting cape.

I was back in business.

I strode out of my house and saddled my horse, eager to set out and be doing something at last. My sister, of course, had different ideas.

"Simon! Where do you think you're going!"

I reluctantly turned to face her.

"I'm going to get us some money. Relax."

"Oh really? Is it another one of those stupid witch-hunting things, then?" She put her hands on her hips at my silence. "Well, is it?"

"Yes. That's not the point though."

"It is too the point! I'm responsible for you until you turn 18, and that's not for another month!"

Ugh. Sisters. Just because she's two years, four months, and thirteen days older doesn't make her the boss of me. (Well technically it does, because our parents are dead. But that doesn't stop me from complaining about her)

"Sharon, come on. I'm good at it. It brings us money. I don't like it, but I also don't like starving."

She glared at me. "We have the tavern."

"We both know that's not enough."

I could see the doubts flickering through her mind and decided to play my trump card.

"I need to be able to support us like Dad did. I'm the man of the house now."

She caved. "Fine. But please be careful."

"I will. I promise."

Sharon nodded, satisfied for the moment, and disappeared into the house. I continued to saddle Arabel, my horse, and packed her bags with all my supplies. Just as I was ready to leave, Sharon came out of the house with a basket of food. She handed it to me with a resigned look.

"There's a bit of money in there too. Anything I could spare from the tavern."

"Thanks." I hugged her goodbye and swung myself up onto my horse, careful not to tug too hard on the animal's black mane.

She gave me a wave and an anxious smile as I nudged Arabel into a canter, heading south towards Elm.

As my home disappeared from view, I couldn't help but feel a tug of apprehension in my gut. For some reason I felt weird about. I thought about it; it probably wasn't the girl's age, I had defeated witches younger than me before. Was it the fact that she used her voice? No, I was prepared for that… My uneasiness followed me as I crested the hill. I looked out over Golde Valley, noting the little farms and houses that dotted the banks of the Flame River. The small establishments became more and more frequent as they neared Elm, about a day's trip down the river. I sighed and nudged Arabel into a gallop, knowing how much she loved to run. I smiled a bit to myself and felt my worries fade a little. I was born to ride like this.

So! This is my first original story (my muse looks suspiciously like Andrew Hussie), so I hope I can do well with this. I will seriously try to update every week if not more, but...fanfictions...yeeeaaah... Anyway. Review please, I really do love reviews. A lot. ~kandyblood has now left the building~