“Bring peace to the lost lambs.”

Blood soaked the side of my black tunic. My insides burned with the venom that coated the claws of the beast which stood before me. Black fur melted in and out of the shadows as the cat sìth paraded around me. Glowing yellow eyes smiled at their prey.

“Tear out the fangs of the lion.”

Few witches in this world have the power to shift into such a fiendish beast. I’d heard whispered stories from other templars, but never encountered one. No knight had ever stood alone against one and lived. This hunt would be my last.

“Shatter the claws of the wolf.”

My chanting grew louder, filling my soul with courage even as my legs shook. Its ghastly eyes were enchanting. Fear threatened to rend the fledgling spark of courage like its claws had rent my armor. The beast crouched and readied to pounce.

“Rain final judgement upon all evil in this realm.”

My sword severed the beast’s head. Ash and smoke filled my lungs as the dark creature dissolved. My lungs burned. Even in death a witch was dangerous. Spots clouded my vision and blood poured from a new gash across my chest. My body fell toward the ground.

“Amen.”

I continued to fall into darkness.