"If you're certain," Erkembalt said. "Then tell me why."
"Because I want to be able to protect myself," Jocelynn said. Her voice was steadier than her hand had been, but as she spoke, her grip on the dagger's tang tightened. "I was lucky this time. People came to rescue me. But I lost someone. Someone precious to me couldn't hold out long enough to wait for rescue," she said as moisture collected in the corners of her eyes.
"Whatever kind of witch I become, I have to be able to fight back," Jocelynn said. "It's not enough to feed people or keep them warm through the winter, even though those are important things. If I can't protect myself, and protect the people I cherish… then what's the point of becoming a witch?"
