“So am I,” I say, unsure what else could be said, still caught up in my memories.
“I fear we never bothered asking you if you could hunt. How are you with that mighty fine-looking bow?” Elian asks, looking at my weapon.
“I can hunt well enough,” I answer shortly, not wanting to go into detail. I don’t often hunt animals. But people? Well, I’’m the best at that. And realizing that perhaps I should’ve asked to borrow a bow rather than bringing my own, which does not reflect my poor status.
“I suppose we’ll see, won’t we?” Armando laughs, though it doesn’’t feel sincere. More like he is challenging me.
I do not know if Hera has spoken to him about her doubts, or if there is another reason he seems so hostile toward me. But it’s making me uneasy. Nothing I can’t handle, but something I wish I didn’t have to.
“Shhh.” Elian holds his finger to his lips, glancing at each of us before looking back to the path.
We’ve come upon the great stag, and the game is afoot. Elian, Armando, and Chavez all spread out, going in different directions in order to surround the beast and bring him down.
I tie Kova’s reins to the branch nearest to me and begin climbing the tree. I walk along the thickest branch in the middle and jump over to the next tree. In silence, I pull my bow from over my shoulder and put an arrow against the string, drawing it back.
I take aim, waiting to make sure I get him in one shot. The creature stands still, waiting, unsure what to do. I finish drawing the string and let it loose.
The arrow sails true, going into the animal’s forehead and killing it instantly. Armando steps out from behind a tree, his own bow in one hand, an arrow in the other, looking quite puzzled. He glances around, trying to find the source. I walk out onto the branch and sit in the open.
“I didn’t want him to suffer,” I say.
Armando looks right at me. “You took down this massive beast from up there with a single shot?” He raises an eyebrow, one side of his mouth curved up in doubt.
“How else was I supposed to do it?” I step down to the next branch and jump off, landing on the ground in a crouch. I straighten and retrieve my arrow from the animal’s skull.
The arrowhead breaks off, leaving me with a stick. I throw it on the ground.
“You can’t be serious. How did you learn to shoot like that?” Armando no longer looks at the beast, but at me, eyebrows raised, jaw slightly dropped.
“I would like to know that as well. Perhaps making you a servant was too hasty a decision. Was that skill, or a lucky shot?” King Chavez appears to my left, his sword drawn as if he, too, had been preparing to kill the animal.
“Skill, your majesty. When you have nothing but the clothes on your back, you must work hard to protect them.” I did not want praise from them. I should have thought out my plan before revealing my abilities with a weapon.
“Very interesting. So you do have a story to tell.” Elian smiles, appearing beside the king.
“Hardly. I’m an orphan. I lived on the streets, going from town to town, learning any trade anyone was willing to teach me. Willing to take on work for food and a home. I was hunting for food the day I saved Princess Lily, as I told you the day it happened. You asked me how I saved her, and I did mention that I shot a rope across the river to hold on to so I didn’t get lost in the water as well.”
“Indeed you did. I just didn’t realize the extent of your abilities. Very well done.” King Chavez nods in approval.
“Thank you, sir.”
We return just as the sun begins setting. I’m too worked up to sleep.
“I’ll grab a few men to help us with this.” Elian nods toward the stag and dismounts. He walks away, leaving me, the king, and Armando in the courtyard.
He’s only gone a few minutes before he reappears with four other men. They take the animal, and we head toward the stables.
Each man dismounts and begins removing his saddle. “I can take care of them from here,” I say, wishing to be alone. I prefer it that way now. Spending the entire day with three other people is all the interaction I need for at least a week.
“I’ll help,” Elian offers.
“Are you certain?” King Chavez asks.
“Of course. It’s what I’m being paid for, right?” My laugh is shaky.
“Thank you, Gavin. And thank you for coming with us. It was very pleasant.” The king extends his hand.
I reach out and shake it. “It was a pleasure, Your Majesty.” I bow.
“Are you sure you don’t need my help?” Armando offers.
“Of course! Go, rest!”
“Good night, then.” He nods, turns, and walks away.
“Your Highness, I can tend to the horses myself. You do not have to stay.”
“You’re right. I don’t have to. But what are friends for?” He grins.
“Please forgive me for having to ask, but is that what we are?” I’m hesitant to believe it. I’m not even sure I want it.
“Of course. My sister trusts you, and I trust her. And after today, how could we not be?” He continues grinning.
“Thank you.” I offer a genuine smile.
I wait just inside the grand doors as Elian, Father, Armando, and Gavin enter and ride to the stables. The anticipation eats away at me, and I can barely contain my anxiety. I pace back and forth, picking at the thread in my dress that has fallen loose from my playing with it.
Father approaches first. “Hello, Princess!” He kisses the top of my head and pulls me into his embrace.
“Hello, Father! How was the hunt?” I hug him before taking a step back to look around him for the others.
“It was very successful. The men are taking the meat to the kitchens right now.” He chuckles.
“Wonderful!” I beam.
“Yes, it is. If it weren’t so late already, I would demand a feast this evening. But it shall wait for tomorrow.”
“That sounds lovely.” I nod.
“Good. Now you best get yourself ready for bed. It’s getting quite late.”
“Yes, sir,” I say jokingly.
“Go on.” He laughs and pushes me farther into the castle.
I silence the audible sigh trying to escape. I walk down the corridor, turning down the hall opposite the one Father takes. As soon as I believe the coast is clear, I turn back and head to the kitchen.
I walk around the corner and hit a wall. Well, not a wall, but it felt that way. I look up and find Elian.
“I am so sorry, Lily. Are you all right? Where are you off to in such a hurry?” He grabs my shoulder, steadying me.
“I was looking for you, actually.” I put my palm against my forehead, feeling ridiculous.
“What’s going on?” He releases me.
“I want to know all about the hunt. How did it go? What was Gavin like? What did you learn about him?”
“Come along. We will discuss this in private.”
The sun has long set when Elian finishes telling me of the events that unfolded during their trip. Gavin has secrets, a past he doesn’t wish to discuss. But he can hunt quite well. This doesn’t surprise me. He seems to be good at anything he puts his mind to.
Moonlight guides me as I walk to the grove, holding a mug of hot cider provided by Tolla. I want Gavin to open up to me, to trust me, to let me in and share his pain, his past. Small gestures may be the only way in.
“Good evening—er, morning, I suppose,” I say, approaching Gavin.
He turns his head, looking startled. “You know, you really should get more rest, Princess.” He lowers the axe in his hand and turns to face me.
“I could say the same to you.” I smile and hold out the mug.
He takes it, wrapping his fingers around the cup. “Thank you. But what is this for?”
“You looked cold. I had Tolla make it for you.”
He drinks a sip. “What is it?” he asks, taking another drink.
“That is a secret.” I wink.
�
�Thank you, Lily.” He drinks down some more and sets the mug down on a tree stump.
“You’re welcome. So, how was the hunt? Everyone was quite impressed with your ability with the bow.” I sit on one of the tree stumps and cross my legs, pulling my cloak closer to my body.
“It was fine.” He presses his lips together and turns back around to start cutting down the next tree.
“I truly am your friend, Gavin. You can open up to me. I see the way you close down when people ask you questions, especially about your past and who you are. Whatever it is that hurts to think about, whatever haunts you in your memories, I only want to share the pain so you don’t have to carry it alone. And based on the way you react, I would guess that’s something you’re used to.” I stand and turn to leave, saddened that he won’’t let me in. He didn’t even want to tell me about the hunt.
I hear the axe go into the tree, and it takes all my willpower to hold back the tears begging to be let loose. I take two steps toward the castle, but then a hand wraps around my wrist.
“Wait.” Gavin pulls me, gently, like he won’t make me if I really don’t want to.
I turn back, but pull my arm from his grasp. “What?” I ask.
“It’s not that simple.”
“What isn’t that simple? I’m not asking you to tell me everything. I’m just trying to be your friend. And if you don’t want that, then fine. But at least say it so I don’t have to keep trying.”
“I want that. More than you could possible know.”
“So just give me something. Anything.”
“Come here.” He takes my hand and pulls me back to the stump. I sit down on it, but he sinks down on the grass and leans his back against it.
I join him on the grass.
“I lost my parents when I was eight years old. They were murdered. After that, I had to work just to stay alive, to keep a home.” He pauses, taking a deep breath. “The people I stayed with weren’t a family. They trained me in their ways, and I let them so I would never need anyone or anything.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss. For all that you’ve had to go through.” I lean over and rest my head on his shoulder.
I can’t tell Lily the full story. The whole truth. But her questions cause me to think back to ten years ago.
Saar threw me on the horse and climbed on after me. We rode through the forest, sobs racking my entire body. I did not pay attention to where we were going. I only knew that my family was gone. And I wished more than anything that I could bring them back.
Saar grabs my arm and lifts me off the horse, lowering me to the ground. I crumble into a sobbing mess. The man grabs my arm again, dragging me when I refuse to walk, as we go through a doorway.
He dumps me before a chair made of stones. I look up, sniffling, hoping this is the king and he will command the evil man to bring my family back. Instead I am faced by the bald man, wearing dragon armor and jewelry, a single earring—a dragon claw—hanging from his lobe. He leans forward.
“What is your name, boy?” he asks me, an evil grin on his face. He does not appear to be kind or kinglike at all.
“G—G—Gavin,” I reply, stumbling over my words through the hiccups caused by crying.
“No.” His hand is like a knife cutting across my cheek as he slaps me. “You are not Gavin. Not anymore. That part of you died with your family. Now? Now you are Derrick. And you will become the most feared person alive. Do you understand me?” He stands, bearing down on me with his glare.
“No,” I say more clearly. I do not understand.
His hand slices through the air, but this time, I duck, learning quickly that this man likes to cause pain. His hand clamps down over my arm as he pulls me to my feet. “You are a quick learner, Derrick. Now look me in the eye and tell me your name.”
“D—Derrick,” I say, looking him in the eye.
“Tell me your name,” he says through clenched teeth. The anger burning in his eyes tells me that though I may not believe it, I must make him believe it.
“Derrick,” I say, trying to be confident. To stay strong.
“Very well done. Don’t forget it. One day, you will need to lie if you wish to survive. Remember that because, I may be the one ready to kill you if you can’t convince me of whatever you are saying.”
And though I hate the name, I remember that to him, I am Derrick. But I will never forget that I am truly Gavin. I can’t allow myself to forget. Because if I do, this man will win.
I come back to the present, Lily still sitting beside me, her hand in mine. Lies, secrets—they are as easy as telling the truth for me. But she seems to be able to ask all the right questions, hit every emotion that forces my lie to become obvious.
“I know how to use a bow because I had to learn, just as I now have to finish clearing out this grove or risk the wrath of Hera.” I smile, trying to lighten the mood, to get away from thoughts of my past. I pull my hand out of hers and stand.
“Are you going to do this all night long?” she asks, standing up with me.
“I must. I wish to keep my job here, and I do believe that Hera would gladly take it away if she found reason, such as not getting my tasks done. So yes, I will be here until this is finished.” I turn back and hit the tree again.
“Here. I can help.” Lily steps up beside me, one of the smaller axes in her hand.
I can’t help but laugh. “Your Highness, that is not necessary. I would not like to not be beheaded for endangering the princess or forcing her to work.”
“You are not forcing me, and I am only putting myself in danger. I am asking, not as the princess, but as your friend, to let me help you with this. You could be here all night long if you do it alone. And what would Hera say then, when you could not do anything tomorrow, for you are too tired from being out all night?”
She makes a compelling argument. “Do you know how to use that?” I look at the axe.
“Are you truly asking me that?” she scoffs.
“My apologies. I should know very well that you can. This tree over here needs to be cut down as well.” I point to a tree far from mine so when either fall, neither of us are in danger of getting hit.
She begins hacking away, as do I. The tree I am cutting down is much larger, taking longer than hers.
When we have finished, all there is left to do is trim the branches on a few. “May I ask you a question?” Seeing Lily work was quite a sight. She is not afraid of getting her hands dirty.
“What?” She sets the axe down, wiping her brow. Despite the chill, we are both perspiring from the labor.
“Will you go to battle with the soldiers?” I think back to the first time I saw her, sword fighting with her brother.
“I would like to, but my father will not allow it. He says it is my duty to be protected during battles because should anything happen to him or my brother, his duties would fall on myself and the queen.”
“The king is wise,” I comment, understanding his reasoning for not allowing Lily to fight.
“Why do you ask?” She ignores my comment, most likely annoyed by my agreeing with the king.
“The first time I saw you, you were training with your brother and the soldiers. I was curious. You are quite good.”
“Thank you. My specialty is with the sword, but I would love to learn all the forms of fighting. Knife throwing, archery, hand-to-hand—anything to better prepare myself for whatever may come my way. I do not want to be weak. I do not want to need anyone.”” The way her voice shakes tells me she is trying to convince herself of that just as much as she is trying to convince me.
“I could teach you,” I offer, not even knowing why. This is a bad idea. I can’t teach her. I am supposed to be getting information for Cordae. I have duties as a servant now. When would I ever find time? And more importantly, why am I offering?
“Do you mean it?”
“If you would like me to, of course.”
“When can we start?”
After convincing
Lily to go to bed with the promise of beginning her training the following day, I finish cleaning out the branches and trees from the area before stumbling into bed myself. My dreams are of Cordae and Saar beating me into the person I am now. Strange that those memories resurface at this moment.
But I do my best to ignore them, pushing them away as I try to get rest. Hera is not impressed with me when she screams for me to get up.
I grumble as I get out of bed. “I finished the tasks you gave me yesterday,” I argue.
“Yes, the ones I was able to give you. That was only one job, Gavin. There is much to do in preparation for winter. Get breakfast, and then clear out the grove opposite the one you did yesterday. You must go around the entire wall to ensure that no trees are able to be used in an attempt to overtake the castle. King Chavez has been adamant about this.” With that, Hera leaves. I stretch my arms before grabbing my tools and heading to the kitchen.
I swipe a piece of bread as I pass through and head out the back door. I already have one tree removed when I hear rustling behind me.
I turn and find Lily coming toward me, two swords in hand, a bow and quiver on her back. It’s quite the sight.
“You weren’t planning on backing out, were you?” She smiles, walking toward me like she’s ready for battle.
“Never, Your Highness.”
“This isn’t a situation that calls for such formalities.”
“My apologies, Lily.” I can’t help but smile. I shouldn’t be doing this. But I want to. And it doesn’t make sense.
“Apology accepted. Now, where do we begin?”
“We’ll start with something you already know.” I take one of the swords from her, wishing I had my own with me.
“You saw me battle my brother.” She smirks. “You really want to fight me yourself?” Oh, if she had any idea who she was talking to. It makes me laugh, which only confuses the princess, but she draws her sword.
“I did see you fight your brother. But he is not me.” I run my blade against hers, waiting for her to make the first real move. She takes a step forward, prepared to draw blood if that’s what it takes to win. I can see it in her eyes, the same look I had when I was determined to show Cordae that I was serious.
Once Upon an Assassin Page 7
