by Vance Huxley
“Now if I could just pack a stove with me, this sort of meal would make camping in the Forest much better. Though I’d need a bread baker as well.” Billi waved his bit of buttered bread to make the point, then finished it. They set into the raw meat again, with Rubyn taking some of the smaller pieces down into the store with Rabbit and Spots as escorts.
Ellibeth peered inside as they finished emptying Billi’s pack. “I’d not fit in your pack or else I might be tempted to go out to look at this landclaim of yours.” Ellibeth giggled. “You’d better check your pack before you leave next time, since there’s a couple of maids considering hiding in there.”
“It’s a bit too rough for them out there. Dirt floor and tree trunks and rocks for walls, and a bit of bracken and dry grass to sleep on.” Billi laughed. “The maids will be too busy chasing trophies to hide in anyone’s pack. The youths argued all the way back about which would get most attention. ‘Tis between the fangs from a striped hunter, and the antlers from a Great-Stag.” He sniggered. “The youths say it will be decided by which get the most attention from maids.”
“You could get some attention yourself with that lot.” Ellibeth waved at the fangs, tusks, claws and a pair of long, straight horns with a spiral pattern running up them. Rubyn had untied the horns from Billi’s pack, and tipped out the bag with the rest. “Those horns are pretty.”
Billi bit back an impulse to offer them to Ellibeth, since pretty trophy horns definitely meant more than friend. “The rest have as much, or the Hunter’s do anyway. We left much of the horn but all the youths have something special. Tempert has the Great-Stag antlers to make up for it nearly breaking his leg. Mikkel has the striped hunter’s fangs as a fair trade for Hektor’s life.”
“What!”
“Oh, sorry.” Billi hadn’t thought about Ellibeth knowing Hektor through Bliss, or that Ellibeth wouldn’t know about the incident. Now he explained quickly, trying not to dwell on how close Hektor’s escape had been. “He’s fine, though Dapple will have a long scar to remember it by. Bliss will be doing some serious stitching on Hektor’s leathers. Her first job will be to unstitch what Hektor did to keep the wind out on the way back.”
“That would have been terrible for Bliss.”
“I know. The close call really shook Hektor and he sort of let slip her bit of news but just to me.” Billi glanced at Rubyn and Ellibeth shook her head slightly. Rubyn didn’t know about the babe.
“It’ll be obvious soon anyway. ‘Tis only her winter coat that stops some noticing now.” Ellibeth looked at all the trophies again. “I’m not sure which trophy will get most attention, because there’s some that think Mikkel isn’t running. Though he’s being very shy who he’s not running from, and whoever it is, she’s being coy about either running, chasing, or being caught. Tempert isn’t chasing or being chased, not yet.”
“Mikkel might not be caught. He seemed very interested in how much attention the fangs would bring.” Billi shook his head. “The whole thing is a mystery to me. I can never work out who’s doing which, and if they’re serious or not.”
“A few of us have noticed that, Billi.” Ellibeth giggled. “We’re waiting to see if you ever get it straight.” Ellibeth sobered. “Maybe you’ll get a better idea at the wake for Raban.” Those unloading the meat at the gate had told Ellibeth about Raban. “Seeing Bliss will be a bit of joy for those who notice, a new life for an old.” She still avoided telling Rubyn, probably because he’d shout it down the Village street.
“Aye, Raban and Fleet, and then seeing Treese when we came back, made me wonder. You know, why a maid would choose a Hunter? Knowing that one day he might not come back, or might walk off one day with just a spear.” Billi sighed. “I understand that part. I couldn’t stand living without Rabbit’s song.”
“Rabbit’s song? The mystery of Hounds, that none but Hunters can ever know. Hektor calls it a buzz without words, but you call it a song.” Ellibeth really sounded curious, it was in her look as well as her voice.
“Because it is a song to me. A constant tune that warns, and comforts, and laughs and sometimes hurts. I open my eyes in the morning and it’s there, and ‘tis the last thing I hear at night. ‘Twould be a cold, lonely life without it.” Billi sighed. “There, you see, Rabbit’s song is telling me not to worry. He’ll be with me at the end, whenever it is.”
Ellibeth’s eyes were soft, with maybe the hint of a gleam of moisture. “Maybe I understand better now. I’ve never heard it put like that.” She sighed. “A maid can’t compete with that, though maybe they can in their own way.” Her little smile came back at that.
“I don’t see why they try. The Hunters always get a maid and there’s actually competition, which seems strange.” Billi caught her growing smile. “Whole Hunters do, not the hoppity sort.”
“You might want to test that out one day, Billi.” Ellibeth smiled properly now. “As to the why, maybe it’s the bit of Wild in every Hunter that calls to the maids. You say you feel the Wild call to you, well maybe maids do and the nearest they can get is a Hunter. Any Hunter.”
“I’ll watch out at the wake to see if the Hunters really do get chased more.” Billi steered off the last part, because Ellibeth had said a couple of times that Billi made a good catch for a maid if he’d stop worriting about his leg. Billi couldn’t believe it or was too frightened of the consequences if he did and didn’t want to work out which.
“You’ll be busy at the wake, ssrrong bearr.” Now real mischief sparkled in Ellibeth’s eyes.
“They dance at a wake?” Billi hadn’t really thought of that.
“Oh yes, and you’d better wear your dancing gloves this time.” Ellibeth was a hair away from laughing now.
“Dancing gloves?” She’d completely baffled Billi now.
Ellibeth giggled. “We expected the joke to break at the Springfest. What did you think Bliss sewed you a pair of thin gloves for, with that fancy stitching?”
“I’d no idea. I thought the bit about dancing was just a joke. They’re too thin for work, and when else would I wear gloves?” Billi frowned, and thought, but in the end he had to ask. “Why are they dancing gloves?”
Ellibeth finally gave in and a delighted laugh broke out. “They’re for the dancing bearr, so that the maids don’t slip through his hands. After all, he let the Dancer get away.”
Billi’s blush became worse soon after because Ellibeth mentioned, sort of casually, that Rubyn was making his first cheese though unfortunately it wouldn’t be ready by the wake, or possibly by Springfest. Rubyn picked up on that and confirmed it enthusiastically. At least he didn’t race off to bring the proof.
It was full dark before they’d done with the first rough jointing of the meat but Ellibeth said her Da knew where she was and that she’d be safe. They put the hides in his pack and Billi put his coat on while Ellibeth closed up her room, and her and Rubyn muffled up as well. He’d bring the pack tomorrow rather than risk the icy track in the dark. Ellibeth promised to come back with him in the morning, to finish sorting out the meat since Billi’s arm needed to rest for the dancing.
Stood at her gate after Rubyn ran inside, Ellibeth put her arms round Billi and hugged him firmly. “I’m proper glad you came home safe Billi, you and Rabbit.” Then she stepped away quickly with a little smile and murmured “nearly.” As he watched her going indoors Billi realised he’d lifted his free arm to hug her as well. Which wouldn’t have been a strictly friendly hug, he realised.
If he could really persuade himself to chase a maid, Billi thought it might be Ellibeth, but she was a bonnie maid and well out of his reach. Those were definitely not comfortable thoughts on his slow and weary way back to his hut. It didn’t help that the pillow smelled slightly of some sort of herb or flower. That was very nice, but Ellibeth smelled the same so it was probably whatever she washed clothes in. Thinking of clothes and cloths didn’t help either, but eventually Billi slept.
* * *
Since Raban’s body wasn’
t waiting to be burned, an eight-day went by before the wake. That gave Treese time to get past the first shock before she had to sit through it all. It was also plenty of time for some serious meat and fruit pie baking, much meatier baking than would have been possible without the Winter Hunt. A couple of people mentioned that seeing the difference the hunt made to the Village helped Treese accept what it cost.
Billi contributed a steak and kidney pie, a proper one with a pastry bottom so a novelty from him. Billi’s pastry made good sealant for round the chimney but Ellibeth baked this. He’d never have believed his oven could manage a proper pie with a pastry sides and bottom, though both Bliss and Ellibeth had made dishes with a pastry top. When he mentioned it Ellibeth promised a proper pie now and then.
Billi presented his pie to admiring and some quizzical looks. Billi had been known for raw meat, sometimes still in its skin or feathers, for so long that the change still came as a shock to most. Treese met everyone going in, and thanked them for coming and for the food or drink they brought. Billi told Treese the truth of the hunt. Raban had done well and been a good Hunter, and Fleet was with him at the end. “But I really am sorry the hunt ended that way.”
Treese smiled a little sadly. “Too many Hunters end up that way, and this time Raban’s luck ran out. He followed you out there by choice, Billi, because the Village needed the meat. We had enough good years to make it all worthwhile.” She pressed Billi’s hand. “That’s all a maid asks for when she chases a youth, especially a Hunter. Enough good years to leave happy memories, and hopefully time to raise the littluns.” Billi thought about that as he headed to Mandy’s food table and then a chair.
The first villagers set into the food and the ale and cider joined the fruit juice and water and some hot berry toddy, a favoured winter drink. Billi stuck to the latter as the Eldest said goodbye to Raban and told the tale for anyone not knowing. Treese thanked them all for the food and drink and told them to enjoy themselves, since Raban would want that. After that the music started.
Perry had called round before Billi left for the hall to carry the pie and remind him he’d need his gloves. Word had spread about them which meant Billi had been set up properly by Bliss and Hektor. Perry confirmed that the ssrrong bearr would be called on to make an appearance, so Billi should go steady with the cider and ale. Which was cheeky from a youth, but cheeky almost defined most youths anyway.
The dancing started as usual but the occasional glances and smiles said that everyone must be in on this joke or plot. The men next to Billi confirmed that when they began to speculate on how easily a bearr might catch a maid. Especially a bearr with a landclaim out there in the Wild maybe waiting for some home comforts. Everyone had a wonderful time tweaking Billi, but he worried a little about this being a wake. Then Treese paused while coming past to point out she’d been looking forward to seeing a bearr dance, had anyone seen one about? Billi relaxed and went with it. He could stand there in gloves for a while. It wasn’t an unpleasant job after all.
Eventually someone started chanting ‘Ssrrong Bearr’ and soon most of the youths and maids were joining in. Even Ellibeth and Perry, though Billi thought they might be leading the chant at times. Hektor and a Bliss with a definite belly-bump were definitely leading the chanting and laughing. A good few of the adults were laughing by now and the older men were helping him up so Billi heaved himself onto his foot. He stumped over to the post and stood with his back to it.
“Dancing gloves. Where are your catching gloves?” Several voices called out so Billi shook his head and pulled them from his belt. They were a good fit, and once they were on Billi made some pretend grabs at thin air. The maids started to act worried, while the youths were now pushing them forward. A lively little tune struck up and the maids started dancing and within a few minutes Billi saw a difference. Several had put on scarves and were waving the tasselled ends.
Billi wondered briefly, was this a game or did they really want him to catch hold? Billi made an attempt at catching some scarves, being careful to miss, then realised from the pouts he wasn’t supposed to miss. Two of them danced by really close and jumped away squealing but laughing, and several maids were definitely coming into range of his arms. The next one moved a bit slower and her scarf end flew out his way so Billi caught it.
She shrieked but her eyes weren’t worried at all, and of course she asked Billi about her forfeit? Billi knew his lines for that and as the shawls and scarves fluttered past he found he’d bussed more maids than in his entire life, and none were horrified. The next shawl fluttered and Billi caught it, and the maid caught hold of his hand in turn and neatly curled it round her as she twirled in. Suddenly they were face to face and he’d caught Ellibeth!
The problem now was Billi really fancied bussing Ellibeth good and proper, especially tucked into his arm like that, but they were in the middle of the dance floor. Ellibeth shrieked and beat feebly on his chest but her eyes were laughing. Her struggles were very feeble, even when Billi tightened his arm a little. “Da, Da, help me! I’ve been caught by the bearr. Ransom me Da, quickly, because he’s got me caught proper.”
Viktor didn’t seem at all worried that the bearr had caught his eldest and laughed. “It you keep dancing with bears, you have to expect one to catch you. Sorry Ellibeth, but you’ll just have to pay up.”
There were a lot of suggestions coming in about appropriate forfeits. Billi grinned. “What is it to be then, Ellibeth?” He spoke very quiet, and with all the laughter and calling out, no-one would hear.
Ellibeth smiled, “Maybe I should pay forfeit for the scarf first?” The bussing felt definitely firm and didn’t worry her enough. Billi was lost again. Was Ellibeth running or not, or was he chasing, or was this teasing? Billi also realised that Ellibeth expected him to demand a forfeit for catching the maid, not just the scarf. He hadn’t expected that and the suggestions from the youths and maids, although not too clear, were shading towards dangerous territory.
Billi raised his voice. “The bear has never caught such a fine maid before, so the forfeit will need some thought.” He hadn’t thought that through, until several voices complimented Ellibeth since she must be a better catch than the Dancer.
Instead of Ellibeth dancing off to let Billi think she gave a little shriek of horror, and turned to her Da again. “The bear won’t let me go until he’s decided. I’ve to sit with him until he’s made up his mind!” Billi liked that solution because Ellibeth did feel sort of comfortable tucked in there. “Just remember, bearr, I’m a respectable maid and you can’t keep me after dark. I have to go home with my Da, all proper-like.” Da still didn’t seem worried while her Bro had nearly doubled up laughing.
“I’ll remember, but I think better sitting down.” Billi headed for the seats and Ellibeth sat next to him. She held on tight to Billi’s finger, so his arm stayed round her but just around her shoulders and there were a couple of comments from the group of youths and maids about who had caught who. More made suggestions about who would be paying a forfeit to ransom what back, and what the forfeit might be.
Billi knew he’d started blushing a little bit. He’d been enjoying himself but had strayed onto dangerous ground, and Ellibeth had just reminded him she was an honourable maid. He hadn’t a clue what the forfeit should be, and hoped he might get to buss her again. Maybe his indecision showed since Ellibeth stopped him wondering. She leaned in closer. “Billi, will you show me the landclaim, please. In the spring, when the snow has gone?” Ellibeth spoke quietly so Billi answered the same way.
“Yes. Of course.” Billi could take a couple of Hunters to show them the place so there’d be plenty of people. That would keep it respectable as Ellibeth could use his hut and the rest could sleep outside.
Ellibeth raised her voice. “Ooh, naughty bearr!” Billi wondered what he was going to be accused of now, since Ellibeth obviously had something in mind. “He says he wants a Tinkerer bussing, on his knee! Da?”
“You got caught, you pay th
e forfeit because I’m not sitting on his knee.” Viktor waved a casual hand and Perry ended up sat on the floor, holding the wall to stay upright. Billi wondered if maybe he’d been at the cider, though Hektor and Bliss were nearly as bad and so were some of others.
“What should I do?” Ellibeth had appealed to the other maids? Billi had lost the script entirely, again.
“Buss the bearr, buss the bearr.” A line of laughing maids were chanting now and some were looking speculative as well, wondering if Ellibeth would? Billi knew she would, it was her idea!
Ellibeth stood up and perched decorously on Billi’s knee and then lurched in a bit so he tightened his arm to catch her. Then Billi saw the laughter in her eyes, so Ellibeth had known he would. Had Ellibeth been at the cider? “Ooh, definitely ssrrong!” He realised it looked as if he’d grabbed her. Then Billi lost the rest of the thought because she bent her head and whispered, “This is all you get.”
Ellibeth’s lips went firmly onto his and Billi forgot the world, except for the bright, joyful spark from Rabbit. Ellibeth didn’t give him a Tinkerer bussing but this one seemed a lot firmer and somehow softer than any of the others tonight. In fact, Billi might have carried on a bit longer, or never stopped but Ellibeth let go of his finger and danced off to her Da, giving a twirl to wave her scarf as the maids and youths cheered. “I was worried for a moment that the bearr might check for tattoos.”
Billi blushed bright red now and knew he’d been set up but for what? He didn’t actually care since he really liked the result. But when there were calls for more bearr dancing and he saw the looks at least three maids were giving him Billi backed off. “That’s tired me out. I’m not used to dancing.” There was some laughter at that because it was true enough.
“You should practice. Some of the maids might not mind even if it isn’t at the dance.” Tempert ducked away from the raised hands but some of the maids laughed.
