Huntsmen and Hoods

by Laura Greenwood

  A laugh bubbles up within me, and I close my eyes, enjoying the warmth of the fire on my face. "I don't think I've ever had anyone offer to defend my honour before."

  "Then it'll be my honour to be the first, my lady," Kit quips.

  I open my eyes and meet his gaze, finding it full of sincerity and respect. Being around him is so easy. I hope he feels the same way about me. From the way he's looking at me, I'd say he does.

  Chapter Eight

  "Post!" Flynn calls. He's one of the older Huntsmen, approaching graduation, and he seems to have taken it upon himself to become the camp's postmaster. No one complains because it isn't a fun job, and if he enjoys it, then it saves us all extra work.

  Several of the others go up and collect their letters. Most people know when they're going to get one, and those of us that don't really get anything just sit and watch.

  Mother can't write, and Father won't unless there's news I need to know. Getting a letter would be a rarity for me. The same seems to be the case for Kit, but I think that's mostly because his parents are busy doing whatever it is merchants do.

  "There's one for you, Red," Flynn says, holding out a letter.

  Dread runs through my entire body at the sight. It can't be good news.

  "Thank you," I say, taking the letter from him and going to take my normal seat around the fire. I want to retreat to my cabin to read it, but I don't want to draw attention to myself. I think I've done a good job at fitting in with the others over the past month, and I don't want to change that by acting oddly private about my letters. Everyone else opens theirs around the fire. I should do the same.

  I search for Kit, but he's nowhere to be seen. I guess I need to get opening my letter over without him standing by for support. I'm not sure why that bothers me so much. I'm perfectly capable of reading it on my own, and dealing with whatever the contents may bring.

  I tear open the seal and pull out the single sheet of parchment waiting for me within. I take a deep breath, then scan the words Father has scrawled across the page. His handwriting is almost illegible, probably because he didn't learn how to write until I was old enough to. He learned because he thought it would give me a better chance in life if I knew how. Learning to write together is one of my most treasured memories with Father. Though I have to admit, there are a lot of them. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for him and his support.

  Aredenne,

  All is well with Mother and me. Your Grandmother is sick. Can you deliver medicine to her?

  All our love,

  Father

  I gape at the paper, trying to work out what I can do about it. There aren't any holidays here at Grimm, which means students come and go all the time. But that may be different for the Huntsmen. At least I have a few coins saved up that I can use for the medicine itself. Or, if I'm lucky, I'll be able to get some of the students in the castle to make it for me. There's a class which focuses on medicines and other remedies. They may like a challenge.

  "What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost," Kit says.

  I glance up, relieved to see him, but still in shock over the letter. Grandmother is always the life and soul of any gathering. I can't imagine her being so sick she needs me to take her medicine.

  Instead of speaking, I hand the letter to Kit. He scans the page, frowning as he tries to make out one of the words Father has written. I wait for a wave of shame to take over me now he's seeing just how poor my family is, but it doesn't come.

  "We can go tomorrow," he says. "We'll send a message up to the castle to see if they have the medicine we need. Has your Father said what it is?"

  I nod. "It's on the back of the letter."

  He flips it over and then nods. "I think this is a fairly common one. Used to treat a bad cough. They should have some of it we can take."

  "You don't have to come with me," I say quickly. "She doesn't live far away from here. I can go and be back in a day."

  "Remember what I told you about balance?"

  Despite the seriousness of the situation, a smile spreads over my face. "That we need it, and have to have it. Just because you can get something done quicker, doesn't mean it's good to."

  He nods. "Exactly. The two of us can go. We can do some training on the way, and then spend some time with your Grandmother in the meantime. If that works for you."

  I think about it for a moment, trying to decide whether I wanted to let him come and meet my Grandmother. She means the world to me. I think she'll like Kit, though. He's a good man, and she'll be able to see that as soon as she meets him.

  Which means I have to say yes. If I can imagine the two of them meeting, then there's a reason for that.

  "All right. I'd like that."

  He smiles widely. "I'll go clear it with the Head Huntsman and send a message up to the main academy for the medicine. Why don't you go and sort out supplies for the trip?" he suggests.

  "I can sort out everything but your clothing," I promise. That would be a little bit too intimate for where we are in our friendship. I don't want to go searching through his trunk for various clothing bits.

  "That sounds like a good idea to me," he promises.

  He hands the letter back to me. I take it, our fingers brushing as he lets go, sending tingles up and down my entire body. I don't have a word for the way he makes me feel, but I know it's a sensation that's impossible for me to ignore. And no one but Kit has ever brought it out. Not even Peter when I thought he was a wonderful man.

  I watch as Kit walks away, regretting that we can't spend more of the day together. But that isn't possible if we're going to set off on the journey to Grandmother's tomorrow.

  It's only as he disappears from view completely that I remember my prophecy. One that starts when I venture into the forest to go and see Grandmother. What does it matter? If she's sick, I have no choice. Father wouldn't have asked me to do this unless we have no other choice. He knows my prophecy as well as I do. Sometimes, I wish that travelling fair had never come to town and told me it. Ignorance would make life a lot less stressful.

  But I refuse to shy away from my family duty because of something as small as a prophecy. I'll get the medicine Grandmother needs, and then she'll be with us for many more years to come. Besides, the prophecy doesn't mention someone coming along with me. Perhaps Kit's presence will stop it coming true to begin with. It's a vain hope, but one I'm going to cling to all the same.

  Chapter Nine

  I drop the last of our packs onto the pile next to the bench and step back. I turn my attention to the path, hoping to see Kit walking back towards me with the medicine we need for Grandmother. He's managed to get the academy to provide it, but they needed a little extra time. I glance up at the sky, trying to judge how much daylight we have left. We should get to Grandmother's before darkness falls, but it'll be a close call.

  There's a small part of me that hopes we'll get caught out near nightfall and I'll have to spend the whole night camping with Kit. The rest of me knows that isn't the best thing that can happen. I don't know how ill Grandmother is. I don't want to risk her health any more than I have to.

  "Leaving, are you?"

  I sigh and turn to face Peter, even though I don't want to. I'm not sure what he gets out of our exchanges, but I wish he'd stop bothering. I was tired of them even before they started. Now I'm even more so.

  "There's a family emergency," I say, not wanting to lie in case it comes out another way.

  "You're leaving for family?"

  I raise an eyebrow. "Do you have a problem with that?"

  "A proper Huntsman wouldn't leave for a family matter," he taunts.

  I'm sure it isn't true, but his words still sting. Being part of the Huntsmen isn't about giving up every aspect of life that isn't about that. Huntsmen can get married, start a family, even hold political positions. We're just trained to do some of the other jobs around the kingdoms that others don't. A lot of the bodyguards, messengers, and riders throughout the
kingdoms are Huntsmen. Or were one at some point. And that's what I want to be. It gives me a chance to make a difference.

  But that doesn't mean giving up my family. If it did, then this isn't something I'd want.

  "There are lots of things that make a proper Huntsman. Class is one of them."

  Peter isn't quick enough to hide the shock which flashes across his face. I squash down the smugness that brings out in me. I don't want him to think he makes me feel anything. He'll only use it against me at a later date, and that's something I can't have. No matter what happens, he won't get the better of me.

  "And where is this family matter taking you? To your Grandmother's, maybe?" His smile turns into a sneer.

  I flinch as he says it, hating that he knows what it means. No matter what secrets I've ended up telling Kit, none of them make me feel as vulnerable as the fact Peter knows about my prophecy. I was a fool to tell him about it, but I didn't know any better at the time.

  I won't make the mistake of trusting him again.

  "Oh, it is. Isn't it?"

  "It's none of your business where I'm going. The Head Huntsman, and the Headmistress, are both aware of my destination. I don't see why it has anything to do with you." My voice shakes, but I hold steady. He isn't worth it.

  "You should be more careful. You don't want your prophecy to begin. I've heard they're really hard to stop."

  I want to slap his sly smile straight off his face. How dare he use something like this against me. I've never done anything to him other than end things. And given the circumstances, we both know it was justified after I caught him with Jill.

  I wonder if they're still together. The thought is fleeting. I don't care either way. So long as Peter isn't bothering me, I try not to think about him.

  "When I want your advice about something, I'll ask," I snap. "Now, if you'd please leave me to it, I have a lot to do." I turn my back to him, not knowing what else I can do to get the point across. Ignoring him has worked before, I'm going to have to hope it does again.

  Even with my back turned, I know he's about to say something cutting, only to stop when Kit comes striding towards us, an angry expression on his face.

  He's heard the whole thing. There's no doubt about it. I wish I'd told him about my prophecy earlier. He probably already worked it out, but that's not the same as it coming from me. I should have been straight with him from the beginning.

  "Are you bothering Red again, Peter?" he demands, striding past me until he's nose to nose with the other man.

  My eyes widen as I watch the two of them stare at one another. I want to pull them apart before one of them gets hurt. Well, before Kit gets hurt. I don't care what happens to Peter. But I do know the latter will fight dirty, whereas Kit won't.

  "Not bothering her," Peter mutters. "Just wishing her well on her journey," he lies.

  "Well, you've done that now. Why don't you prove your statement true and leave." He stares at Peter until he backs down.

  With one last glare at me, Peter walks away.

  "Are you all right?" Kit asks, concern written all over his face.

  I nod. "He's just being his normal annoying self. Nothing to worry about."

  I can tell he doesn't believe me, but he also doesn't push me any further on the matter. I'm grateful for that. I just want to put Peter and his antics out of my mind.

  "Did you get the medicine?" I ask.

  "Yes." He pats the pocket of his shirt which is slightly raised from the bottle within.

  "Thank you."

  "You're welcome." He beams at me, a complete change from his expression while talking to Peter. This smile is just for me. "Are you ready to go?"

  "Yes. And we should now, before we lose any more time." I glance at the sky again, even though nothing can possibly have changed in the brief interlude between.

  "After you, my lady," Kit says.

  A small laugh escapes me and I hoist one of the packs onto my shoulder. I hope I've packed enough food. I should have done. If everything goes well, we'll be at Grandmother's before evening and we can eat there. But I did include some extra rations.

  It always helps to be prepared.

  Chapter Ten

  There's something freeing about being outside the academy walls. I'm not sure I expected to feel this way. The world of the academy and the Huntsmen isn't a particularly oppressive one, but somehow, it's ended up feeling that way now I'm away from it. Perhaps it's just because of what Peter said about my prophecy. There, I'm always going to be the girl with one. Out here, I can be anyone.

  Which doesn't make any sense. No matter how many times I change where I'm standing, I still have a prophecy. A trip to Grandmother's can prove fatal for both of us. If the story is to be believed. Hopefully, by bringing Kit with me, that's going to be stopped from happening this time. But it doesn't mean anything. For all I know, the prophecy could refer to a visit I make in three years time. Or thirty. I'm honestly not sure.

  "You're quiet," Kit observes as we continue our way through the forest.

  "Because I'm normally so chatty?" I don't expect an answer.

  He chuckles, the sound a surprisingly good compliment to the world around us. Birds chirp from their perches, and smaller creatures rustle through the undergrowth as they go about their daily business. The forest is a truly amazing thing, and full of so much life. One of the appeals of being a Huntsman was the chance to spend more of my life among nature. There's something beautiful and soothing about it. I enjoy it more than I like being cooped up in a castle with all the prim and proper ladies.

  Not that there's anything wrong with that either. I can understand the appeal for women who like it.

  "Just thinking," I say.

  "About your Grandmother?" he prompts.

  "Actually, no. It's hard to think of her as ill. She's a formidable woman, and one who doesn't let anything as silly as sickness get in her way." Which only makes it more worrying that she's sick. It must be something serious, or she'd never have admitted to my parents that something is going on in the first place.

  "My Father's like that," Kit admits. "Nothing will stop him from going to work unless there's a risk he may infect others. But even then, he sits at home with his ledgers and gets samples brought to him." A smile spreads over his face as he thinks about it.

  "That sounds like a lot of work if he's sick."

  "It was. But I used to love those days as a child. Father would let me sit at the table with him and ask all kinds of questions. He was always so patient with me. I think he hoped I'd take over the family business."

  "Is he disappointed that you won't be?" I ask.

  "If he is, he's never shown it to me," Kit says. "I'm not very good at numbers. My sister is. She's a much better choice to look after the family's interests once our parents retire."

  "It's nice that he thinks a daughter can inherit like that."

  "Oh, it is. Giselle would wilt under life as a wife. I know some women like the idea of it, but I haven't known many of them." Pride beams through his words as he talks about his sister. Clearly his parents aren't the only ones who think she's capable of running the family business.

  I find it reassuring that Kit has always felt this way about women having their own paths in life. It explains why he was so accepting of me so quickly.

  "Being a wife and something else is possible," I say.

  "I hope so." He sighs loudly. "I've not thought much about marriage or a family of my own until recently. But if I ever do get married, I want my wife to be the person she's meant to be, no matter what that means." He shoots me a look which I'm certain means something, even if I can't put words to it.

  I'm stopped from asking him more about it by a rustle from the trees behind us.

  I freeze, and cock my head to the side, trying to work out what's making the sound. It comes again, crackling through the air, too loud to be something small, and too clumsy to be one of the bigger creatures from the woods. No deer would make that much noise.


  "Did you hear that?" I ask, reaching out and placing a hand on Kit's arm to draw his attention to what I've just heard.

  He nods. "It's probably an animal looking for its dinner."

  I frown. That isn't what my gut is saying, but it doesn't make any sense for it to be anything other than that.

  "This isn't some kind of training where you get someone to follow me, is it?" I ask, remembering he said we were going to do some of that at some point.

  Kit shakes his head. "I thought we'd save the training for on the way back, once you know your Grandmother is safe and well."

  My heart swells at his words. It's a thoughtful thing to do, and one I'm not sure many other people would have thought of in his position.

  "Thank you, I appreciate that." But it doesn't explain why I get the impression we're being watched.

  We carry on through the woods, neither of us saying anything as we listen to the woods around us. I appreciate that even though he thinks it's nothing, he's still treating my suspicions seriously. It's so easy to be around someone like that. I'm glad we're partners. I couldn't ask for anyone better.

  A louder rustle happens, and I twirl around. Something moves through the trees a few feet away from us, but is gone in an instant. I shake my head. I'm being paranoid. It's nothing more than my imagination running away with me.

  "Did you hear it again?" Kit asks.

  I nod. "And saw it. I think. But I may just be imagining things." A shiver runs down my spine. I'm not sure that's what it is, but I don't want to dwell on it too much. There aren't any good answers to what can be following us like that.

  "You might not be," he assures me. "We'll keep our ears peeled."

  I sigh, but then turn back to the path we're taking. "I know. It's probably nothing. Just the worry for Grandmother clouding my mind." I don't think that's true, but what else can I do about it? Without concrete proof that we're even being followed, I just seem a little bit crazy.

  "Come on, we can walk a bit quicker. Once you see your Grandmother is all right, you'll feel better."