Huntsmen and Hoods Read online

  But at least it means I won't have to go into the forest without any kind of weapon.

  I close my eyes and take in the sounds and scents surrounding me. There's something magical about being in the woods. Like time stands still and nothing else matters at all.

  But this isn't the day for time not to mean anything. I need to find whatever it is I'm looking for before the sun starts to set. I open my eyes and search the nearby bushes for a sign that someone has recently passed this way.

  One of the bushes catches my eye. The branches are snapped, and it seems as if it's been recently pushed aside. I wonder if the Huntsmen have done it on purpose to make things easier for me. Or perhaps to work as some kind of red herring. If I'm not careful, I could end up spending the rest of my day wandering around with no sense of purpose and fail the test completely.

  I can't overthink this. I have to trust my instincts.

  I set off in the direction the undergrowth is pointing me. I know how to track, and I shouldn't let myself think otherwise. It's what Father taught me after he was satisfied I'd mastered making my own bows.

  The trees press in from all sides as I travel deeper into the forest. I'm not sure how big it is. I don't know anything about it other than that it's partly on the grounds of the academy, and partly outside. Somewhere around here, there'll be a wall that cuts through the trees. I think. I've never actually seen it.

  Instead of intimidating me, the closeness of the plants comforts me. I'm at home here. There's no expectations or disapproval in the forest, just nature. Here, I'm truly allowed to be myself.

  It's easy to get lost in here, and not pay too much attention to what time of day it is. That can only be a good thing, or else I may end up panicking about how little time I have to find whatever mysterious item they've hidden. I don't understand why they couldn't just tell me in advance what I'm looking for. If a Huntsman is on a searching mission, then surely they'll already know what it is they're trying to find.

  I push the thought away. It doesn't matter what the norm is. Or if there's an ulterior motive to this and they're simply trying to make me fail. At the end of the day, this is the test they've devised for working out who is worthy of being a Huntsman. I need to respect that and get on with the trial.

  As far as I can tell, a few hours have passed, making it very close to when I need to be done with my task.

  I hurry my steps, and find myself walking into a small clearing with a Huntsman pack sitting at the centre. I cock my head to the side. Is that what I'm looking for? Or has someone lost it? It doesn't matter which the answer is. I should take it back to camp just in case. No matter which answer is the truth, it needs returning to where it belongs.

  I pick it up, but don't open it. Whatever is inside could be confidentially, and it isn't mine to look at. I fasten it to my belt. Satisfaction washes over me at the way both the medium-sized pack and the knife sheath look at my waist.

  I do a quick circuit of the clearing, hoping for some indication of where the person who left this has gone, but don't find anything. Perhaps this is what I'm meant to have found.

  "You've done better than most people expected."

  I spin around to find Kit leaning against a tree.

  "Were you following me?" I demand.

  He chuckles. "Yes. Just like I was supposed to be."

  "Oh." How hadn't I noticed?

  "We'll have to do some training to make sure you notice next time. But that's something for another day." He pushes away from the tree and walks towards me, a huge grin on his face.

  "Wait...do you mean I did it? This is what I meant to find?" I pat the pack.

  He nods. "I'd open it, if I were you."

  I frown, but undo the clasp. It pops open to reveal a wad of red fabric.

  I know that colour. A quick glance in Kit's direction confirms it. I give the cloak a quick tug. It comes away from the pack with ease and unfurls, fluttering slightly in the breeze.

  I don't waste a second, and swing it around my shoulders. There's a simple pin on it, not the same as the ones I've seen on the other Huntsmen, but I suspect that's coming later.

  Kit's smiles broadly. "Welcome to the Huntsmen, Red."

  Chapter Five

  The sharp whoosh of Kit's sword through the air is the only warning I get. I duck and swing my own up. The force with which they meet sends shock waves down my arm, but I refuse to give in. I may have gained a place among the Huntsmen already, but I'm not one of them yet. I need to prove myself first. And while Kit isn't about to report back any mistakes to the others, they'll notice themselves if I need to go up against one of them in a sparring match.

  "Where did you learn to do this?" he asks as he pulls back.

  "Learn what?"

  "To parry. You're doing well."

  A small laugh escapes me while I pull back too. He hands me a water flask and I take it gladly. I'm thirsty from the practice.

  "I don't know. I used to play sword fighting with some of the boys in the village. But only with sticks. They couldn't be trusted with anything as dangerous as a sword."

  He chuckles. "That sounds like young boys."

  "But you think I'm doing well?" I can't help the slight pleading note in my voice. I like to know I'm doing well at things, and this is no different.

  I rest my sword against one of the nearby trees. I'm grateful we're away from the main camp while doing this. I don't want anyone to see how bad I am and make any judgement about the rest of my skills.

  "The raw talent is there, but it needs some honing. It's obvious you've never been properly trained when it comes to holding a sword."

  His words don't sting as much as they should. "That's fair. Father didn't know anything about it. He made bows because he needed them to hunt, but we've never been the kind of family who could even afford a sword." I'm not sure why I feel so comfortable telling him about my family.

  "What can I do to improve?" I ask, handing the water flask back to him. "I can try it now."

  "Do you ever rest?" Kit's amusement shines through his voice.

  "We're resting now," I point out.

  His smile broadens. "Of sorts. I wouldn't call this resting."

  "I thought the Huntsmen worked a lot." I eye the two red cloaks hanging on a low branch, the sign that we're both part of an exclusive group that most people don't understand.

  Then again, it's starting to sound as if I don't understand either.

  "We do. But we also work smart." He places one of his arms across his chest and pulls on it, straining his shirt and revealing muscles definitely not earned by too much resting. "There should always be balance in everything we do. If we arrive at our destination exhausted, then we're not in a state to do our job. Which means going slower than you think."

  "That sounds hard."

  "You'll get used to it."

  I chew on my bottom lip, trying to process what he's saying but struggling on some of the concepts. In my mind, if I can do it faster, then I should. Especially if it's something important like delivering a letter.

  A knowing glint enters his eyes, as if he knows what I'm thinking. Perhaps he was the same when he first joined the Huntsmen. "How about we split the difference. We'll work on how you're holding the sword now, but no more sparring until I say so."

  I nod. "That's acceptable."

  "From you, that's as good as a shout of glee."

  I snort. "I know how to have fun."

  "I don't doubt that," Kit throws back. "But I would be interested in what your definition of fun is, and if it matches most people's."

  "I have very little desire to go to one of the balls in the main castle, if that's what you're asking."

  "I wasn't, but that's good to know." A thoughtful expression crosses his face. "Why don't you grab your sword and we'll start."

  He turns away from me, and a brief pang of loss floods through me. I like spending time with him, and anything which stops our conversation isn't good, even if it is getting his sword
so he can show me what he wants to.

  I pick up my own weapon, noting how heavy it suddenly feels in my hand. Is it because I know I'm holding it wrong now? I'm overthinking things, I'm sure I am.

  I open and close my hand around the sword, trying to relax my grip enough to work out what feels natural. There's no point forcing myself to hold it in a way that doesn't feel right.

  "You hold it too tightly," Kit says softly. "You need to loosen up or you're going to end up causing yourself a serious injury."

  Ah. That doesn't sound good. But at least I got that part right. There's something reassuring about that. Perhaps I don't know the exact way to hold a sword, but at least I seem to have some natural talent.

  I relax my fingers to the point where it feels like the sword is about to fall out of my hand. I hate it. But if this is the right way to hold it, then I'm going to do it. Even if it takes me years to learn.

  "That's too loose now," he says. "Would you like me to show you?"

  "Please."

  He steps up behind me, and my breath hitches without me meaning it to. I count to try and help myself stay calm. Why is he doing this to me? I know it's not on purpose, but he affects me in a way I've never had with anyone ever before. Not even Peter, and I thought he was the love of my life.

  "Here." He reaches out and places his hand over mine. "You need to hold it like this."

  He presses against my back accidentally as he moves my hand into the right position. My mouth goes dry, and all the sounds of the forest around us fade away. The only thing I can focus on is how close he is to me, and the tingling sensation in my hand where our skin touches. I hope he doesn't realise how much he's affecting me. Or perhaps that isn't what I hope at all. A small part of me wants him to feel it as much as I do.

  I want to shake my head, but resist the urge as it will only draw attention to the direction of my thoughts. The last thing I want is for him to realise how I feel about the situation. I didn't come here to get sweet on anyone. I need to remember that.

  "Is this better?" I ask, a little breathless, but I don't think he'll notice.

  "Yes," he responds, a little croaky himself.

  No. That's just my overactive imagination. Nothing is going on here except that he's teaching me something I don't know. And that's all that can happen.

  I clear my throat, hoping it will help. "We, er, shouldn't forget that I need to get back to camp in time tonight."

  Kit steps away, and I instantly miss his presence. "Ah, yes. We can't have you being late for the ceremony." He says the last word with such gravitas that it scares me.

  "Why are you saying it like that?" I spin around, being careful not to cut him with the sword.

  We're only a few inches away from one another, but neither of us step away.

  "Saying it like what?" he asks.

  "Ceremony," I repeat, using the same ominous tone he did.

  Kit runs a hand through his dark curls. "I guess it just seems like it's a big deal to some people. It's how my old Huntsman partner told me about it."

  "What happened to him?" Do I need to be worried about him turning against me?

  Kit shrugs. "He graduated. The same as most people do."

  "Oh." For some reason, it hasn't crossed my mind that Kit may be older than I am and will leave training before me. It's a silly thing not to have thought of. Especially when he's clearly well respected around here.

  "So, what happens at the ceremony? Other than me finally getting my own place to stay." The past week of trudging up and down to the castle every day has started to grow tiresome. Especially when it comes with the almost constant chatter of my roommate. Zerrin seems lovely, but she doesn't know when to stop talking.

  "Ah. That will be telling. Why don't we get going and then you'll find out," he teases.

  I narrow my eyes, but don't argue with him. I'll find out soon enough, and he'd tell me if it's a bad thing. I hope.

  Chapter Six

  Flames dance up into the sky from the fire in the centre of camp. As far as I can tell, it never goes out. But I haven't spent an entire day and night in camp yet, so I have no way of being sure. For all I know, the fire is put out after curfew in the main castle, and relit before I come down for the new day.

  That doesn't seem likely, though.

  Everyone's eyes are trained on me as I make my way up to the small platform on which the Head Huntsman is standing. If he's surprised I've made it this far, then he isn't showing it. I think that's a good thing. Perhaps it'll help anyone else who is doubting whether or not I should be here realise I'm just as good as the rest of them.

  The Head Huntsman clears his throat. "Aredenne, are you ready to take your oath and begin your Huntsman training?" he asks once I've reached the platform.

  "I am." I don't grimace at the sound of my full name, or point out that I've spent the last week training already. Neither of those things matter at the moment. As of right now, I've achieved the first step of my goal. I realise I won't be a fully-fledged Huntsman until I graduate, the same as everyone else, but this is closer than I was before.

  He nods. "Then step forward."

  I do, standing in front of him while I wait for whatever comes next. I wish Kit had decided to tell me what to expect from this. I hate going into situations where I have no idea what's going on. Especially ones like this where there are people watching me the entire time.

  Even with my back to the rest of the Huntsmen, I can tell they're all focused on me. Including Peter. How I wish he wasn't here. A small part of my dream is tarnished by his presence and the reminder he stole it from me. It doesn't matter that both of us can have it. Without me, he'd never have decided to join the Huntsmen. This wasn't his goal in life. It was mine.

  I push my former sweetheart from my mind. He doesn't deserve the space he's taking up there. I may have to see him every day, but that doesn't mean I have to let him take up residence in my head either.

  "Do you, Aredenne, swear to uphold the noble traditions of the Huntsmen?" the man in front of me asks.

  "I do."

  "Will you continue to keep the inner workings of our organisation secret from the outside world?"

  "I will." Even if I think it's a silly rule which stops a lot of promising young men and women from becoming what they're meant to be. I don't imagine that opinion will go down very well given that I've only just joined myself.

  "Do you promise to heed the advice of your guide, Huntsman Christopher?" he asks.

  Someone steps up beside me, and I'm surprised to find Kit standing there. Wait. Is his full name Christopher? He's never told me that. Then again, I suppose he technically hasn't told me anything about his name. Nor have I asked. A small part of me wants to hold on to my promise from when we met. I'll use his name when he earns my respect. Though I'm not sure what else he has to do, especially when he already has a lot of it in my eyes.

  "I do." At least that one's an easy thing to promise. I think I'd trust Kit with my life. Perhaps that's foolish, but I don't think so. I may have only known him for a week, but I can tell he's an honourable man. And that he's a Huntsman because he values the work they do, not because he wants glory. Which is probably the reason Peter really joined.

  No. Don't think like that. I have to stop comparing the two men in my head. It isn't fair to Kit. He's a better man than Peter ten times over.

  "Huntsman Christopher, do you promise to teach Huntsman Aredenne the ways and duties required of a Huntsman to the best of your abilities?"

  My heart skips a beat at the sound of Huntsman before my name. I think a small part of me didn't believe this would actually happen. Honestly, there's something a little anticlimactic about having achieved so much already, even if I prepared myself well in advance to make sure that happened. Nothing has been left to chance on my part.

  "I do," Kit promises.

  Another thrill shoots through me. It may only be in a professional context, but he's tying himself to me in a public manner. By taking
me on as his partner, he's telling the world that he believes I'm capable of becoming a Huntsman. Though maybe he's been ordered to do it.

  That doesn't sound right. Not when he's been acting the way he has around me. I'd even go as far as to say it seems like he enjoys my company.

  "Then, step forward, Huntsman Aredenne, and receive your pin," the Head Huntsman announces.

  I restrain the beam which threatens to break out over my face. I've wanted this pin for as long as I can remember, and finally getting it fills me with pride.

  The Head Huntsman steps forward and fiddles with the bow and arrow-shaped broach. He pins my cloak together with it, fixing it in its proper place.

  Pride washes through me and I straighten my shoulders even more than they were already.

  "Welcome to the Huntsmen, Aredenne," he says.

  "Thank you." I turn around slowly, savouring the moment.

  Kit is still facing me, a wide smile stretched over his face and satisfaction glinting in his eyes. He's as happy about my new position as I am.

  The other Huntsmen shout and cheer. It's an odd moment, and not what I expect. But that's because it's easy to forget that the Huntsmen is a collection of people and not just an organisation. Everyone here has their own personality, dreams and desires. I need to respect that.

  Despite thinking I'm ready for it, the attention the others are paying me fills me with apprehension. I'm nothing more than a poor girl from a poor village, I'm not used to people looking at me the way they are here.

  Kit leans in, capturing my attention in a way only he can. "Do you want me to show you your cabin now?" he asks softly.

  Relief floods through me. He's read my emotions so well, it's almost confusing. But I'm glad of it. Being able to tell how one another are feeling will be a great advantage while the two of us are partners.

  "Please."

  He half lifts his arm, but then remembers who I am and drops it. A small smile spreads over my face at the memory of our second meeting. The funny thing is, I'd probably take his arm if he offered it now.

  I follow him down from the platform and the two of us make our way out to where the cabins stand in a small semi-circle. Each of the Huntsmen we pass offers me congratulations of one kind or another, which slows down our progress more than I'd like.