Chapter 126: Slaughtering His Way Through the Forest

Chapter 126: Slaughtering His Way Through the Forest

How much longer do you think it will be until the rest of the hunting parties enter the forest? Sonia looked around the heavily wooded area. The dirt path they were on started wide, but after only ten or fifteen minutes of galloping into the forest, it had narrowed to be wide enough for a horse and a half. The dawn light barely breached the thick canopy of overlapping oak branches.

Behind her, Sir Granger, a tall man with reddish-brown curly hair and green eyes, was scanning the tree line. When we left, I noticed that there was increased activity in the stables. Id say that most of the other hunting parties were just getting ready. At the earliest, the bulk of them would be a half hour behind us.

JP nodded, somewhat satisfied. If thats the case, I think we have a decent head start.

Theyd have to eat breakfast first, as only lunch was provided, so it could be even longer, Sir Lloyd, a blond-haired, brown-eyed knight, looked at a compass as he spoke.

Sonia furrowed her brows. Lunch was provided? She looked at the canvas drawstring tucked securely in her saddle bag. Then why did Tori make our lunches? She didnt have to get up so early to cook.

Miss Vissage, the lunches the duchy provided for the hunting parties were some jerky, cheese, and bread, Sir Granger told her with pity. Kitchen assistants were handing out the lunch bags outside the stables this morning to be packed in the saddle bags.

Would you rather have dried goods or Toris burritos? Sir Nassaun asked, grinning.

Sonia pulled her lips into a line. There was obviously no question about which one to choose. As Tori had said: it was good to be loved. The path looks like it gets narrower from here. What are the chances that its going to disappear the further in we go?

A large chance, miss, Sir Lloyd replied. He gave his horse a gentle kick to move him forward. When we studied the maps of the forest, there were three points of entry into this section that had been reserved and prepared for the hunt. From the three points of entry, there are smaller trails that taper off and eventually disappear. Well have to make our own way in a bit.

Duke Fekete said that when we start to see orange strips of cloth hanging on tree branches and beech trees start to take over the oaks, then weve reached the edge of the hunting grounds. Well have to turn around if we see them, Sir Granger added. It would be ideal to go as deep into the forest as possible.

Then, lets go over the hill and into the valley behind it. I think itll be a suitable place to begin, and it will take some time for other hunting parties to catch up, Prince Piers said.

Yes, Your Highness.

Sonia adjusted her grip on the reins of Sprite. Dede had brought some horses with him from Alvere that were more suitable for hunting in forests. They were larger than Ciel Noir and Nuage, who were bred and trained for equestrian sports. Sprite and Maple were bay horses and were used to the terrain and sounds of forests, making them less likely to be spooked.

When Dede took her and JP to train, theyd brought Sprite and Maple.

How do you think youll fare hunting? Sir Nassaun asked as he looked over his shoulder towards her and JP. Tori said that you were training with your grandfather before you left.

We spent days out in the surrounding forests. First we observed animal movements, then started trying to shoot. JP let out a tired sigh. Adjusting wasnt nearly as easy as I thought.

We also didnt take into account that since wed be ambushing most game, the prey would move, but we would be stationary, Sonia added. That also took some time to get used to.

When we were practicing, we had better luck hitting moving targets while moving on horseback.

What about tracking game? Sir Lloyd asked.

We didnt bother to learn, JP answered. We knew that you and Sir Granger were going to be doing the tracking. Dede said that if someone else was going to find the game, then we should concentrate on getting used to shooting them once we find them.

Thats fair.

The group of six continued on and as Sir Lloyd told them, the dirt path did become narrower before disappearing altogether. Luckily, the underbrush wasnt thick, and the horses didnt have problems going through the forest. They continued up a small hill, following the direction of a compass.

Your Highness, this area may have rabbits, Sir Granger said as he slowed. Permission to dismount and track.

Granted. Prince Piers held up his left hand as he came to a stop. Sir Granger slid off his horse and began to look around the area. How much were rabbits worth?

Rabbits and weasels are three, any game birds are two. Pheasants, grouse, and wild geese and ducks should be in the area, JP said. Wed need a lot of them if Toris going to win her bet with Prince Gideon.

As long as we find them, Ill get at least one. Sonia wasnt as confident as she was when shooting stationary targets around a ring, but she felt she had some ability. Dede didnt drag them to the forest for nothing.

Did you two ever catch anything while practicing near Viclya? Sir Nassaun asked.

At first, no. It took a week just to get used to animal movements when they fled. We were doing better by the second week, JP replied. Did you know there are a few herds of roe deer and fallow deer, and at least one herd of red deer nearby?

Red deer are surprisingly larger than I thought, Sonia said with a grimace. Much larger.

We focused on roe deer, JP said. They were the most numerous.

Theyre numerous here, too, Sir Granger said as he stood up from where he was kneeling. There is deer scat.

Thats promising.

I also found some rabbit scat-

Sonia, why is your bag moving? Her brother seemed to suck in a sharp breath. He froze beside her and looked at the left saddle bag. Sonia had put her lunch in the right bag, but the left one was empty in case they had to carry the game. She snapped her head back and saw the leather flap and the sides of the bag moving.

Sir Nassaun came closer, his eyes narrowing. Did you check all the bags before putting them on the horses?

Yes, Your Grace. They were empty when we attached them, Sir Lloyd reported. Sir Nassaun turned Blue River around and moved towards Sprite. He lifted his hand and leaned over to lift the flap.

With a quick movement, he tossed the leather flap up to reveal the contents of the bag, only for something to jump out. He retracted his hand and Sonia yelled.

What is that!? A fluffy, gray streak jumped on to Blue Rivers saddle before launching itself into the brush.

Thats Alexander! JPs eyes widened as he yelled. As soon as he said the name, Sonia paled. He was supposed to be back in Toris room at Granite Tower. How did he get into her bag?

Alexander, get back here! Sonia shouted as she grabbed the reins and turned Sprite in the direction of the gray flash.

What is the Countess cat doing here? Sir Granger nearly choked as he ran into the brush to try to catch up.

Are you sure thats her cat? Sir Lloyd asked. There must be a mistake. Why would the Countess of Cosora let her spoiled cat go hunting?

Im sure thats him! We see him every day! JP said. Sonia prepared to run after the escaped cat, but the princes voice stopped them before they could get any further.

Hold! Prince Piers firm voice instantly made them freeze in their spots. Sonia turned to look at him, both surprised and uncertain. She hadnt heard the prince raise his voice before.

Piers, we have to catch him. Tori will panic if he runs off-

Hes not running off, Prince Piers said. His eyes narrowed. Hes stalking something.

Sonia turned her head back in the direction that Alexander had leapt towards. In the distance, she could make out an unnatural patch of gray fur on the ground, looking away from them. A fluffy tail twitched as the rump rose and began to jiggle. Shed seen cats hunt before; there were several barn cats in the knights' stable where her father worked. She always thought it was cute, though knew the posture meant they were about to kill something.

Before she could hold her breath, Alexander launched himself forward. There was awkward squawk, a burst of feathers, and then the rustling of leaves. The squawking continued and grew fainter before a period of telling silence.

Alexander, with his tail up, emerged from the leaves with the neck of a pheasant almost the same size as him locked in his jaws. He dragged the dying bird towards them, and everyone remained where they were, watching him. He brought the pheasant to Sonias horse and dropped it.

Nyaow! He then nudged it closer with his head before turning around and returning to the forest.

Your Highness, Sir Granger said as he watched the cat leave once more. Did the Countess train her cat to hunt?

More importantly, whatever Alexander catches counts towards our total, doesnt it? JP asked. Hes not a person and so were still within our six-person party limit. Nothing was said about animals.

Its a loophole, Sir Nassaun said.

Sir Granger, tie up the pheasant to bring with us, Prince Piers told him. If Alexander brings us more, make sure to finish them off.

Your Highness, shouldnt we try to catch him and bring him back? JP asked. Sonia nodded. The last thing they needed was to lose Toris cat.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Several eyes looked towards the prince. No. Cats are natural hunters. It would be a pity to stop him.

Sonia squinted at him with a dubious expression. He knew if Tori found out, shed scream at them, didnt he? Tori and nearly everyone in Viclya spoiled Alexander. He had fresh food every day, was bathed often, and children loved to follow him when he wandered around the encampment. He was pampered and slept indoors on Toris bed. He even had his own heated brush to keep his fur soft.

Lets just keep an eye on him, Sir Nassaun said. It doesnt look like hell come to us willingly.

Just to be safe, lets try to catch him when he comes back. We have some rope; we can put him on a leash. JP patted one of his saddle bags.

Then, we can only wait until-

Piers! A voice shouted from down the path theyd come from, and Sonias eyes crinkled up with annoyance.

There were three people at the hunting tournament who would call the first prince by his name alone: one was with them, sitting on Blue River; another was back at Granite Tower, probably looking for her cat; and the third....

How did he find us so quickly? JPs shoulders fell as they looked down the path.

Prince Gideon was rushing towards them with an eager expression followed by the rest of the members of his hunting party. Von Dorn and the two imperial knights were expected, and Sonia wasnt surprised to see Hart with them. Pulling up the rear with the last of the imperial knights was Lord Evzen.

The night before, hed told them that he didnt want to go hunt, but hed likely be forced to go with his fathers party. It seems that he was stuck with Prince Gideons instead, and from his expression, he did not want to be there.

Piers, did you already catch something? Prince Gideons eyes were bright as he looked at the pheasant hanging in Sir Lloyds hand as Sir Granger cut a piece of thick twine to tie around its feet.

No. I didnt catch that, Prince Piers said in a calm, but firm voice.

Prince Gideon gave him a lopsided smile. Dawn and dusk are the best times to hunt. Weve already caught three pieces! He motioned towards one of his knights horses.

Sonia craned her neck and saw two pheasants and a rabbit. To get that much in roughly an hour was quite good from what she learned hunting with Dede, but she wasnt going to compliment the second prince aloud.

Thats not bad. Sir Nassaun was much more amiable. Who shot them?

Alessa was able to hit one of the pheasants and Sir Wagner finished it off. Sir Wagner also caught the second pheasant, but Alessa spotted them.

Alessa, Alessa, Alessa. If he becomes crown prince, Im moving to a territory. The corner of Sonias eye twitched.

I caught the rabbit, Evzen said, lifting his hand.

Rabbits are fast, JP told him. Being able to shoot one is impressive in itself.

Evzen smiled and sat up straighter in his saddle. He looked at the pheasant. Who caught that one?

Alexander. Prince Piers was looking towards the woods and didnt seem to pay much attention to the other group.

Sonia saw the confusion on their faces that told her that they didnt know who Alexander was. Sir von Dorns eyes went around the group. He was familiar with everyone in their party and none of them were named Alexander.

A small, cute meow was heard. JP knelt by the cat for a few minutes, moving his hands over Alexanders small limbs and body carefully to feel for any injury.

Anything? Sonia asked.

Her heart was still racing, and she wanted to cry. One wrong move, one misplaced shot and she couldve skewered her friends cat. Shed never been so afraid to miss a shot in her life.

Hes not flinching or hissing, I cant find any source of blood, JP shouted over his shoulder. It looks like the blood isnt his.

He caught a fox, Sir Nassaun was saying behind her as he and the two other knights looked at the creature. I cant believe Toris cat caught a fox...thats bigger than him.

Maybe he does understand us. Sir Lloyd sounded as if he were in awe. Mr. Vissage, ask if he can find some deer!

If he can understand us, then any of us can ask him to find some deer, Sir Granger said with a roll of his eyes.

JP carried Alexander closer to them. The cat seemed quite proud of himself, but seeing some of his fur matted with blood and mud made Sonia anxious. Maybe we should go back. Duke Fekete has cats and there should be an in-house veterinarian.

As if to answer her, Alexander let out a sharp meow, kicked JPs chest, and launched himself out of human arms. He quickly returned to his paper plate and almost seemed to inhale his remaining chicken.

Lets eat first and then we can go back, Prince Piers said. Everyone agreed. With the foxs additional six points, they were up to twenty-one. That wasnt a bad score even if they didnt get anything meatier, like deer or a boar.

However, as soon as Alexander finished his meal, he darted off, as if knowing theyd try to capture him. He didnt get far and climbed a tree. Shed seen him climb trees before and wasnt worried, so they finished their lunch. The plan was to finish, rest a bit, then grab Alexander and return to Granite Tower. Once they were back on their horses, Alexander jumped down and darted into the forest once more.

Are you kidding me? Sir Nassaun was exasperated. Piers, do something about Toris cat.

I dont control her cat.

Then what do we do?

Follow him. He will come to us when it starts to get dark. Alexander doesnt sleep outside. The prince sounded much more confident than the rest of them, but as he was their leader, they obliged. They gave in to following the cat until Alexander stopped. He crouched on the ground, facing the west.

Fallow deer. Sir Lloyd narrowed his eyes and pointed west. The group followed his arm and in the distance, there was a sizable herd of tan deer with white spots. He led us to deer.

Okay, Im convinced, Sir Granger said. The cat does understand us.

Sir Lloyd sighed. The cat understands us, but hes too small to take down a fallow deer.

Good job, Alexander, Sonia said. Now Im talking to him like him understanding is normal. You stay here. JP and I will take care of the rest. Ill make sure you get some venison.

Alexander flicked his tail, as if in agreement. Sonia and JP looked at each other. I go right, you go left? her brother asked.

Sonia loosened her hold on the reins and reached for an arrow. Try not to shoot me.

Funny.

If you cant get them behind the front legs, try to take out their leg to slow them down. She looked towards Sir Nassaun and the other knights. Well try to shoot as many as possible. If any are slowed down, well depend on you to finish them before they escape.

Understood.

Lets go! She kicked the side of her horse and sent it into the forest. From the corner of her eye, JP followed and quickly took a sharp right. They split up to approach the herd from different sides.

The herd was surprisingly big, but the sound of the horses galloping towards them alerted them quickly. They darted in all directions and above the sound of rustling leaves and hooves were the whistles of arrows as Sonia and JP shot at whatever spotted tan coat they could lock on to.

The familiar, exhilarating feeling of riding and shooting filled her and Sonia laughed. This was second nature to her. Two down on my side!

One on mine! Anothers injured!

Hah, might as well have missed!

Behind them, Sir Nassaun and the others followed to try to kill the fallen deer. JP and Sonia chased the herd a bit further, but turned around so as not to get separated from the rest of the hunting party.

Prince Piers was on the ground, cutting the throats of deer as Sir Granger and Sir Lloyd held them steady. Sir Nassaun was dragging another deer closer to them. The ultimate total was five does. Only three managed to be shot near the chest cavity while the remaining two were injured and had difficulty escaping. Multiple arrows had been used to take them down, as they were a decent-sized deer.

Theyre five points each, JP said as he wiped his brow. Twenty-five and twenty-oneforty-six. Not bad at all for one day.

Do you think thats enough? Sonia asked. She looked at her brother who seemed satisfied. Dede said that wed be lucky to catch two or three small game in one day, but there is the wager to consider.

Honestly, I didnt expect us to get nearly this much. What do you think Prince Gideons partys chances are of getting as many deer as we did? JP asked.

If two champion archers who spent weeks training to hunt with an experienced mounted huntsman were only able to get us five deer, then for them.... Sir Granger paused for a moment and then smirked. Theyd be lucky to get one.

The group chuckled. They rested for about an hour before tying up the deer and spreading them across the horses.

It seemed that Alexander was done for the day, as he hopped on to the front of Sonias saddle and draped himself over it, clearly intent on riding along. From where they were, Sir Lloyd estimated that theyd get back to Granite Tower well before sunset. They took their time returning, though they stopped twice along a stream for the horses to drink and to try for some ducks.

Both Sir Nassaun and Prince Piers managed to get one each, though Sir Nassaun seemed to be convinced that they were simply lucky to hit one in the flock with blind shots.

They went over the hill and headed down into the valley where Granite Tower was located. Before they reached the base of the hill, they heard shouting in the forest. Prince Piers sent Sir Granger to see if someone needed help.

A noblemans party had been split up. Four people belonging to Lord Duartes party were yelling the names of the two party members who had scattered.

It was a boar, Lord Duarte told them with an exhausted look on his face. We thought we could get it if we surrounded it, but it came straight for me. My two sons tried to lead it away, but we lost sight of them.

When were you separated? Sir Nassaun asked. What about their comcrys?

An hour ago. Walter dropped his comcry when they were chased, and I dont know if Paul held on to his. He hasnt answered. The horses were erratic when the boar turned on them, Lord Duarte said, wringing the reins in his hands. They couldnt have gone far, could they?

Its possible, Sir Nassaun said. He looked towards Prince Piers, as if silently asking what to do.

Which direction did they go? Prince Piers asked.

Northwest, Your Highness.

Lets do a sweep of the northwest. If we dont find them by sunset, well wait for a crystal distress beacon. Prince Piers gave Lord Duarte a small nod of his head. Lord Duarte, please stay with us. Its best if we all stay together and we can spread out further.

Sonia studied the first prince for a moment. She usually saw him as Toris friend and occasional lackey, or as the older brother who didnt like his younger brother, but seeing him dealing with the emergency shed light on his ability as a leader.

Tori was right to support him. I knew hed be better than his brother, but not this much better. He sounds like a real crown prince. If he keeps this up, I dont have to worry about moving to a territory.

Thank you, Your Highness. Lord Duarte looked relieved and gave him a bow of his head.

As they all began to get off the worn path and into the forest, one of the people with Lord Duarte commented on their collection of game, impressed. Sir Granger didnt hesitate to give credit to Sonia and JP.

And Alexander, Sonia said as she looked at the cat lazily sitting in front of her. He led us straight to the deer.

You brought a cat? Lord Duartes daughter-in-law asked, surprised.

He stowed away, my lady, JP replied. Alexander is Countess Gueveras cat.

He caught the fox, too. As if to agree with her words, Alexander meowed.

Hes a smart cat. If I had known we could bring a pet, I wouldve brought my hound. Hes a purebred, Lord Duarte said. Sonia noticed Alexanders ear twitch. Im sure Aaron wouldve been able to track down my boys. Dogs are excellent trackers, you know.

Alexander pushed himself into a seated position. He let out what sounded like a small snort, as if he had been personally offended. Before Sonia could stop him, he jumped down and scrambled to the head of the group.

Alexander! Sonia tried to call for him. Dont tell me hes mad at what Lord Duarte said. This cat is as petty as Tori.

Maybe he can find your sons, Sir Granger suggested. He is very smart.

Lord Duarte gave them a pitying look. A smart cat, but I doubt hell be able to find them so easily.

Less than half an hour later, Alexander began meowing and ran forward. JP and Sir Lloyd followed behind him and then shouted that Lord Duartes sons were found by a cluster of beech trees, trying to figure out where they were. As the old man embraced his sons, Sonias party looked at the gray cat.

Im fairly certain the crystals made him smarter, JP said.

To understand human words? Sonia snorted.

If he can react when you call his name, maybe he can figure out other words. I dont know, Sonia; Im not a cat with luck and intelligence enhancing crystals, JP snapped back.

What a good boy, Lord Duarte said as he looked at the cat. I will be sure to tell the Countess.

Axton, bring him back. We should go. The sun will start setting soon, Prince Piers said. Sir Nassaun nodded and got off his horse to pick up Alexander, but as soon as he got within two steps, Alexander scrambled forward.

Alexander, if you can understand me, come back. Were going back to Tori, Sir Nassaun said, as if reasoning with a child. The cat either didnt understand or plain ignored him. He continued to lead Sir Nassaun away before Sir Nassaun gave up and went back to retrieve his horse. Alexander, if you dont come here right now, well leave without you.

There was a defiant meow. Are you kidding me? JP said. Alexander Hamilton de Guevera the First, come here!

Lord Duarte looked at them strangely. You understand he is a cat, yes?

Prince Piers started to move ahead, but not back towards where they came, but in the direction of where Toris cat was going.

Your Highness? Sir Lloyd asked, confused.

Alexander doesnt want to go yet. He wants us to follow, Prince Piers told them in a calm voice. If he wanted to go home, he wouldve climbed on to the saddle like before.

Alexander, were done hunting! JP shouted. Finished! Lets go back! The cat didnt move, and JP sighed, shrugging his shoulders. Maybe he found something?

Sonia felt her stomach twist. Somehow, she was sure that Alexander found something. Maybe its something good? They followed behind Prince Piers, though Sir Nassaun rode ahead as a vanguard.

Perhaps he smelled a pheasant or another rabbit, Lord Duartes son said with a chuckle.

He was wrong.

Just as the sun touched the horizon, Alexander led them to a boar.