5. A True Sense of Peace
5
A TRUE SENSE OF PEACE
GAbrIEL
EARLIER IN THE DAY
N othing in Myreth is as calming as a forest midway through the giving season. Especially not when there’s no one else around.
Some people thrive in cities, but not me. I was always meant to be here, surrounded by nature in the middle of the woods with only the animals for company. They understand me far better than anyone back home ever did. Besides, here, I’m choosing to be on my own. There’s no forced isolation, no snide comments made behind my back, and no one sneering at me as they realize who I am.
Here, I can be myself.
Gabriel Moreau, Hunter.
The title brings a smile to my face, as it has every day since I was first appointed as a Hunter nine years ago. The smile grows even wider as I imagine what my new title will soon be—Gabriel Moreau, the youngest Master Hunter the kingdom of Myreth has ever seen.
I’m so close to achieving my promotion that I can practically taste it at the back of my mouth. Becoming the youngest Master Hunter in the history of the kingdom will be nice, but what I’m really looking forward to is the look on the king’s face when he’s forced to honor me in front of the entire court.
For once, he will have to show me respect. For once, he won’t be able to ignore me.
As soon as I complete my fiftieth hunt.
Raking a hand through my hair, the blue so dark it’s almost black, I stride forward. My sword hangs at my side, and my bone dagger is in its sheath as my gaze swivels through the forest. A few days ago, I completed my seventh successful hunt of the year, bringing my total up to forty-nine.
Instead of returning to the capital after catching the runaway prisoner and returning him to Whitewater Prison, I decided to spend a few days out in the wild with Mist.
I can’t see my familiar, but our bond thrums with delight as she undoubtedly chases whatever poor animal has caught her attention. I know from experience that she’ll return in a few hours, delighted with herself and licking her paws triumphantly as her latest meal settles in her belly. She tolerates the city for me, but the woods are where she comes alive.
The mid-afternoon suns are retreating behind stormy clouds, taking the warmth of the day with them as I draw my cloak tighter around myself. I enjoy the woods, but I won’t be able to stay here forever. Unless I get another hunt, I’ll be expected to report back to Rosebridge within the week. I shudder, knowing that means I won’t be able to avoid my family.
Shoving those thoughts aside, because I refuse to give them any time when I don’t have to, I focus on my surroundings.
Myreth is beautiful this time of year. Most of the trees have lost their leaves, and the forest’s animal inhabitants are running to and fro, storing food for the impending winter. Some people don’t like it when the trees have lost their leaves, but I do. There’s a peace in the woods during the giving season that I can’t find anywhere else.
My bond vibrates, and in the distance, a roar fills the air. Moments later, an animal cries out, and I know Mist has caught her prey. Sitting on a fallen log, I send a message down our bond letting her know to come find me when she’s done. Once she’s back, I’ll find us a shelter for the night.
Tomorrow—
A shrill bird’s cry shatters the silence of the forest, and my head jerks up. I scan the horizon, my gaze sweeping through the trees until I spot the black speck on the horizon. It’s careening towards me, leaving a crimson trail of sparks in its wake. A signature of the king’s magic, it’s a sure sign that this bird is one of his enchanted messengers.
“Well, there goes my peace and quiet.” I chuckle to myself as I glimpse the parchment clasped in the bird’s talons.
I’m not upset. Not really. Tugging on my bond with Mist, I tell her to return to me quickly. I know what that piece of paper means.
We have another hunt.
As the falcon lands on my outstretched arm, delivering the paper to me, a burst of excitement comes to life in my stomach. Not only will this be my fiftieth hunt, but something about this one feels different.
Life-changing.
I unfold the paper as soon as the falcon flies away, my eyes widening as I read the contents. A gods-blessed has fled from their Giving Ceremony, and their actions have called down the wrath of the gods upon them.
My lips tug into a smile as I pull on the bond again, energy rushing through my veins. This is my chance. I can feel it.
I’m going to catch this Given, and when I do, the title of Master Hunter will be mine.
Nothing will stand in my way.