An official Diary

Chapter one

The Hunting Season - Part One

I woke up with a start, and for a second I couldn't remember were I was. But then the memories rushed back. The forest. The hunting season. My mothers, who was probably sleeping not far from here. I was lying on a bedroll, far from the comfort I was used to in the palace. 

"You, boy! Get up!"

I could imagine the robust guard standing above me; with long beard and his left hand on the holster. 

"Are ya deaf? Didn't ya hear what I said? We're watin' for ya," he said and lifted me by my collar. 

"Yes, yes," I twisted to be free, but his grip on the collar was strong and the only thing I managed was to nearly strangle myself.

"Take't easy with him, you there!" someone warned and the guard dropped me on the bedroll. I landed on my feet in a crouch. But before I could do something else (like punch him in his ugly face) he disapperad and left me alone. Lucky for him, I thought.

The rest of the campsite was already down and my mothers and their fellows was ready to move. I cursed the guard for letting me be the last one at camp. But at least I had an excuse. Even if I was pretty sure no one would care a shit about what I had to say. As usual.

"Done yet?" Kathrine asked. I hadn't seen her coming, but when I looked up, she stood right beside me with her gray stallion. Her curly, peanut hair blew in the wind, and those almond eyes were fixed at me.

"Er, yes," I answered rapidly and clasped the bedroll to my pack. "Is Billy ready?"

Kathrine laughed - a high, loud sound that sent a shiver down my spine. "Nah, you're s'pposed to do it by yourself, lad."

I gave her an ironic grin and swung my pack over my shoulder. "Five minutes," I said.

"You were s'pposed to be done five minutes ago," Kathrine reminded. Like if I hadn't realized it already.

I shrugged, "Blame the guard who didn't wake me."

"I will, but I'm not sure Her Majesties will be that forgiving," she pointed out. "I'm an extraordinary kind little girl." She smiled and left me with my pack and a feeling that this would be a hard day.

Billy stood and waited were I had left him the day before. I unstrapped the rein and saddled him quickly. At least, saddle a horse was something I was used to, so it went smooth. Someone else would say Billy was just extra kind to me and therefor was letting me saddle him easily. But hey, why does every one forget that I acually have skills. Not many, but at least a few.

After I had strapped my pack to Billy's saddle, I mounted him and kicked him gently into a walk. The others were waiting by the end of the trees already. I gave the signal for a trot and Billy accelerated immedietly. My loyal horse.

"I'm here now," I announced.

"You took your time, boy," my mother Georgina said sternly. "What took you so long time? I never got the impression that you were such a sleepyhead."

Those who heard her laughed and I could feel my cheeks heat. Laughed at again by the crowd. Why did she always need to say such a thing in front of every habitants in the world? Wouldn't be better if the people got a good impression of their future king?

With the shame still hanging around me (I was pretty sure I would be reminded of that the rest of the day) I took my place in the line and we began our journey home.