Finding Freedom

Finding Freedom - Part 2 Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I crouched still, my arrow ready to fly. Hidden from view, I observed my prey. The beautiful russet deer was peacefully grazing in the meadow, unaware of what would happen to it. I hesitated, unsure. This was the first time I aimed at such a big animal, for something other than sport.

I had ridden the whole night, and almost the entire day after that. After a short rest I continued my course for the whole day. It was evening, now. At least I hadn’t encountered any of the bandits that roamed the Wild Land yet. All I had to do is follow the main road to the Big Bridge, and then I would be in Northanger. But first I needed food. And some rest for my sore legs.

I wasn’t afraid of missing my target. No, all respectable princesses had to know how to use a bow and arrow correctly. I was only anxious to kill it in one hit and didn’t know where to point my arrow. Nonetheless, my bow was ready to deliver the fatal blow.

The twang of a bowstring stirred the air around us, the deer and me. It wasn’t mine.

After that, everything went by like lightning. The deer jumped away from the noise, and I could hear its hidden comrades doing the same. The arrow missed it by little. I could see that the other person, whoever it could be, was aiming for the neck. My bow shifted, and I let the arrow go. It landed exactly where I was aiming for. The deer dropped down, dead in a few instants.

I stood out of my hiding spot and started to walk towards the animal. The arrow that had missed was resting on the ground. I bent to pick it up to hand it to the hunter that had also left his bush. I observed him as he walked towards me. His features were simple, as were his clothes. He looked about the same age as the head stable man at the castle, who was in his thirties. He didn’t seem to want to harm me, but I didn’t let my guard down.

“I suppose this is yours.” I said, handing him the arrow with a smile. “I’m Heather.” I added quickly.

He looked a bit surprised. “Robins. Luke Robins.” He took the arrow from my hand. “Nice shot.” He complimented.

“Thank you.” I answered.

“Well, he started, I should be going.” He looked miffed that a girl had beaten him to a kill.

With that he started to walk back the way he had come. I felt a shiver run down my spine at the thought that I had just killed something, but shook my head to get rid of it. I had a bigger problem. I looked at the deer, suddenly realizing that I had no idea how to prepare it. Luke was a hunter, right? He should know at least something I could do.

“Uh…, Mr. Robins?” I called, my voice shaking slightly.

“Yes?” He turned around, looking surprised.

I hesitated. “Would you like to join me? I mean, I quickly explained, I’m never going to eat this all by myself.”

He looked concerned. “You’re alone?”

I suddenly realized my error. “Well… uh…” I stammered. What was wrong with me? What if he was one of those bandits?

“I have my wife and son to—“ he explained, cutting my thoughts short. I breathed a sigh of relief.

“There should be enough for all of us.”

I waited while he pondered, feeling increasingly nervous. Maybe he had misunderstood my intentions, maybe he thought I was offering more than I actually was. But my fears were softened as his face showed signs of relief. He asked if I had a horse, and we tied the deer onto Meena before joining his family on the side of a road. We talked a bit, but it wasn’t long before the conversation veered onto why I was travelling alone. I didn’t want that, and so managed to veer the conversation back to him.