Mosaic Windows

Chapter 23: I Know Exactly What Jokes You're Going to Make

"How good are you at reading maps?" Logan asked Remus.

The younger boy shrugged. "Decent. Why?"

"We have some rabbit traps set up around here that I'd like you to check out." The medic handed him a map and bag. "There are a few trees marked around here with x's, that'll help you figure out where you're going."

"Rabbit traps? That's so lame."

"I imagine I would regret it if I hand you a gun, and you did say you were good with traps. Do you happen to have a knife on you?"

"Yeah, never leave home without it! Except for when I'm going to work, my boss doesn't like me having it. Though there are still some kitchen knives there so I don't see the point." Remus shrugged.

"Well, when you get to one of the traps, if it has a live rabbit, please put it down before stuffing it into the sack. We don't need it to suffer anymore than it has to."

"Got it, you can trust on me!"

"Oh, and do be careful. We have a few pit holes around here for bigger prey, they're not spiked or anything, but you won't be able to get out on your own. They're marked on the map, but you should still watch your step."

"I'll keep that in mind." Remus gave him a salute and spun on his heel. He heard Logan sigh behind him and smiled. Hopefully he'll be able to wear him down by the end of the day.

After walking for a while, he reached the first tree with an x mark on it. Underneath it was the number three carved into it. Remus glanced at the map to see where he was. It wasn't too far from the castle, and according to the key on the side, it wasn't too far from the first rabbit trap.

He turned and made his way to the first trap. It was empty. He decided to go to the closest one next, noticing that all the rabbit traps made a circle around the castle. That made it easier to check all of them, and they were spread out evenly as well.

The second trap was empty, but the third was chewed off. It must have caught something, and whatever it was it escaped. Remus sighed and grabbed a pencil, he always carries one on him much like Roman. He put a mark on the map next to the trap, making a note to tell Logan that the trap was broken.

He started making his way to the fourth trap, hoping for more luck, when he heard a small bark. His head snapped in that direction and he went stiff. Was it crazy to think that he recognized the bark?

From where the bark came from Remus could see a large black blur moving towards him. His first thought was that it was a bear, but that was ridiculous, because it did not sound like a bear. That was unfortunately all the time he had to think before the black blur jumped on top of him.

"Saint!" a voice above Remus shouted.

He couldn't see who it was since the dog was licking his face clean. A laugh bubbled up his throat as he tried to push Saint's head away.

"Okay okay, I'm happy to see you too!" he laughed, pushing himself up. He looked up to see the worst person in front of him. "I'm not happy to see you."

Janus folded his arms. "And what are you doing here?"

"I was visiting my friends! Who don't like you very much, so why are you here?" Remus stood up and Saint circled him, sniffing him thoroughly.

The hunter shrugged. "Can't I walk around in the forest? I'm just taking Saint for a walk."

"Oh and you need a sword to do that?"

Janus shifted so the sword on his hip was out of view. "There are plenty of dangerous creatures in this forest."

"Like a dragon witch?"