The Thorn in My Side

Part 5

They stopped to prepare camp at nightfall. The sun held its own against the pull of the horizon while sleeping mats were prepared and a circle of rocks was laid out for a campfire. Rowan set out for suitable sticks along with two other knights. Alex asked to join and before she could say anything, he skipped into the forest past her.

It didn't take long for them to find a good source of wood and start gathering the branches. As they stocked up, Alex attempted to spark a conversation.

"So, you're a hunter, I presume?" Alex questioned. He shook his hand violently after discovering a large insect on the piece of wood he grabbed.

"Huntress would be the correct term, but yes. Why?" She almost rolled her eyes at the mistake that was strangely common.

"Yes, of course, of course," he rushed. "So that means you've been all over every kingdom? I wish I could be a hunter- I would love to see all of the beautiful lands all over Ilira. Maybe one day, I'd like to join your line of-" Rowan cut him off.

"No offense, your highness, but my line of work is not just traveling and sightseeing. Yes, I have the bonus of seeing lands like your own or Shaiya. However, a hunter's main purpose would not suit a royal who has never left their own castle, unfortunately." This caught Alex off guard. Even though her tone was even, no one had ever snapped at him like that other than his father. She brushed past him, gesturing to the group to head back to camp.

As they ate their dinner, Alex couldn't help but dwell on what Rowan said. Her response made him wonder if his parent's overbearing nature may have been more effective than he thought. He glanced across the flames to see her laying on a large boulder, setting up for the first watch. An elegant falcon flew down to a low-hanging branch beside her. The moon shone brightly upon them both, painting a ghostly glow upon their figures.

The next day passed by slowly as they made their way back to the kingdom. Alex had to make many stops, slowing them down. One was just for him to wipe a patch of dust off of his already muddy jacket. In his defense he thought he saw a spider.

The sun was just barely touching the horizon as the company arrived at the palace's steps where the soldiers lined up in preparation to meet the king and queen. Rowan helped Alex off of the steed, who sighed at the loss of the extra weight.

"Thank you, uh-" he whispered to the horse.

"Hunter," Rowan answered with a sharp tone as she sorted through the bags on his back.

"Hunter? Well, a fitting name for the steed of a huntress," Alex flashed his famous charming smile at her before being smacked in the face with a sack. Inside were his valuables that the men had robbed him of, including the medal that had been clipped to his suit jacket.

Rowan stalked past him and stopped at the bottom of the steps. At the top stood the king and queen, who looked down in anxiousness and relief. Alex rushed to greet them, almost tripping a few times. The hug that came after seemed to last a lifetime. Simple endearing words were exchanged but the silence was bathed in. Rowan swore she could hear some of the knights sniffle.

Alex reluctantly released his parents and turned to Rowan, who was readying Hunter for departure. Alex grabbed her attention and beckoned her to join them.

"Mother, father. I don't suppose there is any way we can thank Miss Brookes?" Sebastian cleared his throat.

"Yes, of course. Miss Rowan Brookes, we are so very grateful that you have returned our son back to us in good health. We would love to treat you to a feast fit for a king and a reward in gold to thank you properly." His proposal was clear, as if he was offering the whole kingdom. He looked at her expectantly but his eyes were filled with sincere gratitude. Rowan smiled softly before responding.