|[ THE FAERI'S KEEPER ]|

Chapter 3: The Archer - Part I

I woke to the sound of snuffled breathing and my heart jumped into my throat. I could only register one thought as it pierced through the barrier of fear settling over my brain - the dogs’ were back; the Faeris had found me. Panic threatened to engulf me I sucked in a sharp breath and scrambled out of bed. I grabbed my bow and ran to the gap and looked down at the ground. There was nothing there, nothing at all. I stayed for a few moments, wondering if it was a trick, but nothing appeared. I let out the breath, relaxing against the wall. Had I imagined the noise? Perhaps I had been dreaming? I was about to put my bow back when the snuffling sound started up again behind me and I whirled around. A strange bird sat on the mattress, looking up at me with wide, bright eyes. It had dark feathers, with a hint of satin-blue throughout its body. It hopped towards me and nodded its head in a funny way, making that strange snuffling noise. I almost grinned in relief – it was just a bird. Just a stupid bird. I put my bow down and glanced around the room.

How had it gotten in here? Through the gap in the wall I guessed. But what was I supposed to do with it? I couldn’t keep it; it would only get in the way. And I knew that if it followed me around everywhere, I would easily draw attention. I narrowed my eyes at the bird, setting my jaw. It mimicked me, clicking its beak as it cocked its head at me. I quickly hid the amused smile that threatened to spread on my face.

“Go on, shoo.” I said. It just hopped to the side and then back again. “Go on!” I cried with a grin, waving my arms at it. It gave me a sharp caw and snapped its beak at me.

“Are you hungry?” I asked, laughing, “I don’t have any food, if that’s what you’re looking for.” The bird hopped forwards again, tail wiggling strangely and pecked at my boot. I wondered if the bird could turn out to be dangerous. It pecked at the laces, tugging them almost undone. I doubted it would turn out to be a threat. “Go on,” I said loudly, “Go.” I gently nudged it away with my boot, hoping it would fly away. It gave a short cry in protest and hopped away back onto my mattress. I sighed tiredly – god it was already becoming frustrating. I knelt down and re-tied my laces. I began pulling my armour on as it watched me with brilliant turquoise eyes that never seemed to blink.

“Well,” I said softly as I pulled the bodice on and began lacing it up, “Im going now so if you’re coming, let’s go.” I pulled my bow and quiver over my shoulder. The bird paused for a second as I opened the door before it scurried across the floor in three bounds and jumped out the door. I laughed at the funny way its tail always wiggled every time it moved. I grabbed the short knife from beside the wall and tucked it into my boot before I shut the door tightly behind me. I opened the stairway and began walking down. The bird spiralled through the air overhead before it dived down and landed softly on my shoulder as I reached the ground. Its sharp talons made quiet scrabbling noises against the steel. I closed the stairs and walked off, feeling the bird wobble slightly as I walked.

***

As we approached the city gates I pulled the hood of my new cloak up and over my face. The bird started at the sudden movement and leapt off my shoulder and disappeared back into the trees. I almost missed its newfound company. Almost. But if I had walked into the city with an exotic bird on my shoulder I would’ve been sure to draw attention. I made sure the cloak was covering the armour completely. The guards who were posted at the gates of Trinstone generally did not give visitors much notice, but I didn’t want to give them any reason to draw attention to me. After one last check to see that the shiny metal wasn’t visible I moved.

“Halt.” The Faeri Guards called as I approached them, “Who wishes to enter the city of Trinstone?” they were an imposing sight, with obvious discipline and formation. I noticed them both clutch the hilts of the broad-swords as they eyed my bow and quiver nervously.  My heart was beating in my ears – it was always a risk entering the city, but it was a risk I had to take.