|[ THE FAERI'S KEEPER ]|

Chapter 6: Intrusion

I had past the first trees of the forest long before the alarm for my ‘robbery’ had started up. I glanced over my shoulder with a grin as the bells started ringing in the distance, barely a nuisance. I could imagine the Guards scrambling around the city like ants in a maze, trying to find me. I pictured them turning over every table, every wagon and barrel in the place, and realising I was gone. It gave me a sense of immense satisfaction. I wove through the trees with ease, wondering vaguely if any of the Guards would ever think to search for me in the forest. I guessed they wouldn’t – this was my home. I knew it better than the back of my hand. I passed by my tree without opening the stairs. I didn’t want to go up – not yet. I was hungry and I wanted to test out my new arrows. Time to go hunting.

Hunting game was easy enough if you knew what to do. I picked up a handful of dead leaves and let them go, watching the way they fluttered in the wind. They drifted away to my left so I started walking that way. If I was to make sure the game didn’t smell me or sense my presence I was going to have to stay down-wind and quiet.I trailed a game path, covered with the prints of dozens of deer and other mammals. It was fresh enough for me to hope for a sighting of them.

Come on, Felinir… don’t fail me now.

I nocked an arrow and walked slowly, trying to keep silent.  A branch snapped behind me and I whirled, releasing the arrow. It sliced through the air and into the trunk of a tree, shattering upon impact. I growled in frustration when I realised no one was behind me. I looked up and saw a bird shuffling along the branch. As it stepped the wood creaked and snapped, the branch groaning under its small weight. I wondered if the wood was rotten. I looked up at the bird again, feeling uncomfortable. Those eyes… it stared at me an awful lot. The temptation to shoot it took a hold of me and my fingers moved to the arrows at my shoulder. Would it make a good meal? It looked pretty scrawny from where I was standing, just feathers and bones. I sighed and dropped my arm, turning away. The bird gave a sharp caw as I started walking. I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that was beginning to niggle at the back of my mind.

***

The deer were gathered in a small clearing before me, bathing in the warm sunlight that was streaming down. I made sure I was still down-wind, crouching low and walking slowly. I nocked and aimed my arrow. I didn’t want to take down a big deer – I wouldn’t be able to eat that much and it would be too much effort to carry it around with me – but I aimed at the small fawn at the edge of the herd. I pulled the arrow back until my hand rested against my mouth as I focused. I took a deep breath, feeling my whole body coil like a spring, ready to kill.

Suddenly a loud cry disturbed the herd and they took off running. I desperately tried to shoot the fawn but the arrow missed its side by a few yards. The arrow buzzed away into the long grass where I knew I would never find it again. I turned my angry glare from the disappearing herd to the sound of voices. A group of Faeri Guards appeared in the clearing, armour gleaming brightly. A moment later a Knight stepped into view, obviously in command. His appearance sent a shiver of apprehension through me – they must really want me if they were sending their best out. One was swatting something off his shoulder, mouth still open in shock. The others gave him sharp looks.

“Quiet!” they snapped, “You’ll alert everything in the area to our presence.”

“Are you sure it’s gone?” the Guard who was still waving his arms as if trying to shake off something, “The bleeding thing bit me! By Apvidus’ blood I hope I squashed it.” The others ignored him.

“Are you sure she went this way?” one asked, looking frustrated and flustered.

“Yes, I’m sure.” Another snapped, “The bird led us this way.”