Huntsman

Chapter 19

Abram and David sprinted across the vast field outside the castle, staying low in hopes that the darkness shadowed them. They looked back to see if anyone was after them yet, shouts still echoing in the distance. No one had come out of the castle yet, but it was only a matter of time before riders came bounding across the field.

They focused on the trees ahead, knowing it would be easier to get away once within the forest. They were close, but not close enough for comfort. One leg after the other pounded against the ground beneath them. Abram felt bare without his Huntsman armor, but his black tunic and trousers served as a much needed cloak in the nighttime.

Not more than a few hundred feet away from the woods, they glanced back to find a fleet of horses galloping from the open gate. Abram felt his heart stop in his chest. His breath went shallow, partially from how much they had run and also from the dreaded thought of being caught.

This is it. They had to keep going or both his and David's lives were finished. As he felt discouragement seeping into his mind, his muscles aching, he focused on something—anything—to give him hope. His mother came to mind, and if David was telling the truth, she was headed to safety. The thought of being able to see her again sent a spark to his chest and energy through his limbs. He picked up speed, David forcing himself to keep up.

The drum of half a dozen horse's hooves thundered behind them, the shock of their power against the ground sending jolts through Abram and David's feet. They could hear the riders bellowing and sneering, and they knew the queen's men expected to have the traitors in hand in no time.

Abram had glanced over his shoulder at them, and the closing distance between them made his heart jolt. When he looked forward again, he almost shouted for joy as they burst beyond the threshold of trees. David started zigzagging, Abram following his lead. They wove through branches and tree trunks like a sewing needle through cloth, Abram getting his legs tangled once and nearly falling to his knees.

Then, as the trees thickened and the horses behind them whinnied in protest,David skidded to a stop. Abram clamped onto a tree to stop himself from tripping, and turned to his companion with a scrunched brow. "What are you doing?"

David looked back, the riders not in sight. "We have to veer as far off the path as we can. Their steeds are already having trouble as it is. These woods turn to a near jungle just beyond there-" he pointed, as if he could see to where he referred, "If we can get there before they catch up, we'll have the upper hand."

Abram nodded, and as David bolted he too broke into a determined sprint. They headed into the thicket of the trees, the branches overhead blocking out any light from the moon and stars. Their breaths were heavy and laden with exhaustion, the miles they had run taking another toll on their legs. There was no stopping now, though, and they depended on every last ounce of adrenaline.

At the same time they both spotted a fallen log, eyeing each other in the dark. They vaulted themselves over the top of it, sliding down the small slope and tucking away under the shelter it provided. There was a grassy ledge that allowed them to sink back even further, and the moment of rest sent a painful shock of relief to their lungs.

It took only a couple minutes before they could feel the thrum of the hooves above the ledge, and one rider questioned where'd they gone as if his comrades knew. They kept going, however, not slowing as they trudged through the thicket. It was only a matter of time before they'd have to turn back, but for now they pressed onward.

"Interesting transition, isn't it?" David whispered. "You go from being a huntsman to being the hunted."