Once Upon An Arrow

Prolouge

I run through the forest, my feet hitting the ground hard as I crush leaves and sticks underneath me. I hear my heart beating in my ears and feel the blood pumping through my veins. The wind howls as I cut through it, making my ears freeze and blood rush to my pale cheeks. My eyes are wide as I take in the scenery around me, aware of every sound and being. I clutch my bow tightly as my cloak is being dragged behind me. I try to control my breath as it comes out in small puffs, chest heaving. I haven't felt this alive since my very first hunt. It feels like I am one with the forest, like I am part of it and it of me. I can't believe that I am still sane from not being outside for so long, the castle walls making me Claustrophobic.

A shrill screech from above snaps me out of my trance. I immediately halt in my steps, looking up towards the sky. A slight smile grazes my face as I realize what it is. A shadow fell over me and the flapping of majestic wings can be heard as the giant Golden Eagle lands on a branch not too far from me. I walk towards the beautiful predator, the smile never leaving my face. "It has been awhile old friend", I addressed him, slowly stroking his feathers. He tilt his head, looking at me with his sparkling, wide eyes. I looked towards his claw and see the golden ring that I have put on him when I found him on my very first hunt.

My old companion hops onto my shoulder and I slightly laugh at him when he nearly slipped off. I continue through the woods in a relaxed pace, humming an old familiar tune that my father used to sing while hunting. Flashes of my first hunt come to my mind and I smile fondly at the memories, my smile turning grim as I remember what happened afterwards. The Golden beauty nudged my head, making me remember the good that came out that day, my spirits was instantly lifted. I see in a break in the trees, the castle standing tall and proud, showing its holding a superior. I look at its aged, strong walls with barely any cracks in it.

I knew that I had to go back; the forest has to wait another day, it is time to get back to work. I walk towards the castle doors with my head held high and my precious eagle standing proudly on my shoulder. The guards recognized me and immediately opened the doors, greeting me with a smile. I nod my head in acknowledgement and kept on walking. As I pass through the great halls, I admire all of the paintings of kings with their hunters before me. I look forward again and see the doors that may finally lead me to my destiny, my fate, my dream. I have been training for years for this moment, I'm just trying not to get my hopes up, but it has been too long and I am the final senior hunter left.

I stopped in front of the door and took a deep breath. I straighten myself and knocked on the door, holding my breath as I wait for a response. I hear a rough reply, "Come in".
I relax slightly as I open the door and walk in. "You wanted to see me Sir Lucas", I stated more than enquired.
I look into the eyes of my mentor, the very man that saved me all those years ago in that dark forest. He looked tired, with bags under his eyes that made him look much more older than he really is. He took a deep breath before answering me, "Yes, Midnight please sit down", he said while gesturing towards the chair in front of his desk. My companion hopped onto the backrest of the chair while I sat down.

"Now, Midnight, you know that you are like a daughter to me, right? I must confess that I purposely tried to keep you here for long as possible, because I don't want to send you out to that world. I know for a fact that you will be one of the top hunters which will increase your enemies", he told me with seriousness in his eyes. I wasn't too surprised since I already suspected that he had something to do with my delays.
"Sir, I know that I still have much to learn, but I also know that I have many allies out there ready to help. Yes, I am aware of the danger, but I already knew that since the day I asked you to train me." I looked into his eyes to make sure that he understood.

He nodded his head and sighed, "Well then, you better get ready. You leave tomorrow."