Never Did I Think

Chapter 7 - Reds

Chapter 7

The next morning.

It's a new day, new opportunities and still I haven't forgotten anything.

No time for the past! It's the present. I thought.

I went and grabbed my food satchel and ate an apple, while I let Angus rest. He's also been stressed and confused, so I think some more rest will be good. Nothing's much different, the woods look the same, but it's not the same place. I must be quite far away from home now. I wonder if mother sent guards to look for me, I hope not. I just want them to trust me and stay put. They'll be safe at home and I as well when I'm finished.

Whilst eating my apple a very dirty rabbit came close. He or she, looked good enough to eat. I would have to clean it up a little but it's a gift this rabbit is right in front of me so peacefully. I carefully placed my apple in my satchel, aimed towards the rabbit and...

Bam, a fox got it. Before I could.

The fox was very tiny, I don't know how it managed to catch it, his fur was so clean and neat. I remembered.

Asher!   I thought.  Oh no.

I left him, alone while he needs me. Mother doesn't know about him. What am I going to do?

Meanwhile the fox smelled my bag, the one I had attached on Angus's saddle. Angus got nervous and began to neigh. I thought the fox would leave after that but he persisted.

"Get away, fox or I'll have to shoot you not to kill you just to warn you, aye?" I said aiming my bow.

As I got closer he got aggressive, it's odd because they don't get this way usually. Maybe he thought my bow was a threat. I shoot for his leg. He runs away groaning, he'll be fine it's just a scratch. The fox might bite the arrow off and it will probably heal. I lean on Angus and sigh heavily.

The woods are not so safe anymore, they never were.

That's when I the bag moving, the one the fox was checking out earlier, I didn't bother to check it, but now I do. As I slowly get closer, a cute little furry red head pops out of the bag.

Asher? How'd he get here? I thought.

I ran towards my dear Asher, who has grown a little bit since the time I took him in, and held him in my arms. "How did you get here?!" I say petting him. —"So this was your hideout while I was away? Nice, Ashie you're just like mum."

I could sense Angus was feeling jealous, so I just rubbed his hair in reassurance. "Angus, look who's here! Now you we wont be so lonely, you guys are more precious to me than my crown."

* * *

"What do you mean Merida left?"

I couldn't believe it, one second I thought I meant something to her, the next I ruined it, then when I come back she's gone and no one knows where. I should've known this would've happened, rumors about the Queen being raped, possibly pregnant among other disgusting things have been linking like a chain in less than twenty-four hours. She could be in trouble, even though she is strong that idiot is still out there and I can't leave her alone and unprotected.

The former Queen and the princes looked devastated, many have searched and haven't found her because they didn't think she'd go very far. "Elinor, I will find Merida, it's the least I could do."

"Macintosh, it is very courageous to offer help, but we've searched and we can't go much farther, our Kingdom also needs protection." Stated Elinor.

"Then what about the Queen, your daughter?" I ask desperately. —"We also need her,–"

"Silence, Macintosh I know about your feelings toward Merida. We also care for her, don't worry she'll come back or our guards will find her eventually." Says Elinor.

I stand up. "With all due respect, if you cared for her that much you would send your guards farther to search for her, I'm not standing still I will go and look for her, your majesty."

I turn around and head towards the doors, I'll go and find her and even if she doesn't love me, I won't let her forget that I'll never love anyone as much as I love her. Ever.

"Come on, we have to get going we have a long trip ahead of us." I said to my horse.

"Macintosh!" I hear a voice call.

It's Hamish. "What do you want?" I ask.

"Listen, I think I can help you." Says Hamish.

I roll my eyes. "How could you possibly help me? You don't have–"

"Yes, I know I'm not that skilled unlike my siblings, but I do have some good traits and the thing is I know Merida even better than my own mother, she trusts us with everything bothering her and every secret." He says.

This might help me find Merida. —"What's the thing that's going to help me?"

He grins confidently. "I happen to know who might've done that to her."

That idiot. If I find him I'll kill him. —"Who is it?"

"His name is Elton, from the West and claimed to be traveling. Brown hair, light eyes and very good with a bow and arrow. I don't trust this 'Elton' and she shouldn't have either but maybe she just got caught up because we where not there to help her ease her problems and pain." He looked guilty.

I place my hand on his shoulder reassuringly and I subtly grin. —"I'll find her and take her back, she will be so happy to see you."

With that I get on my horse and run off. Some people said they saw her going West and now I know this might just be where I'll find her. Whatever she's planning on doing, I hope it's not what I'm thinking.

A/N:

This is a long chapter! Made with lots of LOVE! Btw by Hamish stating he was unskilled is just because he's not good with a bow and not 'good enough' with a sword, contrary to his siblings. He sure is smart and we'll see more of him later.  Please support me and my other stories. THANK YOU FOR READING! :D

Sincerely,
Li/Natalia J.