The Queen's Thief

Chapter 45: Hunters

*23 years old*
*Enchanted Forest*
~Sam's pov~

I finally was allowed to go off by myself again. Snow wouldn't let me until my ankle fully healed.

The main thing that bothered me about that was that I haven't seen Red since she went to the closest town market.

"Snow is Red normally gone this long?"

"No, but she probably wants to run it's a full moon tonight." Snow said as she added a log to the fire place.

"A run does sound like fun."

"I don't think that's a good idea." Snow stated while looking at me like I was a wounded animal.

"Snow, trust me I don't need a mother figure telling me what's good for me." I placed a hand on her shoulder. "I listened before because you were right, but I'm better now. I promise."

"That arrow..."

"Just added a new pretty scar to the collection." I said as I showed her some of the scars that decorated my side.

"Oh my..."

I could tell where that was going to go.

"Before you say another word. These are marks I carry with pride. I've earned these doing good things." I pulled down my shirt as I spoke. "I don't regret getting hurt. I'd do it over again."

She didn't say anything after that, so I took that as my que to leave.

The forest was too quiet. As in even the birds weren't singing as if something big was happening.

I made sure to stay aware of my surroundings as I walked down the dusty path. I couldn't tell you how long I had been walking, but it was starting to grow dark.

I began to hear shouting in the distance and the sound of a crying animal. It sounded as if it were  trapped and scared.

I drew my sword as I ran to the source. Sure enough I saw a group of hunters around a fire drinking and a wolf in a cage.

The wolf seemed to be stuck and unable to break free from the cage. I stayed in the darkness as I made my way around their camp and closer to the caged wolf.

"She though she was clever hiding behind these rags." One of the drunken hunters began to laugh as he held up a red cloak.

"Red?" I whispered which gained the wolf's attention.

I was surprised  because I had never actually seen her in wolf form up close before.

At first she growled not realizing I was there to help her.

"It's ok." I spoke as I examined the cage. There was a rune on the bars which I'm guessing prevented Red from breaking free.

"They're werewolf hunters aren't they?" I kneeled down next to the cage.

She slowly nodded her head.

I began to skillfully pick the lock before I used my blade to cut the runes on the door of the cage.

"Run home. I'll get your cloak." I said as she stepped out.