I woke up about an hour before dawn to find myself in the middle of an animal snuggle pile. Nocte had once again nosed his way into my arms, while Lepus was sprawled across the bed, her back to the wall and legs draped over me and Lena. Kouda was dangling precariously from the edge of the bed, effectively pinning Lena between him and his mate. I began trying to disentangle myself from the mass of limbs only to shift the wrong way and tip Kouda off the bed.
The resounding THUD was loud enough to wake the dead, but not loud enough to awaken sleeping blacksmiths. However, my relief at not waking my hosts was short lived, Lena jolted awake with a slight squeal.
"What on Earth?" Lena questioned, groggily rubbing her eyes. "Is this how you always wake up?"
"Pretty much," I answered as I helped her get untangled.
When that was finished Lena ran to her room to get dressed, leaving me to change. I used this time to mull things over. I would need to go back to Cyndi's today, I had to confirm my suspicions or clear her name, plus I had given my word that I would. It doesn't matter which way this goes, I thought, I don't think I'll see her again. I would never know where that strange thought came from, but I disregarded it. I had more important things to worry about.
By the time Lena came back in I was already dressed and sitting on the bed, waiting.
"Will you keep an eye on Lepus and Nocte while I'm out?" I asked.
"I can, but I thought that you would want to take them with you," Lena replied, confused.
"Normally you'd be right, but I can't take them with me this time. I need to move quickly; Nocte is injured and Lepus is pregnant. I also can't afford to have to worry about them if I need to fight."
"Are you sure, I don't think you should leave them behind, what if something happens?" Lena persuaded, the concern on her face was obvious.
"That's part of the reason I am leaving them behind, if something happens to me and Kouda, they'll be able to track me down."
"And what if only Kouda comes back? How will they know when to track you down?"
"Then the same rules apply, Lepus will start tracking me if I'm not back within two days," I answered.
"But-" Selena began to protest.
"No ifs, ands, buts, or maybes Selena. I am not getting anyone else mixed up in this if I can help it. And before you ask I am not taking you with me." I cut her off, making it clear that my decision was final. But before I could give Lepus her instructions, she cut into the conversation.
"Do we not get a say in this hare brained plan of yours?" she growled.
"I'm sorry darling, but not this time. If it were only your life at risk I would let you come, but it isn't," I soothed.
"I still don't like it," she conceded.
"You don't have to like it, you just have to stick to the plan," I stated.
"Fine, I'll follow your plan. But I'm only giving you a day. If you are not back by tomorrow morning I'm coming after you!" Lepus yapped.
"Fine!" I growled, "twenty-four hours and not a second sooner."
By now Nocte has woken up and was observing our argument with Kouda. Honestly, I'm surprised we didn't wake the whole house. It must be a sight, witnessing the great Lillian Sumner having a one-sided argument with a dog, I thought. I must've chuckled at the thought, because Lena started asking questions.
"What's so funny?"
"Oh, nothing really. I just thought that it must be amusing to watch me negotiate with my own hunting dog," I explained.
YOU ARE READING
The Scarlet Huntress
خيال (فانتازيا)Once upon a time I had a family that loved me and a home I adored, but all of that is gone now; now I, Lillian Sumner, am the last of my bloodline. What started as a simple Hunt has turned into a trip down the rabbit hole, what do a lost fiancé, but...
