Huntsmen and Hoods by Laura Greenwood

Author:Laura Greenwood
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Drowlgon Press

Chapter Nine

I drop the last of our packs onto the pile next to the bench and step back. I turn my attention to the path, hoping to see Kit walking back towards me with the medicine we need for Grandmother. He's managed to get the academy to provide it, but they needed a little extra time. I glance up at the sky, trying to judge how much daylight we have left. We should get to Grandmother's before darkness falls, but it'll be a close call.

There's a small part of me that hopes we'll get caught out near nightfall and I'll have to spend the whole night camping with Kit. The rest of me knows that isn't the best thing that can happen. I don't know how ill Grandmother is. I don't want to risk her health any more than I have to.

"Leaving, are you?"

I sigh and turn to face Peter, even though I don't want to. I'm not sure what he gets out of our exchanges, but I wish he'd stop bothering. I was tired of them even before they started. Now I'm even more so.

"There's a family emergency," I say, not wanting to lie in case it comes out another way.

"You're leaving for family?"

I raise an eyebrow. "Do you have a problem with that?"

"A proper Huntsman wouldn't leave for a family matter," he taunts.

I'm sure it isn't true, but his words still sting. Being part of the Huntsmen isn't about giving up every aspect of life that isn't about that. Huntsmen can get married, start a family, even hold political positions. We're just trained to do some of the other jobs around the kingdoms that others don't. A lot of the bodyguards, messengers, and riders throughout the kingdoms are Huntsmen. Or were one at some point. And that's what I want to be. It gives me a chance to make a difference.

But that doesn't mean giving up my family. If it did, then this isn't something I'd want.

"There are lots of things that make a proper Huntsman. Class is one of them."

Peter isn't quick enough to hide the shock which flashes across his face. I squash down the smugness that brings out in me. I don't want him to think he makes me feel anything. He'll only use it against me at a later date, and that's something I can't have. No matter what happens, he won't get the better of me.

"And where is this family matter taking you? To your Grandmother's, maybe?" His smile turns into a sneer.

I flinch as he says it, hating that he knows what it means. No matter what secrets I've ended up telling Kit, none of them make me feel as vulnerable as the fact Peter knows about my prophecy. I was a fool to tell him about it, but I didn't know any better at the time.

I won't make the mistake of trusting him again.

"Oh, it is. Isn't it?"

"It's none of your business where I'm going. The Head Huntsman, and the Headmistress, are both aware of my destination.

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