The Huntsmen

by Honor James

  “I’m gasping for air and can’t freaking breathe,” she grumbled. Her arms around his neck she watched where they were going and locked her legs around his front just above his navel as she had with Dierk.

  Chuckling, he shook his head, “We’ll have to work on that won’t we? It’s okay, Snow, we’ll work you up to full day runs with us,” he assured her, squeezing her thighs. “Don’t want to wear you out at anything we do so we very definitely need to get you in shape.”

  “I like how that sounds.” Snow smiled and rubbed her cheek to his once more before kissing it. “Then again I love being held by you, feeling your body against mine,” she said with a smile. “I love the feeling of you carrying me.”

  “And I love carrying you around, you’re very light and soft in all the right places,” he teased with a grin. Jumping over a small bog, he changed directions again as soon as he heard the short whistle. “We’ve got another few miles then we’ll be there, Snow, you ready for the Elven Queen?”

  “As ready as I can possibly get.” Snow hated it, a great deal. She didn’t like that the first Royal she’d meet as an adult was the Elven Queen, a woman that made men and women quake in their boots more often than not.

  “Just be yourself, Snow, and if you get stuck we’re here to help you,” Niklaus said quietly. “Just remember to show her respect but don’t bow or scrape to her. She may be Queen but you’ll be in that position soon enough, now is the time to show her how strong you are in your core being. She’ll likely try to trip you up but listen to your heart and gut, they can’t be fooled by whatever illusion she may attempt.”

  Snow nodded and said, “Thank you for the advice. I’ll try to recall all that mother had done when she was alive as well.” However, the simple truth was that her mother had died well before Snow had been able to glean much information from her on how a Queen should behave.

  Squeezing her thighs, he shrugged, “Just trying to be helpful, love. Each King and Queen are different, you just have to find your own inner Queen. One thing I will also suggest is to ensure she knows Dierk will be your King. Present a united front before her, find your rhythm together, and let it go from there.”

  “We’ve been working on that part. Are you certain you aren’t upset it’ll be Dierk who’ll be King not yourself?” She never wanted her men to ever think they didn’t mean as much to her as another did. She was worried they’d think that with her asking Dierk to be King.

  “Oh hell no,” his large body shuddered. “I’m not the sort that can always say the right thing or act the right way. I can manage it for short periods of time but after a while I just can’t help but say what I mean, which usually means I get into shit and have to run dragging my poor hapless friends along with me.”

  “Yes that’d be bad. In this case it’d be an entire kingdom and we can’t have that,” she shrugged and continued, “You’ll always be there at our sides though. I know you’ll never back down from a fight, no matter how much you claim you would.” That meant a great deal to her.

  “True enough,” he agreed and chuckled as he jumped a log. “I do love a good brawl now and again. Plus you know I’ll always be around, I love you, Snow, and you aren’t getting rid of me. I suppose you could but I’ll go kicking and screaming for the record.”

  “Then it’s a very good thing I don’t want you going anywhere for the rest of our lives,” Snow said with a smile and brushed her lips down his neck, nibbling gently as she did. “I certainly don’t plan on ever letting you go, just for the record.”

  “That’s very good to know,” he laughed and skidded to a stop. “Shh,” he held up a finger and tipped his head. “Hold on,” he warned and turned to their left to start running again. “Sorry about that, but apparently there’s a ravine ahead we need to avoid.”

  “Yes ravines are very bad. I didn’t bring my ready to die clothes so I’d really prefer if we remained as far from one as possible. I’m afraid of heights you see. That’s why she locked me in a tower, she knew I wouldn’t be able to try to get out even if I could fit through the small hole that was my window to the world.”

  “So not only was she evil, she was devious and sadistic too,” Niklaus snorted. “Just makes you want to hate her even more. I’m going to think up even more vicious things to do to her before letting her finally perish and quit this world.”

  “Nope, I don’t want her hanging on any longer than she has to. I need her to draw her last vile breath as quickly as humanly possible so we can begin to rebuild our worlds.” Snow squeezed Niklaus’s neck and added, “So I can live out my happily ever after with my Huntsmen.”

  “That’s almost so sweet I’m about to burst into tears,” he said with a chuckle. Slowing down, he nodded to the others as he eased her down. “Now I know you said you’ve issues with heights, Snow, but we only have one way across this crevice here.” Nik stepped to the side and waved to the bridge dangling over the ravine.

  Snow gasped looking at the gorge. Shaking her head, she stepped back, “There has to be another way.” She had to look up. Needed to look up otherwise she’d be looking down, which would be very bad, she’d throw up. She didn’t think the Fae would appreciate that too much.

  “There isn’t, Snow,” Baldric said from her side. Putting his hand on her back, he turned her to face him and cupped her cheeks. “We’ll get you across however you want to go, but we have no other way without spending another six days running through their lands to get to a point where we could actually jump.”

  “Oh dear Goddess,” Snow leaned into Baldric, her whispered words caught his ears. “How do you plan to get me across? I don’t think I could walk it. I’d likely have an attack. I could end up hurting everyone on the bridge with me if I did. Panicking at the wrong time on the bridge would be very, very bad.”

  “Same way we’ve gotten you this far, Snow. You’ll have your eyes shut and you will keep them that way no matter what. If need be, we’ll blindfold you so you can’t see anything, even if you do attempt to open your eyes,” he told her, rubbing her back.

  “You should do that. I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to keep my eyes closed. However, if you blindfolded me I should be able to cross on my own power, as long as my hands can touch the ropes and my feet the wooden boards. I’d just ask all of you to cross first. I don’t want to endanger any of you.”

  “Not happening, Snow, we’ll remain with you, as we swore to do. We don’t give our vows lightly. We don’t ever break them. Do you wish to rest for a few moments before we begin or do you wish to proceed and rest on the other side?”

  “I’m going to need one of you on both sides,” Snow’s voice quaked. “Blindfold me to get us started then, Baldric, may the Goddess be watching over you for wanting to remain with me on the bridge.”

  Chuckling, he dug in his pack and pulled out a shirt. Using his teeth, he tore a piece free and folded it, “Eyes closed and turn so I can tie this without getting all your hair caught. We’ll remain with you because that’s our place, Snow, now and for all time.”

  “Have I mentioned how much I love all three of you?” Snow asked, leaning back against Baldric. “You do belong at my side. All three of you but I’d truly rather you didn’t get harmed because of me. Are you very certain you wish to be on the bridge with me?”

  “If you got stuck one of us would have to come for you anyway,” Baldric said. Settling the fabric over her eyes, he tightened it up behind her head. “How’s that feel? Can you see anything? Is it too tight?”

  “It feels fine. I can’t see anything and it’s not too tight.” Snow leaned back against him once more and took a deep breath. “Will you send the others across first? I don’t want to be responsible for them.”

  “Most of the Elven Guard are across the bridge watching us. Dierk will go first, you’ll be right behind him then I’ll be right behind you,” Baldric said next to her ear. “Niklaus will remain on this side with the last three Elves until we’re across just in case there’s any trouble
.”

  Snow nodded, trusting her men implicitly. “Alright then, my Huntsmen, let’s get across this blasted bridge so I may collapse on the other side in victory.” They would be victorious, somehow. “I trust you.” Snow believed in and trusted her Huntsmen.

  Taking her hand in his, Baldric held it out, “Dierk is going to take your hand and guide you to the bridge. I’ll keep my hands on your hips to keep you moving straight until you have your feet on the boards and your hands on the ropes. Ready?”

  “No, I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for this.” Snow’s voice was soft but there was a nod as she took in another full lungful of air and let it out to relax herself. “Alright, let’s move as swiftly as we can please?”

  Baldric’s hands on her hips and Dierk’s hand in hers, they guided her to the bridge. They slowed as she inched on, one foot sliding before her slightly to gain her footing. Dierk took both of hers hands and put them on the ropes. “Be sure to lift your feet every step you take, the boards aren’t even at all,” Dierk’s voice warned her.

  “Will it be alright if we go slow and steady?” Snow asked Dierk as she took her first step, pausing when the bridge swung slightly. “Oh by the Gods,” she breathed. “Which is best? Should I go slowly or should I go fast?”

  “We’re going to move at a steady, consistent pace,” Dierk’s voice told her. “Move one hand to my back and grip the waist of my pants. Keep your arm slightly bent so we’re not too far apart and so you aren’t yanked forward with each step I take. The other you keep on the rope. Baldric will put one hand on your shoulder to help guide your pace.” A moment later a hand landed lightly on her left shoulder and squeezed.

  “Well then it's more than past time for us to get moving.” She didn’t like making the Elves wait for them, they were far too unpredictable. “I trust you.” Taking another gulping breath, she let them dictate the pace in which they moved, studiously trying to put the swaying bridge out of her mind as they moved.

  “That’s good, Snow,” Baldric’s voice floated to her ears. “You’re doing great. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and we’re just out for a walk. Keep your chin up. You keep dropping it as though you want to look down. Keeping it up will help a little with your balance.”

  Snow lifted her chin as instructed and said, “I do love walks in the sunshine. The feel of the sun on my face is such a welcome change from so very long in darkness. The sun was a very good touch, Baldric.”

  “I thought so myself,” he chuckled, sounding very proud of himself.

  “Enough of the chest puffing back there, I don’t think the four of us will fit on the bridge,” Dierk’s voice said with an added groan.

  “There are only,” Baldric started, but trailed off. “Oh. Ha ha, very funny cranky pants. What’s got you so pissy?”

  “I’ve had an itch on the back of my neck for the last six miles we ran and now this bridge. Let’s step up the pace a little bit, Snow, brisk walk and remember to lift your feet as you’re walking through the brush. No need to trip on root’s out here.”

  “Yes, too true,” Snow said as they moved a little faster. She continued to lift her feet, gaining more confidence with each step they took. “Please tell me we’re at least halfway there?” she begged.

  “We’re just over halfway across, Princess,” Baldric said, squeezing her shoulder. “We’re heading slightly uphill now. So you’ll feel a little more burn in your thighs as we climb a bit.”

  “I’ll be okay, we’re just climbing a hill right? We’ll have a picnic waiting for us at the end.” Snow was doing anything she could to distract her mind from the bridge began to sway with each step they took.

  “Absolutely,” Dierk’s voice reassured her. “Nice gentle slope with a patch of little white flowers at the top where we can sit in the sun. Then, after we eat our meal, we can lay back and have a nap in the heat of those rays.”

  “It sounds wonderful.” Snow was gasping, on the edge of a full out panic attack. The wind had kicked up and the bridge was swaying faster. “Oh God,” she whimpered and gulped, pausing mid step. “I don’t know if I can continue.” Her whole mind was starting to seize, freeze up. It was not a pretty site.

  “We’re only ten feet away from the rise then we can sit in the sun, drink water, eat berries, and be comfortable. Keep going, darling, I’m right behind you,” Baldric said, pushing her shoulder lightly.

  With a nod she straightened her shoulders and continued on. When she finally stepped on true ground once more she felt her knees go weak and wanted to sob in happiness. “Oh my, thank you,” she had never been so happy to be on land before in her life.

  “I’ve got you,” Dierk wrapped her in his arms and tugged the blindfold off. Pulling her into his arms, he hugged her, “You were amazing, love,” he whispered, holding her tight to his chest. “Do you think you can manage a couple more steps before you sit down and drink some water?”

  “Yeah, just don’t let me go. As long as you’re holding me I’m good, just don’t let me go.” She knew showing weakness around the Elves was dangerous, but she couldn’t help herself even if she wanted to. She felt weak and hated herself for it.

  “I won’t,” he promised, rubbing her back. Shifting, he wrapped his arm around her waist and guided her to a log. Easing down with her, he passed the water, “Drink slowly then eat some fruit,” he murmured, pulling out the bag of snacks.

  “Just water for now. I don’t want to have anything in my stomach for a few minutes if you don’t mind.” Her voice quivered as she spoke, “I really would like to just sit here and enjoy the sun for a moment with you if you don’t mind please?”

  “Of course, love,” he set the pouch aside and leaned back. “Take all the time you need. We’re not in a rush, we have time. We’ll go wherever you’re ready to head out, but let’s limit it to a few minutes; otherwise, we’ll have to explain to the Elven Queen. Frankly, the less I have to be around her, the less likely I’ll want to shut her up.”

  “Good point. I can’t show her weakness either. It’s bad enough her men saw it and will carry the tale to her, but if we make it to her soon she’ll see I was able to overcome my fear, albeit through a trick of the mind, but we overcame it none the less.”

  “It took great courage to face your fear. It matters not how you faced it or what tactics you used to overcome it. What matters is that you did what you feared and came out stronger for it,” he grinned, pointing at her shaking hand.

  “I’m never going over a gorge again,” she whispered. “I don’t have to go over another bridge like that again will I? I’d just sit on the side and simply break down in tears. I’d cry my heart out instead.”

  “There’s only the one and it’s on Elven land, love,” Dierk lifted his hand and stroked her hair lightly. “If we’re successful we’ll be crossing a nice large, sturdy bridge on the return to the Palace to oust the Queen.”

  “Sounds good to me. I can do that because it would be me getting to that bitch and killing her,” Snow had vehemence in her voice as she spoke. “Alright,” a deep breath, “I’m as ready as I’m going to get. No food though please.”

  “No food for now,” he told her quietly. “You’ll be with Baldric this time. I need Niklaus on the perimeter for the remainder of the trip. Stay close to Baldric and know we’ll be at your side before you enter the Royal House.”

  “I know. I wouldn’t enter until you were there. You’re all mine. I’ll not go into an unknown place without mine at my sides and back. Besides, I love you, Dierk, I lean on you a great deal. I need you close to me.”

  “As I love you,” he whispered quietly. Cupping her face, he kissed her lightly, “We won’t be too far from you at any time. Baldric,” he called out to his friend. “She’s with you this portion. Don’t enter the Palace until we join you.”

  “Thank the Gods,” Baldric sighed, “place creeps me the hell out.”

  Snow looked to Baldric and smiled, “Don’t worry, love, I won’t give you too much
trouble. When we go in there I’ll do all I can in order to protect you,” she teased. Leaning her head on his shoulder when he settled at her side, she closed her eyes. “Thank you, for helping me tackle my fears.”

  Wrapping an arm around her, he pressed a kiss to her nose, “Always, Princess. It’s what families do after all. While we’re not the normal sort, we’re a family, Snow. Now, do you want to run or just climb on and ride so you can run the last yards to the Palace?”

  “Riding might be the best. I’ve already have far too many marks against me. Being carried on your back into the Queen’s castle would be a very bad thing. I guess I’m as ready as I’m going to get since it looks like they’re all getting ready to go as well.”

  “Alright, I’ll carry you until we reach the rise before the main lawns of the Palace. I’ll set you down there and we’ll run the last yards to her door together. We’ll wait for Nik and Dierk to join us.” Pressing a kiss to her lips, he let her go and turned, “Hop on, love.”

  Snow hopped onto his back and wrapped her legs around him. Leaning in close, she whispered against his ear, “You just love the fact that I’m wrapped around you. Granted, we’d both be happier if we were both naked and in a room together, but alas such is life.”

  “We’ll get naked later,” he said softly with a smile to her. “For now, let’s just get there without me tripping over something and bruising us both.” Putting his hands under her thighs, he took off once the signal was given by the Elven Guard.

  “It’d be a very good idea, to get there without falling over each other and all that happy-happy fun stuff.” Taking a breath, she closed her eyes and just held on, “Thank you for being mine.”

  “Always, Snow,” he said softly, squeezing her thighs. “I’ll always be there for you, Princess, you know that right?” Slowing down, he took them down a small hill before picking up speed. “Besides, someone has to keep Niklaus in line. Dierk and he tend to butt heads too often for it to be always amiable.”