Chapter 57: Another Failure

Chapter 57: Another Failure The next morning was the official start of the hunt. Last night, Abrielle didn’t have any sleep thinking about her next course of action, giving her dark circles. During the winter hunt, it was not an obligation for female participants to participate in the hunt event, but last night, Cedric came up with the worst idea ever. He demanded she escort him to the forest for the hunt. Which she did despite knowing how dangerous it was. It was impossible to run Cedric in an argument. Abrielle, at first, had a couple of ideas to orchestrate some man-made accident that could cause Cedric to be in an accident, but she changed her mind because she didn’t need it. There was no need for that because Cedric would be in for a surprise. The only problem was that she wasn’t meant to follow him for the hunt as she would be put in danger, but then again her husband had other plans. He insisted since she loved to attend the hunt so badly it was better she joined the thrill instead of staying back at camp enjoying tea and gossip while Cedric enjoyed the fun of the deadly hunt. This was the failure of her best plan ever, she was doomed. The neighing sounds of the horses rang as several participants made their way to the starting line. Several noblemen promised to dedicate their prey to their loved ones while the ladies gushed and gave them their wishes except for the few ladies like Abrielle who had to take part in the hunt. During hunts, the only time a noble lady could wear trousers, Abrielle was wearing her hunting outfit while sitting on a brown mare. Cedric helped her to mount, and by her side was her husband, who was on a black stallion named Blade. Cedric’s noble steed, "Just stick close to me and we will finish without any accidents." Cedric instructed Abrielle who was lost in her thoughts. She glanced at him facing his face that he was half covered with a gold mask. "It’s not like I have a choice, but honestly, I feel it will be better if I don’t join you on the hunt because I will be holding you back," Abrielle mentioned. She didn’t want to go into the dangers of the cold frozen woods nor did she want to be beside her husband she didn’t like. "Don’t worry, you would not be holding me back," Cedric mentioned, making Abrielle roll her eyes. The weather today was not bad, although there was a snowstorm earlier in the morning but everything seemed to be clear now. Abrielle spotted Alfonso who joined the hunt on his horse. He flashed her a quick smile before Cedric could observe leaving her stunned if he had something wrong with his head. She kicked him in the balls last night and he was still in the mood to openly flirt with her. She averted her gaze not in the mood to handle him when she had a bigger issue to handle. Duke Rudeus, the master of the hunt, rode in front of the crowd and then raised his hand demanding everyone’s attention on him. The crowd settled down as they waited for him to start the hunt. "Ladies and gentlemen," he declared, his voice demanding attention, he seemed more confident than when he spoke with Cedric. "Today, we begin the Winter Hunt, a tradition as old as these woods my family have been hosting for generations. May your aim be true, your horses swift, and your courage unwavering. Let the hunt begin!" A cheer erupted from the crowd of nobles and hunters as everyone mounted their steeds. Among them, Cedric adjusted his grip on the reins of his sleek black stallion, his gold eyes scanning the crowd. Abrielle turned stiff and her mare seemed excited for the hunt. She had no love for hunts or for her husband but duty and Cedric’s ego demanded her presence. The riders pulled their reigns urging their horses to surge towards the woods in front of them. Their hooves ran against the frozen ground as they made their way to the forest. Cedric made sure to ride beside Abrielle as they entered the forest which seemed dead as all the trees had shed their leaves. "It’s not too late to change your mind, Cedric," Abrielle mentioned one last time. "Come one, it would not be so bad; you were the one who insisted on attending a hunt." He answered her, making it seem she was the one who shot herself in the leg. "You can all split into groups; everyone has an idea of the forest; green zones are the safest, with red being dangerous. The best bet is the yellow zone. Good luck." The hunt master announced and everyone split into groups. Cedric’s group was a group of just two, him and his wife. Cedric led the way as he made his way to the yellow zones. "Won’t it be safer if we stick to green?" Abrielle suggested considering the danger level and the looming threat she had a feeling that might occur. "The green zone has small prey like rabbits and foxes which are not enough to win the hunt. In the yellow, we can find a bore or even a bear." Cedric explained as his eyes darted around to sense any danger. "But that’s more dangerous. I thought you said you have no intentions of winning." She narrowed her eyes at Cedric, his hair danced with the wind as the horse raced. "The plan has changed," he replied as they made their way to the yellow zone away from the other zone. Cedric slowed down as his senses heightened trying to find any trails. Abrielle politely followed behind and did not interrupt the process. Cedric’s brows furrowed as he caught the strong metallic scent of blood in the air; Abrielle sensed something was wrong, and her hold on the reins tightened. "Stay close," Cedric warned as he followed the scent. He caught sight of some broken twigs and the trail of a horse. Cedric dismounted his horse and unshielded his sword. The deeper he got into a dead bush, the snow was stained red. Human blood. "Is something wrong?" Abrielle asked, but before Cedric could answer, a blood-curdling scream echoed from close by. In came from deeper in the forest the cry of agony struck fear into Abrielle’s heart.