The path of the foot falls was unlike most. The hunter sought his prey up and down hills, she climbed trees and leapt to creeks, her footfalls were messy and at times unpredictable. The hunter tracked and stalked his prey with a ruthlessness that would make any beast fear him. But his prey was not one that gave into fear, her mother saw to that. She also did not give up easily, her older brothers taught her endurance. It would seem that her wildness came from her father, for the man was akin to a Lion.

The hunter came across some tracks that double back on each other and double again. They ran in many circles and never deviated in one way or another. All the while running around a giant bush. He moved silently up to the bush and peered inside, there inside a cavity of branches laid a princess of Anoch. This was the hunter’s prey.

She lay still. Though she was but a child, she must’ve known that she was perfectly safe. How it must be nice to know that you’re safe within the realm of a lord that protected his people as they protected him. Perhaps that is why the hunter called him lord, for he knew that his only family would remain safe as he cared for the well being of his lord’s daughter.

“Princess Elizabeth?” He called to her as sweetly as he could in the morning heat. “I have found you and your teachers are disappointed that you left during your lessons.”

She rolled over in her sleep and opened her eyes. She maintained that deep purple that her mother was famous for having. Though she was only sixteen she was already growing into her feminine form and the base layer tunic gave her shape that most men would get caught drooling over. Still within the teenage years, she was coddled like a child and perhaps that was what led to her running away. “Hunter, your prey lies before you in her den. Will you not shoot and struss her up and bring her back to the dungeon that awaits her?”

The hunter, ironically named Hunter, did not give into her taunt. It was his duty to obey his lord and he had his trust which was a thing to have and maintain. The lord was not a man that stood upon ceremony. He was a kind and gentleman, and as stated a lion. A man that was willing to fight and protect his territory and people. Hunter did not wish to receive the lord’s wrath for taking the treasure most prized in this lordom of Anoch. 

“Child, I have protected you all your life. Where in our history together do you see me betraying my lord’s trust?”

“You’re no fun.” She pouted. 

“You may look like a young lady, but you still act like a child. Now, get up. We need to return to the castle and back to your lessons. You may consider this your lesson in physical activity.”

She stood up and brushed off the debris off of her dress, once again, Hunter noticed the stunning curves and remarkable beauty that young Elizabeth had. Her mother’s daughter, no mistake in that statement. She exited the bush and stretched in the full morning sun and she latched onto Hunter’s arm. 

“So you can move like a wild cat on your own, but require an escort for your trip back?” 

“Perhaps I enjoy the chase and want to be coddled in safety?” Elizabeth said as she nuzzled in his arm.

“Perhaps.” Hunter said in agreement with her.

Hunter had no prospects for a wife. He had gone to work for the lord at a relatively young age. Long before his lord took a wife of his own. Hunter had known the lord as both a master and a general. Perhaps it would not be too far of a stretch to call him friend, though he would never say so to his face. Hunter had too much respect for Naseem to do that. 

Their walk back was uneventful to say the least. No climbing of trees, no running up hill, the princess did require that she be carried back across the creek. When they once again crossed the threshold of the castle gates, the maids took Elizabeth and cleaned her up to once again be a proper lady. 

Hunter stalked off down a side passage to be within shouting if he was once again needed. For he was never far from her call, but he deemed himself not suitable for the life of the court. In his wanderings he came to a courtyard where the lord was practicing his swordsmanship. The lord, though he was old now, was still fighting fit. Throughout his years, he had been called the Lion of Anoch. Within his realm there were many that sought the title but few that could claim it. Hunter had never sought it, in fact he had defended his lord against those that had sought to do the lord harm. 

Hunter had often said, “Those that wish to fight the lord should first fight me, the lowest of his soldiers.” Those that he said this to often lost and never again came back to the castle steps. There were many a soldier that stood up for the lord, for many of them recognized the strength of their lord was part of their strength as well.

“Hunter! You have returned with Elizabeth in tow I assume.” Lord Nassem didn’t stop his play and yet he talked as if he and Hunter were sharing a drink at the canteen. 

“Yes, my lord.” Hunter placed his fist to his chest and bowed in salute. 

“One of these days the castle walls may not be enough to protect her. I assume That you would follow her and protect even beyond my arms if need be.” 

“If my lord charges me with that honor then I will consider it done.” 

“Do you understand what I am asking of you?”

“Sir?” Hunter was confused. He was asking him to protect his daughter with all that he had to give, was he not?

Naseem put down his sword and came up to Hunter. “I am offering you my daughter’s hand. Even knowing this, do you still accept i?”

Hunter looked into his lord’s eyes and he saw the seriousness in them. This was no jest. “But why choose me for your daughter? I am closer to you in age than her. Should you not consider the youth of today rather than a mid man?”

“If there was a young man that my daughter adored and had even a tenth of your accolades, then perhaps I would consider it. But as it seems that she gets out to only be chased by you and you are the one to bring her back, it seems that she has chosen who she wants. Of course, I don’t expect you to marry right away, but I would like your answer so that we might plan properly.” 

“Can I give you my answer tomorrow? This is a difficult decision and one that I do not wish to make lightly.”

“Of course, but I will expect your answer tomorrow morning. For now rest in the castle grounds and let us enjoy the afternoon and evening in peace.”

Hunter saluted once again and departed from his lord’s company. There were many things to consider in the span of the evening. 

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For more about the realm of Anoch https://thecomearound.wordpress.com/2021/07/27/the-lion-and-the-falconess/