Page 38 of Lord of Misrule

Oliver looked at them in confusion, his eyes darting back to Tolin.

“I’m sure,” Tolin told him with a nod. “Now, make haste. We have no time to waste.”

“Mother, there’s King!” shouted Parker excitedly, letting go of her hand to run over and hug the dog. “Is he coming on the hunting trip too?” asked Parker, looking up at Tolin.

“Of course. He always comes along on my hunting expeditions,” Tolin told him. “I was hoping you’d be able to take care of him for me while we’re there.”

“I will, I will,” cried the boy. “King can even sleep with me. I’ll feed him and brush him and play with him a lot.”

“That will be fine.” Tolin’s eyes darted over to Kit. She looked up at him and swallowed deeply. So this seemed to be all part of his plan. He’d never meant to take the dog from the boy or the boy from her. It was a roundabout way of making Parker happy...and also her, she supposed.

She smiled at him and nodded slightly.

“All right, we’re ready to go.” Raven walked into the stable pulling on a pair of leather gloves. She had a bow and arrows over her shoulder.

“You’re going to hunt too?” asked Kit in awe. This woman was a true inspiration to Kit and possibly to every woman at the castle.

“Yes. I’m one of the best hunters we have,” said Raven.

“But what about your baby?” asked Kit.

“My daughter is being watched by my husband and my nursemaid and Lady Rose until my return. Sparrow will be well taken care of, so I am not worried.”

“I see,” said Kit. She liked the idea of this woman’s blacksmith husband caring for a child. Matter of fact, she admired any man who would take the care of any child into his own hands. She looked back over at Tolin who was talking to her son.

“You’ll ride with me, Parker,” he told the boy.

“I will?” Parker’s eyes grew wide and he slowly got to his feet. “I’ve never ridden on a horse with a knight before. I’ve never even been on a horse at all.”

“Then it’s time you learn how to ride. After all, you are eight years old already. I have been riding a horse since I was five.” He mounted his horse, the sound of leather creaking as he settled himself in the saddle. “Up you go, son.” He reached down and grabbed Parker, pulling him up into the saddle in front of him. Parker smiled more than Kit had seen in a long, long time.

“Will you be riding your own horse?” asked Raven.

Kit turned to realize she was talking to her. “Oh, I don’t know.”

“Kit you’ll ride with Oliver,” said Tolin, having overheard them. “I don’t have another spare horse at the moment.”

“Yes, my lord,” she said, hurrying over to Oliver who had a horse saddled and waiting for them. When they got out of the stable she saw Jarvis with an extra horse. It had some supplies it was carrying but had more than enough room for a person to ride it. Rook and Daegel and two other men whom she didn’t know were all mounted and ready to go.

“What about that horse?” asked Kit. “That seems to be extra.”

“That’s for our supplies. And for all the kill we’ll bring back from the hunt,” Tolin told her. “Hold on, Parker.” He kicked his heels into the sides of his horse and the animal shot off, leading the way. King barked and stayed steady at his side. The rest of them fell in line. Kit and Oliver were in the rear.

By the time they made it to the camp, it had started to snow. The temperature was dropping quickly.

“Jarvis, get the tents set up and find wood for a fire,” called out Tolin, getting off the horse and helping Parker to the ground. King was there immediately barking, wanting to play with the boy. “Men, get your weapons. We’re hunting wild pheasant and hopefully we will bag a deer.” Tolin busied himself with his weapons.

“My lord, I can help Jarvis tend to the fire,” said Kit, wanting to be helpful.

“Good,” he answered with a nod. “I’ve got enough food packed, so you’ll just need to cook it. We should be back in a few hours. Hopefully we’ll catch enough game to have food to eat for tomorrow.”

“A few hours?” she asked, looking around. She didn’t feel comfortable out here alone in the woods. “Who will be here to protect me and my son?”

“Jarvis is quite capable, and I’ll leave Oliver here as well. We won’t be far. Just give a shout if you get in trouble.”

“Great,” she said, letting out a deep sigh. When the men left for the hunt with Raven, the dog followed. Parker ran over to Kit.

“Mother, I’m cold and hungry,” said the little boy.