Marriage? I can't believe her! My own mother having me married off like some item, a PRIZE.

"Faster Angus!" I yelled.

My face felt damp, and my eyes stung. My body racked with sobs. All i wanted was my freedom. Was that so much to ask? And then as if to rub iit in she burned my bow.

The wind howled around me as Angus ran. The trees like giants as they loom overhead. I screamed when Angus stopped throwing me.

"Angus?!" I choked out

Before I could even process my situation I heard a low growl. Turning I shrieked. Mordue. The beast was even worse than I remembered standing at least 10 feet tall. I scrambled backwards as he roared. I realized after a moment he hadn't even noticed me, when suddenly a dozen silver arrows struck him. A dozen more whisked by looking like blades of moonlight as the monster howled. A dozen more and Mordue fell.

I jumped up in surprise and fear as the body of Mordue dissolved, and appeared to shrink until nothing was left but the hide of a small black bear.

"My lady," I heard a girl say as I turned around, "someone is here. A young maiden."

I turned to see who she was talking to, and saw a young girl who looked no older than 12. She had tan skin and sharp features, like those of a hawk. She was beautiful, but the kind that seems unapproachable. The most remarkable feature however were her eyes. They shown a yellow silver. The color of a waning moon, and held the wisdom of a millennium radiating power.

"Hello my dear," she said, "are you hurt?"

It took me a moment to regain what little composure I had. Her voice was strong and regal. The voice of an ancient ruler.

"Wh-who are you?" I stammered.

"How dare you disrespect her this way!" yelled the first girl.

"At ease Zoe," she said directed at who was apparently Zoe, "I sense no disrespect."

"As you wish my lady," Zoe replied.

"I am Lady Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt." the girl said.

"I am Merida, first born descendant of the clan DunBroach." I responded confidently. "Well I guess I'm not anymore..." I said losing all of my former bravado.

"Well Merida you seem like a fine young maiden, how would you like to join my hunt?" Artemis asked.

"You're what?" I asked thoroughly confused.

"My hunt. You would become one of my immortal handmaidens, and would accompany me traveling around the world, hunting ancient monsters who have outlived their stay."

"Really?" I said feeling really excited, "How do I sign up?"

"Although I'm glad you're so enthusiastic, You must be aware that there is a price. If you Swear yourself to me you must swear off all connections with men," Artemis said.

"Done. When do I begin?"

"Well first you must claim your first prize."

"Sorry?" What in Hades was she talking about?

"The bear."

I bent down and picked up the hide.

"But you all killed this not me." I argued.

"It was the first kill you witnessed. That makes the trophy yours."

Holding it up I examined it. It was beautiful. I knelt to Lady Artemis.

"Thank you my lady."

"Stand. Now hunters kneel before our newest hunter, Merrida Slayer of Mordue."