The huntsman obeyed and took Snow-White into the woods. He took out his hunting knife and was about to stab it into her innocent heart when she began to cry, saying, "Oh, dear huntsman, let me live. I will run into the wild woods and never come back."
Because she was so beautiful the huntsman took pity on her, and he said, "Run away, you poor child."
He thought, "The wild animals will soon devour you anyway," but still it was as if a stone had fallen from his heart, for he would not have to kill her.
- "Snow White" The Brothers Grimm
i.
He's at the castle because he owes a debt.
The castle, for lack of a better word, is a monstrosity, although Gale can see glimpses of the beauty it used to hold. He'd never been to the castle when the previous king and queen ruled it, but he heard it was spectacular- gleaming white limestone that shimmered flecks of gold and pale green in the light. It used to be a more modest structure as well, completely without the gothic, gaudy additions the current monarch added on in the past decade. The light in it is gone, replaced by foreboding gargoyles, the stone painted over to a charcoal grey, walls filled with flickering, dim torchlights, and windows covered with dark, heavy drapes.
He wonders what any of the past monarchs would say about it—well, if any of them were alive, anyway. They're all dead, thanks to the current monarch, who overthrew them in a vicious, bloody coup some ten years before.
"Queen Alma," Gale bows, reluctantly getting on his knees. His kingdom is the Forest, and there he bows to no man or animal. It is why he tends to stay away from civilization.
"Huntsman," she addresses him coolly, dehumanizing him to a mere title. "Thank you for answering my summons."
As if he had a choice.
"It is my pleasure," he says instead as he stands, and he leaves off and my duty.
"Would you care for some wine?" She is sipping a deep red class of merlot herself, and Gale has to restrain himself from making a face. He's never cared for drinking—unlike many, he likes to keep his wits about him.
"No, thank you, Your Majesty," he says. "I would prefer to give you my fullest attentions."
Alma raises an eyebrow, almost amused. "Why, Huntsman," she says, "for someone who is rarely around humans, you certainly are charming, aren't you?"
Gale chooses not to answer.
"Well," Alma says after a moment. "I'm sure you're wondering why you're here."
"I've had my theories, but would not dare to assume," he says diplomatically.
Alma's stare turns appreciative. "Smart boy," she says. "I'm here to collect on your debt, Huntsman."
Gale bows his head and waits.
"There is a person who I've learned is hiding in the woods, a person who is a threat to me and this kingdom. I need you to find this person and eliminate them."
Gale raises an eyebrow. He expected a lot of things, but none of them like this. "Your Majesty?" He asks. "Not that I am not… flattered by this honor, but I wonder, why me? Why not have someone in your personal guard accomplish this task?"
"Why, Huntsman," Alma smiles, but to Gale she looks more like a dog baring its teeth, "I thought the answer was obvious. Who better to track and kill someone than a hunter?"