The morning brought bright sunshine and a promise of a warm day so Arthur organised a hunt to bring back plenty of game for the tournament feasts that were to be held. Amaya was asked to accompany the party personally by Arthur himself, which she gladly accepted.
She put on her green riding dress and tucked her hair into a bun to keep it from her face whilst Maia pinned it down. "Who do you think will win the tournament?" Maia asked curiously as she slid the final pin in place and Amaya stood, lifting her bow and quiver of Briton arrows. She still had not got around to asking Tristan to fletch some more for her, or to even ask him to teach her. In truth, she was not sure what to say around him so whenever they did meet by chance, she would keep her head down and keep walking and he would do the same. It was unbearable at times, especially when Amaya wanted nothing more than to stand in his embrace those few days after waking up.
"I do not know. Each of them have their own field of expertise. Lancelot with the blades, Bors and Dagonet with hand to hand combat, Galahad is most likely to win the jousting though Gawain is going to be his greatest opponent. For other melee weapons the four brothers are likely to excel as they always use the heavier weapons, save for Ector. I do not know if he will compete as he is still young, only seventeen."
"Do we know what the prize is to be yet?" Amaya shook her head.
"That is Guinevere's decision. However some strange warrior may surprise us. I know that Arthur is using this tournament to look out for new knights to enter into his trust. Perhaps we shall all be surprised." Maia nodded her head thoughtfully.
"I believe Galahad will win. Though I am biased." Amaya chuckled.
"Yes, I am too." She nodded her head as she checked her dagger to make sure it was sharpened.
"You did not mention Tristan and archery." Maia realised, looking to Amaya with a smile. "Though if you were to enter, I have no doubt that you would win. The men on the wall said you can shoot with both hands."
"Only when I need to." Amaya quickly put in, not wanting even more rumours to circulate about her. Thankfully people were beginning to forget about the brave Wolf Maiden of the wall, however from time to time she still got long stares from all kinds of people which made her feel uncomfortable. "But no, I shall not be entering." Maia blinked in surprise.
"Why ever not?"
"It will not be seemly for a women to compete against men." Amaya explained. "The court hates me enough as it is and I do not wish to prove a skill that I have already shown the entire city that I possess. There is no benefit." Maia pursed her lips before nodding her head in understanding.
"A shame, I would have liked to have seen a grand finale between you and Tristan." As would the entire city, no doubt. Amaya walked out to the courtyard and was surprised to see Jols waiting there with Arluin already tacked up for her.
"Thank you Jols, this is kind of you." Amaya said to him, greeting her mount with her nose nuzzling his as he inhaled her scent deeply.
"Not at all Maya." He nodded to her. "I found some of those arrows that you prefer to use. Tristan said he didn't mind if you wanted to keep them." The squire patted the saddlebags where he had strapped on a spare quiver.
"He did?" Amaya blinked then looked around to the scout who was leading his horse from the stables then back to Jols. "Oh, well that was good of him." Patting Arluin's neck she lifted each hoof, making sure there was no stones lodged in his shoes before mounting up, Jols holding onto the girth for her before she slipped her feet into the stirrups.
Amaya turned her head and her eyes caught the queen as she rubbed her belly, which was beginning to grow round from the baby within her. Arthur smiled, promising that he would be careful before signalling for the hunt to move forwards. Jols swung up onto his horse's saddle whilst Amaya leaned forwards and held the horse's reins as it moved on the spot, eager to go. Once he was upright in his seat, Amaya gathered Arluin's reins and cantered after the others, riding down the street and out of the city.
The party rode into the woods, Amaya riding between Gawain and Galahad as they threw jests at her, the main teasing being Maia and Galahad's relationship. "You've been courting her for months now! Just propose already!" Gawain laughed as Galahad scowled at him.
"We are not ready for that yet." Galahad answered stiffly, making Amaya laugh.
"Little wolf, I'm afraid I have to disagree with you. You're the one who is not ready, Maia can only ever think about what her wedding dress will look like and how many beautiful children she is going to have." Galahad blinked in shock before grinning.
"Really?"
"You oaf, of course she wants to move forwards! In this day, people rarely even have courtships that last longer than a single month!" Gawain said to him with a cackle. "Most marriages are arranged anyway, why should you wait?"
"I did not wish to rush her." The knight answered simply, shifting his grip on his spear nervously. "And I have merely been waiting for the right moment." Amaya rolled her eyes.
"You men never pick the right moment." She shot her brother a smirk. "Do you need your big sister to plan everything for you? Or would you rather I let Vanora and Bors organise everything?"
"Someone say my name?" Bors shouted forwards and Amaya turned back.
"How should Galahad propose to Mai?" Bors grinned.
"Fill her up with wine I say then stuff the ring on her finger! Next morning, she'll have to marry you." Galahad looked murderously at Bors who threw back his head and laughed, Dagonet grinning beside him as they rode. The knights and Amaya rode at the back of the hunting party, the court riders crowding behind Arthur who rode at the front with Lancelot.
They stopped at the designated clearing but Amaya did not dismount, cantering to a halt to then turn and smile to Galahad, moving Arluin around to face him. "Galahad, it is all she wants. You are all she wants." She reached out and touched his hand softly, looking directly into his eyes. "Do not wait too long." She went to move off but Galahad gripped her hand and she looked back to him.
"What's going on with you and Tristan?" He asked quietly with a frown, glancing to the scout. "You two haven't spoken in near two months. Did he hurt you?"
"No Galahad, we have merely separated for the time being." Amaya answered, looking away quickly. "I think he just lost his nerve." Galahad cursed under his breath, tensing on his horse so that Carlo moved forwards but Galahad pulled him back, patting his neck in apology.
"I'll skin him alive." Amaya rolled her eyes, patting his shoulder.
"This is between Tristan and I, please do not get involved." Her face fell a little. "It's crowded enough with just the two of us." With that she moved off, riding into the trees and the hawk called out, lifting her wings slightly to take flight and Tristan let her go, watching as the hawk flew off to follow Amaya. So that's where she been going. He should have guessed.
Suddenly his horse lifted his head and snorted, turning around to follow the hawk but Tristan held him back, murmuring quietly. Even his animals seemed to lead Tristan directly to that woman. She was everywhere, in the court, around the castle, in the stables, his mind, he couldn't keep her away from him like he needed to so that he could think.
Right now he needed to hunt. That was the only way he could get her presence away from his mind, shadowing him wherever he went so he moved his mount over to Gawain and Galahad and rode with them into the trees.
Amaya caught up to Bors and Dagonet, smiling to them as they trotted through the trees. "What now? I can't track my own kids, let alone some meat in these damn woods." Bors frowned, scratching his head so Amaya chuckled.
"This way." She gestured with her bow. "It looks like a boar came through here." Amaya pointed to the trotter tracks and moved Arluin around so she could tilt over in the saddle and inspect them. "Recently too. Come on!" Eager for the hunt, Amaya picked up the pace with Dagonet and Bors following but they frowned when Tristan's hawk swooped down and weaved through the trees, keeping pace with them.
"Is Tris around here somewhere?" Bors frowned, looking about. Amaya looked up to the hawk then sighed.
"It follows me sometimes. Perhaps it finds me better company than its master." Dagonet and Bors glanced to one another but said nothing more, focusing instead on the task at hand. Amaya led them confidently through the trees, pointing out various tracks to them along the way. More prints in the mud, some half eaten shrubs with saliva still sticking to the leaves. Amaya had dismounted and touched the saliva, finding it still warm. "We're close now, it shouldn't be too far ahead." She wiped her hand clean then mounted again, continuing forwards.
The sounds of the forest brought peace to Amaya as she listened to the bird song and the wind brushing through the leaves of the great, towering trees around her which tinted the light so that it was pleasantly warm but not too bright to look up at through the canopy.
Amaya heard the grunting sound of the boar and she stopped, lifting her bow and notching a two arrows onto the string at once, not planning on taking any chances. Dagonet lifted his spear whilst Bors pulled back an arrow as well, both of them picking up the sound as they slowly guided their horses forwards.
Looking through the trees Amaya saw a pelt of brown shift before it darted away. Quickly she guided Arluin forwards with her legs, keeping her arrows drawn as she gave chase to the animal. It squealed then snorted, darting behind a tree before slowly stepping out again, bearing its curving tusks as Arluin snorted, daring it to come closer.
At the new threat the boar, which was enormous in size, barrelled forwards and Amaya quickly released her arrows. One slipped into the male boar's shoulder, causing it to stumble and the other through its long snout, causing it to cry out in pain and draw back. Amaya reached down to the saddle bag, reaching for one of Tristan's arrows and drew it back, aiming quickly and let the arrow fly before kicking Arluin forwards, pushing him out the way as the boar gave one last grunt before crumbling, falling to the ground and collapsing on its side, dead.
"Nice shooting lass!" Bors called to her, trotting forwards with a grin. "Got there before we could." She nodded her head.
"Well, if you two weren't so slow, perhaps you could have managed at least one shot at the beast." She teased and Dagonet laughed, looking to Bors.
"I think we are getting old, friend."
"Old? I ain't old! You take that back you little rascal!" Bors thundered at Amaya who laughed and quickly turned Arluin around, sliding behind a tree as Bors cantered at her but when the massive oak loomed in his way, he pulled up short. "Bah, I'll get you later." Bors lifted his horn to his lips and blew sharply, calling the hunt to him.
"I shall go and track the area for more game." Amaya said to the knights as they dismounted and began to draw the arrows from the boar. "Perhaps there will be a few pheasants or hares around."
"In that case, take this." Bors said, tossing her the horn. "Use it if you catch something or need help. Don't wander to far mind! Galahad won't be too impressed if you break your neck or sommin' and we don't even know." Amaya chuckled.
"When have I ever fallen from a horse? Do not worry, I shall not tarry long nor stray far." She promised them, turning her head and whistling. The hawk flew down from the trees and joined her, flapping her wings almost soundlessly to join the woman she had grown to recognise as her master's lady, taking it upon her to protect the woman on her master's behalf. Amaya scouted around, searching for tracks but found nothing save for an empty warren which offered no prizes so she turned and began to head back when a twig snapped.
A glorious looking buck stepped into view, its handsome face lifted proudly to sniff the air and regard Amaya before scampering away before Amaya could even reach for an arrow. Amaya chased after it, glancing to the hawk who flew ahead, leading the way. Every now and then Amaya caught a glimpse of the buck so she continued her chase, allowing it to take her deeper and deeper into the woods.
Guiding Arluin with her legs Amaya drew back an arrow and paused, waiting for the right moment before letting it fly. The arrow slid between the trunks of two trees, sailing on the wind and pulling to the left then all at once slammed into the buck's neck, cutting it down and Amaya smiled proudly, pulling Arluin back into a trot. She stood by her prize, marvelling at how large it was considering it was still young.
She was about to reach for the horn when a shiver ran down her spine and she froze in place. Something hissed on the wind, causing Arluin to start and paw the ground in fear, the white of his eyes showing as Amaya dismounted and drew back her arrow, slowly turning a circle.
Voices whispered on the wind, calling her name and Amaya narrowed her eyes, knowing something unholy was out there as she could sense its evil, her senses all on high alert. When she turned around, a shadow loomed in front of her and Amaya instantly cried out in alarm, shooting at it but the arrow passed through the sick, twisted shape of a woman shrouded in darkness, her form completely made of shadows and smoke as Arluin reared in fear, crying out at the evilness that rushed at Amaya but she dived out of the way, rolling to her feet then turned, racing for Arluin's saddle.
The wraith shrieked loudly and Amaya dropped to her knees, crying out as she clapped her hands to her ears, writhing against the shrill, painful sound before struggling to reach her saddle, Arluin rearing up repeatedly but refused to leave Amaya, bless his noble soul, perhaps he was a knight in a past life.
She crawled but the moment the shriek stopped, Amaya lunged forwards, grabbed the horn then blew three short but loud blasts, signalling her need for aid. The wraith swooped down and Amaya turned, leaping out of the way to draw it back from Arluin, keeping him out of danger. "Leave my horse alone you bitch!" Amaya bellowed then blew on her horn again. The creature of dark magic hissed, smoking hair writhing at the insult as Amaya drew her knife, brandishing it boldly as she faced the unearthly creature.
Suddenly she heard the sound of hooves pounding the earth and the wraith turned, facing the newcomer. When Amaya saw who had answered her, fear struck her body. "No!" Amaya screeched as Tristan's horse reared and the scout had to cling on quickly to avoid falling, his eyes widening as the wraith slammed into him, pushing him from his horse who bolted away a few paces.
As the wraith turned around, Amaya got the cold sense of dread knowing that Tristan was the real target for the wraith, its glowing ember eyes fixing on him whilst the face twisted into loathing. It turned towards Amaya, snarling as it pointed to her. "A life for a life!" Its voice breathed and Amaya instantly darted forwards.
"No!" She flung herself forwards as Tristan stood, tackling him to the ground once more and they rolled down the slope as the wraith struck at the air where he had been standing with a shadowy blade, shrieking again in rage and both Amaya and Tristan called out in pain, holding their hands close to their ears as Amaya slowly opened her eyes.
The hawk swooped down and screeched, causing terror to sweep through the wraith as it darted back slightly but when the wraith recovered and swept its blade at the hawk, the bird flew out of reach. As the wraith shot towards them Tristan flipped Amaya onto her back, rising up to shield her with his body but Amaya lifted her knife, preparing to slash at the wraith and when the light danced on the polished blade, it shone into the wraith's face and the creature screamed in pain, twisting in agony as the light burned a hole into its face. Amaya gasped and Tristan looked around, seeing what was happening.
He drew back and pulled a knife from his boot, tilting it towards the light to copy what Amaya had discovered repelled the creature. Bright light. In the shelter of the trees, everything was shaded but as the second beam of light struck its body through the chest, the wraith disappeared into thin air, only the echo of its shriek resonating around them as Amaya trembled, gasping for air as she recovered from the fear and shock.
"Are you hurt?" Tristan demanded, turning back to her and Amaya shook her head before paling slightly, glancing to how Tristan was sat straddling her waist before blushing slightly, looking away. Tristan leaned over her, placing one hand into the ground as he gently turned her face to meet his. "Are you sure?" She nodded her head again, locking her eyes with his and instantly, she went still.
She closed her mouth as Tristan's eyes flickered over her face, concern warming their depths as slowly he moved closer, exhaling softly. When they felt the ground begin to tremble with the beating of horse hooves into the earth, he grunted gruffly then reared back, grabbing Amaya's wrists to pull her to her feet then walked away, going to his horse to calm him down.
Amaya lowered her head then looked to Arluin who was trembling. A soft gasped escaped her lips and she buried her face into his neck, holding him tightly as she whispered soft words of comfort to him, gradually calming him down.
The silence was agonising so when the knights burst through the trees, Amaya was glad for their company. "What happened?" Arthur demanded with worry, looking to the scene. He saw the buck, the sweaty horses, Tristan and Amaya but could not piece together what had caused the alarm to be raised.
"We're alright." Amaya assured them all first as Galahad moved forwards. "The buck just attacked."
"It attacked?" Bors repeated in bewilderment then laughed. "I bet that'll be some tough meat there." Amaya nodded her head, looking down to the ground as Arthur dismounted and came to stand before her, placing his hand on her shoulder.
"We heard screaming, was that you?" She looked up and smirked.
"No, that would have been Tristan." They all laughed at her humour, relaxing and did not ask any further questions. The large buck was strapped to Bors's horse and he rode with Amaya back to the hunting party which had gathered in the clearing once more, the ladies laughing as they gathered wildflowers and men sang love songs to them, charming them until they were breathless and flustered.
Still slightly worn out from the terror Amaya had felt when facing the wraith she was unsure whether or not she would be able to support her weight if she dismounted, not trusting her knees to stand firm. With a sigh she shook her head and leaned forwards, slipping her feet free then dismounted regardless. Sure enough the trembling she could not shake spread through her and she lunged for Arluin's saddle to take a grip but strong hands went to her waist and a solid chest allowed her back to rest against it. "We need to talk about what really happened." Tristan said to her in a low voice, grabbing her hand and placing it firmly on Arluin's saddle so that she could grip onto it. "If you can get away from the others at the next venture, I'll find you."
Nodding her head once Amaya focussed her eyes forwards, drawing herself up as Tristan pulled back then stalked away to see to his horse. "Come now my beloved, I am sorry I rode you into danger we did not expect." Amaya whispered to Arluin who instantly pressed his nose into her hand, seeking her comfort which she readily gave. She was about to lead him away when a flower appeared in front of her face, making her start in surprise at the violet that was being presented to her.
"For the lovely lady of the hunt." Amaya frowned then looked to the young man who was smiling handsomely at her, his grey eyes fixing on her boldly. At a loss for words Amaya took the small gift with a nod of her head. "My name is…"
"Lord William Percy, son of Lord Edmund Percy, Duke of Warwickshire." Amaya answered for him and he arched an eyebrow, obviously pleased. "I know of you, you pronounce your titles proudly and often."
"I would like to know more of you, my lady." He said as his eyes slowly wandered over her farm. "Such a treasure like you should not be locked away in a chest."
"I am not locked away. I go where I will." She answered then looked to Arluin. "Now if you will please excuse me, I must see to my horse. He is greatly distressed." The cocksure man looked to the horse and pursed his lips.
"Of course. Such a beast requires attention, I should think. Why would you ride him? Surely there are many prettier mares with lovely long manes for you to ride like the ones over there." He gestured with his hand then smiled. "Perhaps I should buy one for you?"
"No." Amaya told him firmly. "My horse is my own, I require no other." The lord blinked in surprise at her sharp tone but brushed it aside as she looked at him coolly. So that was her game? Alright. He could play by her rules. For now.
"Whatever my lady desires." He bowed low to her then stepped out of the way. Amaya followed his direction before looking to the flower in her fingers, twirling it once before dropping it to the floor and walking away. Tristan released his grip on his dagger, smirking as he watched the intended gift drift to the floor.