Swiftly, he wrapped the deer in canvas and tied the bundle shut. Then, he carefully kneeled down and picked it up. Slinging the carcass over his shoulder, he swayed precariously as he stood all the way up, taking a few unsteady steps toward Chip. The mare, as though she could read his mind—which he knew was impossible—sidestepped toward him, closing the gap.
“Thanks,” he said breathlessly. Then, he awkwardly shoved and pulled the deer over the saddle. When he was sure it was balanced and wouldn’t slide to the ground, he let go. Using what was left of the rope, he tied the deer to Chip to ensure it wouldn’t budge, even if she had to trot. Next, he gathered up his bow and quiver and secured them to the saddlebags.
He glanced at Fang. “Are you ready?” Fang came over and licked his hands a few times, covering them in bloody saliva. “Eww, that is gross.” He ran his hand through her black fur, returning the mess she had deposited on his hand. Fang wriggled away and paused in front of Chip. To his surprise, the wolf and horse touched noses before Fang stepped in front and started walking in the general direction of Alderth Castle.
Burchard went around to Chip’s left side and snagged the reins, just in case she tried to bolt. He was confident Fang would pick a path appropriate for a fully laden horse. They settled into an easy walk. Judging by the light filtering through the mostly bare trees, it was midafternoon. He still had ample time to get back with the buck and for Cook to possibly use some of it for that night’s dinner.
Lost in his thoughts, Burchard jumped at the sound of flapping wings as a huge great horned owl glided over his head to land on a large rock directly in front of them. The owl had something grasped in a talon. Burchard studied the owl, then it dawned on him why it looked familiar. “Liala?”
The owl clacked her beak in response. He hoped that meant yes. She raised up her right talon, which held a scroll. Burchard let go of Chip’s reins and cautiously went up to the owl and took the scroll. He opened it, not sure what to expect.
Meet me at the edge of the forest when it gets dark. – Jade
Burchard reread the note a few times. Then, he turned to the owl. “Do you know what she wants to talk about?”
Liala tipped her head this way and that before hooting. Burchard had no idea how to interpret what she was saying, not without Jade there.
“I will be there,” Burchard said solemnly with a bow. The owl, seemingly satisfied by his answer, flapped her wings twice before flying deeper into the forest.
One of the pages had to have seen him from the wall as he was approaching Alderth Castle. Cook met him at the gate herself, beaming. He halted so she could inspect the buck properly.
“Fantastic job, Burchard!” Cook exclaimed.
Burchard couldn’t help the smile tugging at his lips. “Fang did most of the work,” he replied.
Cook was practically glowing. “Let’s bring Chip up to the door closest to the kitchen. Some of the castle staff are waiting to help unload the buck. I’ve got the table cleaned and ready.”
Burchard followed as Cook led the way to the kitchen door. Sure enough, there were four men waiting for them and Lady Gladys.
“When I am done butchering the buck and have everything cleaned up, I will make sure you get the antlers. I will set aside some of the meat for Fang as well,” Cook announced, daring any of the men to object.
Burchard untied the buck and held Chip’s reins to allow the four men to slide the buck off the horse. “If you don’t need me for anything else, I need to go get Chip cleaned up.” The canvas wrapping had protected the mare from most of the mess, but she still had some dried blood on her sides. When Cook nodded and waved in dismissal, Burchard turned and led Chip toward the barn.
He could hear steps following in his wake. Burchard halted, wondering who was there.
Lady Gladys walked over to him. “That was nice of you to get such a large deer.”
Burchard shrugged. “I just got lucky. Usually I don’t have enough time to wait for the biggest one to come along. Without the host of knights here, if we want fresh meat, I know I’ll have to go out and get it.”
Lady Gladys raised her eyebrows. “There are other people here who are capable of hunting.”
“Yes, but they also have other duties. Hunting permits me to practice with the bow. Trust me, I don’t mind,” Burchard said in what he hoped was a reassuring voice.
“Well, just don’t forget if you run out of things to do, I am here and I miss our card games,” Lady Gladys said, then glanced behind her. “I should get back into the kitchen to help with the meat. See you ’round.”
Burchard smiled and watched as she left. A card game would be fun, if he could find time. “C’mon, Chip, let’s get you untacked and cleaned up.”
Chip nickered softly in agreement.
Burchard had Chip tied in the stable aisleway. He was just finishing wiping her down with some wet rags when Armand poked his head through the barn doors. “Hello!”
Burchard smiled. “Hey.”
“Everyone is talking about the huge buck you brought back,” Armand said with a glance at Fang, who was lying in the aisleway. Burchard had cleaned the worst of the blood from Fang too.
“Fang did most of the work,” Burchard said softly with an affectionate look at the wolf. “Did you need something?”
Armand shook his head and sat down on a bale of hay. “Nothing in particular. The other pages think I’m annoying and told me to go away.”
Burchard turned away so Armand couldn’t see his amusement. “You’re welcome to help me with Chip.” The mare had taken a liking to the page since his arrival. She didn’t like very many people, so Burchard took it as a good sign that she approved of Armand.
“Thanks, but no thanks. I was in the group of pages assigned to the barn today. I’d rather just sit here,” Armand replied.
Burchard chuckled, then grabbed the stiff brush off the ground and worked his way down Chip’s body, starting with her neck. The other horses in the stable were quietly eating their hay.
“Do you mind telling me about the druids?” Armand asked hesitantly.
Burchard put the brush down and unclipped Chip from the ties, then led her into her stall. When he was done putting her away, he took a seat next to Armand on the hay bale. “No, I don’t mind. But how much does your father share with you?”
“He tells me everything,” Armand said softly.
Burchard raised an eyebrow. “He’s not worried about you telling someone you shouldn’t?”
Armand frowned. “No. Why would I tell anyone?” The page gave Burchard a look, and then his expression softened. “I forget that your father is General Wolfensberger and that he doesn’t tell you anything. Instead, he has taken Reginald under his wing.” His voice dropped even lower. “The brother who is not worthy.”
