The Hunter

One of King Humphrey’s children had been kidnapped, locked in a dungeon beyond the woods surrounding Mulvania kingdom. This didn’t upset Humphrey. His children were brilliant and could get out of anything. He wasn’t sure why Queen Gertie insisted on hiring someone, but as she seemed fretful, he let her proceed.

Queen Gertie, cunning and knowing both her kingdom and children better than Humphrey, found the best hunter. The hunter was given gold and the ransom note, which presented three challenges. The hunter accepted.

The note read: “Bring fire without flame, an enemy without bones, wear a suit without fur. Pay the ransom and be granted safe return.”

 The hunter started the journey by night intent on fulfilling the quests, striking fear into the hearts of prey, flocks of birds arose, their peace disturbed.

When at last, the hunter arrived, wearing a suit of feathers, a lantern of fireflies held high, a black widow spider scrabbling in a bag, the door to the keep stood ajar, no guards, no watchful eyes, just a note to set down the gold, head to the North tower. The hunter complied and traveled upward.

In the tower, the prince stood at attention, eyes watching.

The hunter arrived, bow drawn, vigilant.

“At ease, hunter, you have rescued me.”

The hunter lowered the bow, “From what, from whom?”

“My mother.”

“The queen? What could possibly be gained by kidnapping her own son?”

“What she covets most,” he said, presenting the beautiful huntress with a rose, “grandchildren.”