A Little Excursion

“My lord, I advise you to take this seriously. A man does not make death threats and not follow through with them. I think...”

“Hush! You are not paid to think, you are paid to keep me company.”

Lord Finnick Vreshtom’s young face is stern as he gazes out the window at the awakening world.

“Sir, I want to speak boldly, if you will allow me.”

“Yes, Marcus?” Finnick turns to the man.

“Sir, I do not want to go on a hunt with you if there is such a great possibility that I may perish. I value my life and I have things that I want to accomplish in my life before I one day...”

“The deer are galloping around in the woods, Marcus. No one may hunt them except those who are given permission. Soon,” Finnick pauses for effect. “Soon, some may die because the weeds and grasses are not abundant enough to feed them all. Just think,” He puts his arm around Marcus’ neck before wiping away a fake tear. “Just think... if some helpless, young deer is left... without his mother and he wanders around in those dark and merciless woods. And then! Then a dog, or worse, a wolf jumps out from the bushes and that poor, helpless, lonely, grieving... uhm... young, and handsome deer is doomed to death. You would not desire such a fate upon any animal. Right, Marcus?”

“So, you want to go and hunt the poor, helpless, lonely, grieving, young, and handsome deer’s mother before she perhaps die of hunger, sir?”

“Yes... precisely.”

“As you wish, my lord.”

The sun rises slowly over the trees, but it is greeted with scoffs from the two bandits lurking in the coverage.

“When will he be here?” The one asks while continuing to sharpen his dagger.

“Our friend said that Sir Finnick is going to come hunting and we should expect him at sunrise.”

“You don’t have to call him’Sir Finnick’.” The bandit answers gruffly. “Also, that other man that hired us is not ‘our’ friend. I only have accomplices, foes, allies, and those who hire me, not friends.”

“Have it your way, but just remember that I do not appreciate it when someone is unfair in dividing the loot.”

“What do you take me for? A vagabond?”

The other bandit opens his mouth to answer, but decides that it is wiser to keep it shut.

“Hurry along, lad! We do not have the whole day to reach our destination.” Finnick laughs as he kicks his horse in its sides and it gallops even further ahead.

“My lord! I beg of you not to leave me here alone!”

Marcus waits for an answer, but a deadly silence has suddenly fell upon the forest.

“My lord, where are you?!”