Chapter 27: Misunderstanding
A cold reception awaited Anthony back into the wagon. He had no idea if it was because he killed swans or because he had forgotten lunch… or both. Either way, Irene gave out one-word responses, and he could not initiate a conversation.
Anthony, instead of getting worried, didn't put much attention to it. Misunderstandings were bound to happen, and he'd rather have her scowling than pretending to be happy when she's not. It was a sign of a healthy relationship, if they have one that is, he wasn't still sure.
He retook control of the reins and resumed the journey. Fortunately, the road was not as muddy as he thought it would be. It was a rocky place, there were rock formations here and there, and the pebbles and stones prevented the soil from entirely collapsing.
They finally reached the diverging route towards North Alendia, before it got dark. A thorn in their side removed as they no longer had to worry meeting Imperial troops coming from or to Ausburn. An encounter he had made preparations for, but would rather not experience.
He saw his first four-footed grassland beasts in the new direction they were taking, although they were a mile away, and he could not recognize what they were. Not only that, but trees and shrubs became more common, and far into the distance he could see the treeline of another forest. Signs of a promising journey.
The wagon stopped underneath another Cyprus tree when the second night of their travel arrived. They opted to stay inside the wagon for their dinner, because of all the mud.
Anthony bought pork pie and wine, which Irene seemed to have enjoyed. She quickly finished her meal, and did not stay at the table for a conversation. David got all her attention the whole day.
"I apologize for killing the swans, alright. No more swan hunting, I promise." he said.
"It's alright, my lord, I know you needed to." she replied without facing him, fixing her attention to the baby inside the crib.
"Or was it because I forgot lunch? You can ask me any food you want."
"You have not offended me, my lord." she briefly turned her head to give him her most unconvincing smile.
Anthony gave up, he wasn't one to beg or plead. He did not have the patience, nor could he lower his pride for something so trivial. Furthermore, a minor misunderstanding was bound to heal in time.
He spoke of the matter no more that night, and after he ate, he went straight to bed. He was not exhausted as the other day, but was still tired enough to fall asleep as soon as he made contact with the warm pillow and sheets. Irene would sleep beside him, but would be facing the other way. Anthony would give out a silent chuckle before he finally shut down, entertained by her passive aggressiveness.
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"My lord… Lord Anthony… there's a monster outside." Anthony would be rudely awakened by Irene's alarmed whispers.
"It has gigantic horns, and big eyes." she continued shaking his elbow while he was still half-asleep and being forced to wake his other half.
"Are you sure?" a raspy voice came out. He sat himself up and scratched his eyes. Irene's face came into view, expressing genuine fear.
"Yes, it's outside the window. I saw it through the slits."
Anthony removed the covers, and slowly approached the window. He peeked through the gaps, and the dimness of the early dawn greeted him. The monster was nowhere to be seen. But it could have had changed location, after hearing their noise.
"What did it look like again?"
"Big horns, big eyes." Irene was now protectively carrying the baby in her arms and planted her back against the opposing wall.
Bigs horns and big eyes, it could be a lot of things. Knowing that the world have magical presence, it was possible that mythical monsters also exists. Creatures like the Minotaur or the faun fit the description.
The sudden neighing of the horses, increased the tenseness of the situation. And Anthony instructed Irene to move to the middle of the wagon.
He summoned his spear and his huntsman attire. It was the better choice when it comes to close-range and also have the more destructive skills. But his primary reason was that it was the occupation he was most familiar with. He wouldn't wager his life on skills he just learned yesterday.
Using the buff of the huntsman attire, he made sure his steps would make almost no sound. He slowly opened the door, but to his annoyance it nonetheless creaked. He took one last glance look at Irene.
"Please be careful." she said, with worry and fear playing on her face and all her coldness suddenly gone.
Before he stepped out, he raised the spear on the side of his head, ready to throw should he spot the target.
He slowly peeked out to the side of the wagon, Irene claimed to have seen the monster. There was nothing there, nor was there any hint of damage on the cart. With the same alertness, he checked the other side, and the same results.
Nonetheless, he did not drop his guard. He did not hear it climb unto the driver seat, but magical creatures could do more than ghostly movement. As he walked forward, he kept an eye on the roof should it climb up.
With his skin crawling and his heartbeat climbing his throat, he leaned out to check the driver seat. He tensed down after finding not a single soul. Irene might have had just a nightmare and her startled mind conjured images. After all, every object in the dark look like monsters when you're afraid.
"There's nothing. No need to worry. Your eyes are just fooling you." he chuckled as he mounted himself on the driver seat.
"Are you sure?" she replied from within.
"Yeah, what a scaredy-cat yo-" just right after his bottom touch the seat, he saw the big horns right in front of the horse.
[Used 'Piercing Shot']
[You have slain a Bull Elk]
[Mastery +40]
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone