“Please, take me there.” He said and sheathed his sword after she asked. Hal was too damn tired to take into consideration this could be a trap or a ploy to get him to let his guard down. The Prince was hungry, he needed to bathe, and most of all… he needed rest. What harm could following this person do to him? He was armored and quick on his feet. Well, maybe not quick on his feet. Not at the moment, no. He nodded and motioned for her to lead.
Glancing back constantly to be sure of the Prince’s presence, Summer quickly made her way among the tree trunks. Just a few minutes later, she was tugging open the door to a small hut tucked under a gigantic pine. “I’m afraid there is little here, highness, but it will shelter us from the night and the weather, if not the chill, and there is grain and dried meat. Will it suit? I can do no better, I am afraid, and it is not at all suitable, but … ” She sighed.
Hal didn’t expect anyone to live this far out into the forest. They’d have to be completely self sufficient or capable of making long trips to the surrounding villages. He nodded and peeked into the small hut. It looked to be large enough to hold two to three people at most. “I thank you for your kindness, for this is more than enough.” He said quietly and dipped his head in respect. Shelter was shelter and it mattered not how large or small it was. As long as it protected them from the elements and possibly hostile animals/people… Hal could care less if he had to sleep sitting up!
He seemed a bit confused, and after a moment’s thought Summer realised why. “This is only used during the making of charcoal. Someone has to be on hand to tend the fires. That’s why it’s empty now, and so far from the village,” she explained. A sharp gust of wind clashed the branches of the sheltering tree overhead, and she glanced around.
“We made it none too soon, it seems. I think a storm is coming.” Summer brushed her hands along a ledge near the door and came up with a candle, which she lit with a quick snap of fingers she hoped the Prince didn’t see. Turning around, she finally noticed the mark on his face.
“Highness, you are wounded! Why didn’t you say? That should be tended.”
Hal looked over at Summer and nodded. That made sense as to why they were alone and the hut so far out in the wilderness. He felt around for a place to sit, and upon finding a chair he sat down. He started to unlatch his breast plate when a candle was lit and he was asked why he didn’t say anything about the wound on his cheek. He had completely forgotten about during their walk.
“Aye. It had slipped my mind for the pain is nothing compared to the aching of my bones.” He replied and pulled the breastplate off. He set it down next to him and relaxed back in the chair.
Assembling a heap of tinder and firewood, Summer glanced up at him. He did seem chilled and weary. Well, the fire would help with some of that. Another gust of wind rattled around the hut as she snapped the flints together. A couple strikes, a reach with her mind, and slow fire bloomed in the tinder. Coaxing, she spread it among the sticks and leaves until a fine small blaze was going.
Then she unhooked her small wineskin from her belt and rose. “Will you allow me to wash the mark on your face, highness? ‘Twould be a sad thing to see you scarred there.”