Wolfsbane

Wolfsbane, Chapter 6, By Ruth Nalio

Trystan…

I didn’t hide my shock this time; the woman was an exquisite shot! Her form was perfect as she had drawn back each time, and the way it took her only seconds to aim! “You win bragging rights. Any woman that shoots that good needs to be well respected when there are bows and arrows nearby.”

“Thank you. I must be a natural.”

“You always have been, Autumn, from the day I taught you. It took you but a few days to learn to shoot as well as me, and weeks to pass my own talent.”

So Mason had taught her. “How clever of you. Did you know that you would be able to robin-hood that last shot?”

“I’ve done it once before but it was an accident, I meant to do it this time though.” She flashed that brilliantly triumphant smile of hers and handed back the bow as she sat back down with our parents and sipped her tea.

“Gentleman, it seems we’ve all lost. Let us practice so that next time none will say we were bested by a woman again.” I joked as I walked out guests to the front door, leaving Autumn behind.

“You had best hope your wife-to-be doesn’t get angry with you, she might just shoot your manhood off.” My father’s blond friend said as he walked to the front door.

“To tell you the truth, I do not plan to marry her, nor does she. We are trying to get our parents to call this entire thing off.”

“She is rather headstrong, even if she is attractive.” He replied in a knowing town.

“There are plenty of pretty women, we simply cannot stand each other. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have two men to convince that this is a bad investment.” I said as I bowed my head and shut the door. They had no idea how headstrong she was, but I almost saw it as a good quality. It was clear Autumn had had no luck with her father or they would not be here, but that was well enough. We would simply have to come up with something else.

I walked back through the castle slowly, taking my time. I was in no hurry to join the three of them waiting on me. From now to dinner it would be nothing more than small talk and I was in no hurry to talk about my business trip, which Mason would more than likely ask about again. I would just have to hope Father would distract him.

Once I got back, I had a plan worked out. I smiled at all of them and then turned to Autumn. “So did anyone catch your eye? You know they’re all fine men.” I wasn’t sure that she would pick up on the new plan but all I could do was hope.

“I’m not sure, none of them were really that good of a shot, but then again I kind of like being able to outshoot men.”

“If I were a woman, I certainly would like it,” I agreed.

“Maybe the young blond that shot first. He was attractive.”

“His shooting was awful. I don’t think he could ever learn to shoot as well as you, he’s perfect.” The words left a bad taste in my mouth knowing the words he’d just said to me before leaving.

I watched as she smiled, “Exactly, it would keep me entertained.” I looked at our parents as I sat down and was pleased by the irritated expressions on their faces. I was slightly impressed with her quick pickup of the new strategy. “I’m not sure though, maybe I should pick someone with a better aim. What do you think, Father?”

“I think you should talk about something else,” Mason grumbled.

“I’m sorry Mason, I shouldn’t have asked her about it, I guess it is her business.” Mason looked at me with pleading eyes, as if he were begging me to go along with the engagement. Sadly that was something I couldn’t do. If only he knew the truth, he wouldn’t want his daughter married to me.

“There is nothing wrong with us talking about things we like, Father. You want us to get along and that’s what we're doing, we are just not getting along as you would like, is that it?”

I watched as he sighed. “Autumn, he is to be your husband, it is not a good thing to start talking about other men, you shouldn’t even be looking at them.”

“So are you saying that I shouldn't look at other women either? Because I may be guilty of that. You two really must realize that Autumn and I do not want to marry each other.” That was a lie, I wasn’t looking at anyone, not when I was a monster.

“Trystan!” Father let me know that I had taken it too far.

“It’s perfectly fine, Jude. He’s only telling me the truth, after all, they hardly know each other. We can’t expect them to fall in love at first sight.” Mason waved off my mother.

“Trystan, if you insist on talking to Autumn about such things then you really must take your conversation somewhere else. Neither Mason nor myself wish to hear it.”

Autumn…

I wasn’t giving up that easy and I certainly wasn't falling into that trap. “Let’s talk about the shoot and leave the interests out of it then, shall we?”

“Yes, let's. I have never seen a woman shoot like that; in fact, I’m not sure if I’ve seen many men that can shoot like that. It’s quite odd and not exactly ladylike.”

“Father and old Ned taught me. And who taught you to shoot, a blind man?” Let the fight begin! I could see the fire in his eyes and I wasn’t about to let it go out.

“You know that blonde you favored? Well, he and I had the same teacher.” He smiled as if he had won.

“If you’ll remember I only liked him because his skill was awful.”

“He never could hold a bow correctly.” Trystan’s reply was dismissive.

“I don’t think any of you could and the ones that could obviously couldn’t see.”

“They were quite awful weren’t they?”

“You have sadly untalented neighbors.” I continued to prod.

“I guess it’s a good thing that I don’t like any of them too much.”

“That would seem to be a good thing,” I said in a bland tone. Father and Jude got up, shaking their heads and walking toward the doors then. “Where are the two of you going?”

“We thought we might give you two a bit of privacy, it’s not good for you to get used to fighting in front of people. When you get married it might just be embarrassing.”

“You’re right, we’ll carry on and the two of you can just go consider how to fix this little mess that we are causing,” Trystan said with a smile.

“Yes, do go, we’ll continue to fight with or without you.” I watched them walk away into the castle before turning to Trystan, “Just what are you up to? I don’t think that telling them flat out is going to work if it hasn’t worked already.”

“Yes, well I thought it would be a good idea to make your father think of me as less than a gentleman. It may also be a good idea for my father to think of you as less than ladylike.”

“Yes, because that would get him to call this entire thing off, especially with you being less than a gentleman. Two savages.” Sarcasm laced my voice.

“Don’t you see? If my father can’t stand you and your father can’t stand me then they will call it off simply because they don’t like their would-be-in-laws.”

“Somehow I don’t see this working out for the best, but if you say so, then I guess we could give it a try. After all, our first plan hasn’t exactly worked out yet.” I loosely agreed.

“Yes, and while we are working on this one we can think of a new plan. I am definitely not looking forward to being married any time soon.”

“Nice to know you think so much of me.” His words stung, especially after what my father had told me about not being ideal for my spirited nature.

“It’s not you exactly, I just don’t want to get married. I have other things on my mind, and going on in my life, that deserve greater attention.”

“And a wife would just complicate things. I know just what you mean. I don’t really think I ever want to get married.” I admitted, trying not to take things personally.

“Really? Why not?”

“You know they say curiosity killed the cat?” I hedged at the question.

“Ah, yes, but you see I am far from being a cat.” He shot back with a grin.

“I hadn’t noticed.” Sarcasm edged my words.

“Well, are you going to tell me?”

“I just don’t feel like ever getting married. A husband would just be an inconvenience. I’m not exactly the kind to sit at home and sew.”

“And that’s exactly what every wife is expected to do.” His sarcasm matched my own.

“No, but that’s the kind that I would end up with. Either that or I would not be allowed to do anything without describing in detail first what my plans were. I like to be a bit spontaneous.”

“And just what could you do that is spontaneous?”

“Plenty of things, I assure you. I don’t like to discuss my personal business with people I like so little, no offense.”

“None taken, as long as you don’t take to any mutual feelings.”

“Not at all. I would prefer that you didn’t like me.”

“It’s easier that way.” He agreed.

“Yes, because then we don’t have to pretend and our parents might actually call this off.” I continued.

“Exactly.” He agreed easily.

“Tell me, what happens if we don’t get out of this?” The question was one of fear that we wouldn’t succeed.

“I don’t think of things that won’t happen.” He winked at me. “I fully plan on getting out of this engagement as soon as possible.”

“Do you always get what you plan on?”

“If I set my mind to it and truly want it.” His tone was relaxed, exuding confidence.

“You know your luck is bound to run out,” I informed him.

“Let’s just hope that it doesn’t run out before this thing is called off.” He countered with a pointed look.

“Lets.” I agreed.

“While I’m thinking of it, why did your father teach you to shoot a bow?” He asked, his brow raised in curiosity.

“He taught me to shoot everything. I am rather good with a gun if I do say so myself.”

“Truly? What use do you have for it?” His tone was lacking the judgment I’d expected.

“Actually, I asked him to teach me one day. I was watching him and Old Ned and just developed a sort of curiosity for it. After I learned how to use the weapons the right way, he began taking me hunting with him because I didn’t like sitting home by myself.” I admitted.

“What about your mother? Wasn’t she around to get you interested in the sort of things women do?”

I looked down at my lap. “My mom died when I was little, she didn’t have a chance to teach me those things.”

“I’m sorry. Mine died when I was young as well.”

Trystan…

Pain twisted my gut as she looked up at me with sad, glazed eyes. “I know, my father told me. Do you mind telling me what happened to her?”

“She got sick and just never got any better. The doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong with her. They tried everything they thought would make a difference, but she just kept getting worse until she died.”

“I’m so sorry.” The apology tightened in my chest, even as I knew it wasn’t enough.

“It’s not your fault. How did your mother pass?”

“She gave birth to what would have been my brother. He was born dead, she didn’t make it through the night. ”

“That’s horrible. It must have been hard on you and your father to go through that.” She consoled me.

“I was too young to remember much. I hardly remember her at all actually.”

“That’s the way it is with me. I was only eight when mine passed away.”

“I was seven.”

“It’s funny how you can lock up some of the worst things in your life for so long and not even think about them. Then all of a sudden, they just jump out at you and you’re there all over again.”

“I can almost hear her voice if I think about it hard enough. Sometimes I wonder if I’m not just convincing myself that I can just because I should.” As she said this she looked at me with confusion in her sad eyes.

I couldn’t talk about this, not with her, not with the way she was looking at me. “So have you ever killed anything?”

Confusion creased her brow. “What?”

“When you and your father go hunting, do you kill anything?”

“Yes actually.” I could see the relief in her eyes as I changed the subject.

“How often do you go hunting?”

“At least once a month, sometimes more. I love to hunt, even if I don’t get anything.” A rye smile curved her lips, “Don’t mistake me, I like the kill just as much as I like the chase.”

I laughed and smiled at her, “You aren’t the lady you pretend to be, are you?”

“Just what is that supposed to mean?” She said in a clipped tone.

“I’m just saying, you come off as this proper lady, all delicate and whatnot, but you enjoy the sport of things.”

“Yes, is there something wrong with that?”

“Not from where I stand, but I’m not like most people.”

“Really, and just what would most people say?” Her tone was defensive.

“They may not say anything, but if they do they would say that it’s absurd and unnatural and such,” I explained, being honest.

“And why can’t a lady enjoy sport?”

“They are supposed to like sports like badminton and such, not hunting and shooting.”

“And you’re saying that just because I like hunting and shooting I’m not a lady?”

“No, not at all, I’m saying that other people may feel this way.” I defended.

“But not you, you’re above other people, is that it? You’re sitting there looking down on me, judging me for what I enjoy, what I know but you’re saying that it’s not like that.”

“I never was judging you, I was just pointing something out. That’s the problem with you. You automatically assume that I’m being rude or looking down on you when all I’m doing is pointing something out.”

“Don’t play innocent, you were judging me and you always are judging me! Just because you’re a man, you think you’re better than me. You treat me like some kind of child, but I’m not as delicate as you think. I’m not as unladylike as you think either! You certainly have a way of bringing out the worst in me!”

“Just as you have a way of bringing out the worst in me! If you didn’t see everything as a battle then you might be able to keep your temper! You blow up over some of the smallest things! I don’t even have to bait you!”

“So you admit that you bait me! You want to start fights with me!” She snapped back.

“Just as badly as you like to start fights with me!” I countered.

“The only reason I like to start fights with you is because you deserve to be told what an overbearing, pompous, know-it-all, jackass you are!”

“And you deserve to know what a child you are at times! You pout over the silliest of things and then you ask why I treat you like a child! You are a child!” She was infuriating!

“I am 18, I am not a child!”

“Ha! Your age has nothing to do with it! You have to act like you’re 18 first before it counts!”

“And how old are you, 12?”

“No, I am 21 and you’d better remember it. I am older than you and that demands respect if nothing else!”

“I sincerely hope this wedding gets called off so that you don’t get one more thing to hold over my head!”

“And just what do you think I hold over your head?”

“That you’re a man, that you’re older than me, that you always win, that if we do get married you snap your fingers and I’ll have no choice but to do as you say! Every man is that way! A woman has little say, if any, and once she gets married what little she might have had is gone!”

“You really think that I would do that to you? Do you really think that all men are evil controlling creatures? Even with all the freedom your father gives you?”

“My father isn’t like other men.” She replied in a level tone.

“Not all men are the same, just as not all women are the same,” I told her, struggling to understand.

“Are you trying to talk me into this engagement by telling me you won’t be controlling, because it’s not working and I thought that you wanted this as little as I do?”

“Hell no, I’m not trying to talk you into anything! I’m just trying to get you off my back! And it would do the world some good to get one more man-hater straightened out.”

“I never said I was a man-hater.”

“You didn’t have to.”

“I never meant for you to take it that way, my distaste is for you alone.” She clarified in a bitter tone.

“As flattering as that is, I find it hard to believe.”

“I don’t like individuals that give me a reason to dislike them.”

“And what’s the first reason you have to dislike me?”

“That you treat me like I’m some sort of ignorant child!”

“As far as I’m concerned, you are an ignorant child. You have no clue about the world outside of what your father gives you. How do you expect me to treat you as anything different?”

“You have no clue what I know of the world! You would be shocked to know the half of it!” She shot back in an incredulous tone.

“Ha! Try me!”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you, so why does it even matter?”

“I thought so.” Satisfaction dripped from my voice.

“You are the most infuriating person I’ve ever met!”

“Glad to be of service!”

“OH!”

“That’s right, just get huffy like the CHILD you are!”

“I’m no child!”

“I’m sorry, I don’t speak baby talk.”

“You jackass! Now you’re just trying to keep the fight going!”

“No, I’m trying to win it, which we both know I will.”

“The hell you will! One day you’ll learn that you can’t win everything, and I’m going to be the one to show you!”

“Really? Prove it, go right ahead Autumn, put me in my place.”

I watched her jaw lock and she looked around and then smiled an evil smile. “Fine, I will.”

“Just what are you going to do?”