His steps were silent and cautious. I wouldn’t have heard him, if he had approached from behind. He was gazing at me – ok, at the bush I was hiding behind, – and he didn’t even blink. I held my breath. I – for the first time after two centuries – was scared to death. I didn’t want to fight him, but I had no choice…

He took a few steps closer and I jumped at him aiming at his neck with dagger. I did this, even though my instinct told me not to. He easily dogged me. Yes, my attack was pretty obvious, but it was swift enough. Or so I thought. I turned around and looked at him.

The Huntsman grinned as I jumped for another attack. He didn’t dodge this time, but grabbed my wrists and pressed me against the tree. In just a moment, I found myself face to face with someone who could end my life in one second. However, I wasn’t going to die like a coward, closing my eyes and begging for mercy. I looked at him.

The Huntsman had sharp face features, pale skin, a scar on the left side of face, a goat-like beard and sharp teeth. He wasn’t a man most people would call “handsome”, but there was something in him, that made me stare for some time. And that “something” put me off. I have never seen anyone I wanted to beat up that badly. A shame I couldn’t.

He leaned to me, showing his teeth and growling, like a predator about to kill his prey. I snarled, trying not to show my fear, and unsuccessfully tried to break free.

- Stand still, - Huntsman’s voice was calm, deep and slightly hoarse.

I didn’t expect him to talk to me. Monsters do not talk to anyone, but their kind, and he was a monster. I hesitated. I wasn’t sure if I should follow his order, but I didn’t want to make him furious. Maybe, I can sort things out more or less peacefully…

- Good girl! – he sniffed my hair, like a dog would sniff a stranger. – You’re new… What brings you to this wretched place?

- Want to guess?

- To guess, I need to know who you are… - he grinned. – Judging by your outfit and weapon, you are either a mercenary, or a Hunter… Judging from your lack of finesse, I would say mercenary…

- Lack of finesse?! – his words made me furious. – What would a monster know about that?

- A monster? – he chuckled. – So you are here to hunt? You have such a high regard for me, fellow Hunter…

- That’s how we call those who kill innocent! And you’re no fellow to me!

I regretted my words the moment I said them. Huntsman's eyes became wider. He lifted my chin, making me face him and leaned even closer. He showed his sharp teeth and hissed:

- So you think it was me?

I nodded.

- You are very brave to say that to my face, - he let me go and took a few steps backwards. – But you need to learn one important lesson…