Death of an Innocent

“Miss Beaumont, what a pleasant surprise!” Ms. Taliesin exclaimed as she set down her old watering can.

“Oh hello,” Estella smiled. There was a tall man standing beside her. Ms. Taliesin’s eyes widened at his appearance. He didn’t dress in armor but the amount of leather he had around his tunic and the dagger by his side clearly presented him as a huntsman. Unlike Miss Beaumont’s bright smile, he frowned. Dark circles were visible under his blank eyes. He looked toward the young noble, almost glaring. When his sight was noticed by Ms. Taliesin, he darted the other way.

“And who is this?” Ms. Taliesin asked.

Estella turned toward the man, “He’s one of my stepmother’s men. He’s accompanying me to the meadows under her orders.

A sigh came out of Ms. Taliesin. Everyone in town was aware of House Beaumont’s new matriarch, a mysterious woman who not only kept to herself, but also rarely let her stepdaughter see the light of day. The Beaumont’s used to be known for their kind and welcoming gestures when it came to interacting with the townspeople, even letting them into their home when they needed it most. But since the disappearance of Estella’s mother, it hasn’t been the same. Things seemed to look up a bit when this strange lady showed up on their doorstep just a couple of days after, however it seemed she only wanted one thing out of this ordeal. Until then, House Beaumont kept its doors closed, only allowing other nobles or any one affiliated with the crown inside. It’s still unknown whether Mrs. Beaumont is still alive. The last person to have seen her, Estella, claimed she went out to meet up with someone and then she never came back.

“The meadows,” Ms. Taliesin shook the thoughts away, “isn’t that a bit far?”

“Yes, though I wanted to visit the gardens but my stepmother insisted I’d head there instead.”

“I see.”

“We don’t have all day,” the huntsman stepped in, “Miss Beaumont can only be out until sunset.”

“It’s alright,” Estella interjected, “I can make time to chat with an old friend.”

The huntsman looked at Estella and then glared at Ms. Taliesin, she gave him a look back. Something was off about him but she couldn’t put her finger on it.

“I’d like to speak with Miss. Beaumont in private, if that’s alright?” she asked.

The huntsman crossed his arms and sighed, “Make it quick.”

Ms. Taliesin gently placed her hand on Estella’s shoulders as she guided her a couple feet away from the huntsman.

“It’s been such a long time,” Ms. Taliesin said in a whisper, “look how much you’ve grown!”

“It’s only been three years,” Estella giggled.

There was an ache in Ms. Taliesin’s heart. She couldn’t imagine the thought of keeping such a kind soul inside for that long. It’s a miracle she still has her spark after all this time.

“But still, you look exactly like your mother.”

“The maids have said the same thing,” Estella looked down solemnly.

“On a brighter note,” Ms. Taliesin said, changing the subject, “how have you been? What have you been up to these days?”

“I’ve been doing alright,” a lighter smile formed on Estella’s lips, “I’ve been reading. Granted, there are several history books back home, but I managed to find some hidden gems.”

Ms. Taliesin nodded in response.

“What about you,” Estella asked, “any new finds recently?”

Ms. Taliesin, though an herbalist, also enjoys collecting items she encounters while looking for plants and ingredients for her medicines.

“Well, I did find something,” she dug through the pocket of her apron. There was a small ivory chain dangling from her delicate fingers before she brought the item into view. It was accompanied by a crescent moon jewel of the same color. Estella’s eyes sparkled at the sight of it.

“It’s beautiful,” she remarked, “where did you find this?”

“In the river,” Ms. Taliesin replied, “Surprisingly, the stream didn’t push it at all. I assumed it might’ve been trapped under some rubble but-”

The huntsman cleared his throat as he joined the two, tapping his foot.

“Well I guess that’s time,” Estella sighed.

“Strange,” Ms. Taliesin raised a brow, “it was two minutes at least.”

“He’s right though, I don’t have all day,” Estella

looked up at the sky then back at her friend, “it’s been a delight seeing you.”

“Before you go,” Ms. Taliesin placed her finding on Estella’s palm, “You should have this. Consider it a gift from me.”

Estella observed the pendant gently, it almost seemed like it gleamed at her touch.

“No, I shouldn’t,” she handed it back, “you found it, therefore it belongs to you.”

“I insist,” Ms. Taliesin smiled as she clasped her hands over Estella’s. Besides, you’ll never know when you need it.”

“Then,” her shoulders relaxed. “I’ll be sure to take good care of it,” Estella placed it around her neck, complimenting her purple dress, “thank you.”

She waved goodbye to Ms. Taliesin as she joined the huntsman, both of their forms consumed by the shadows of the trees. The herbalist frowned a bit as she looked over there for a moment.

“May the gods protect you.”

As the two ventured further into the forest, only a couple words among noble and huntsmen were exchanged. The silence was accompanied by the light ambiance of the wind and occasional sound of a couple of critters chirping. Estella was willing to take a crack at ensuing a conversation even if it felt like she was talking to a wall.

“You’ve been to the forest before, right?” she asked, “You seem to know your way around it pretty well.”

He said nothing in response.

This is going well, she thought.

“Do you have a favorite flower? Perhaps a favorite bird?

More silence.

“Not much of a talker, are you?” she teased, “It’s alright. I was like that before. It can be hard to trust strangers.”

A grunt can be heard, maybe he was listening after all.

“But I can trust you, since my stepmother does. You seem to be fond of her.”

This time a mutter came out of the man.

“What was that?” All he did was shake his head.

The conversation was short-lived as the two made it out of the forest, where they were greeted by a green field scattered with many wildflowers of different colors. Estella heard about this meadow through the words of the maids. They commented about how beautiful the scenery was, especially during the day where the sun shined the brightest. She always wanted to go see it herself but her stepmother would deny her request… until now. She wondered what caused her to change her mind. Either way she was content with being in the sun again, even if it was for a short while.

Estella made her way to a couple of wildflowers and began inspecting them. There were a wide array of them around her, though she was looking for one flower specifically. She wanted to pick a flower that reminded her of her mother, something that would bring her comfort when she heads home and spends another while inside.

“I can’t seem to find the flowers I’m looking for,” Estella turned toward the huntsman, “would you mind helping me look for it?”

Not only was she met with silence once again, but the huntsman was no longer by the oak tree he had been leaning on.

She raised an eyebrow, “Huh, where did he run off to?”

She didn’t expect this sudden change of plan, also wasn’t sure to feel relieved that she’s finally by herself for once or concerned that the only person meant to look after her just left. A whistle pulled her out of her thoughts as she turned to the direction of the sound. A dove flew above her head.

“Oh, hello,” Estella placed her hands close as the dove landed on her palms, “I could use the company right about now. As you can see, my guide isn’t around.”

The dove chirped as if it could understand her.

“I’m looking for some hyacinths, would you like to help?” she asked.

It chirped again as it flew off, Estella followed close behind. The dove soared through the meadow as its feathers glowed in the sun. Estella couldn’t help but feel a sense of familiarity toward it. Doves were her mother’s favorite birds. She recalled when a couple of them surrounded the two as they went to the gardens years ago. Doves typically have a shorter lifespan but a part of Estella had hoped this one was with them that day. The dove chirped happily as it circles around the purple hyacinths below the hills where she had stood. Estella gasped as she descended and approached the flowers. She debated whether to take a couple, though she would've gotten more if she brought a basket. Eventually, she took a singular hyacinth and took a sniff before placing it in her dress pocket. She looked around the meadow until the sun began to set. She sat on top of the field and waited.

“I’m sure he’s still around,” she reassured the dove, though it sounded more like she was reassuring herself, “I doubt he would disobey my stepmother’s orders.”

The dove chirped.

Almost as if she understood what the dove asked, she replied, “I can’t just walk into the forest to find him, I’ll get lost.”

Minutes or perhaps an hour or more had gone by and yet no sign of him. Estella had almost gotten used to the silence until rough footsteps echoed behind her. She perked up and looked back, it was the huntsman.

She let out a breath she didn't know she held, “I was wondering where you ran off to.” Her heart raced as he stood there silently.

“I wish you could’ve at least let me know you were going to step out,” though she kept calm, there was a strain in her voice.

All she got in return was a chuckle.

“Oh Estella…” he said.

Estella felt her heart racing faster and a strange ache in her stomach. The dove hid behind her dark braid.

“You stupid, stupid girl…”

“What do you mean?”

“She was right, you wouldn’t suspect a thing,” he grinned.

“Who?”

“Who do you think?”

Her eyebrows were still raised until the realization hit her. Why else was that woman so kind to her all of a sudden? The huntsman began to approach Estella slowly with his dagger in hand. Each step he took, she took a step back. She felt her breath hitching the more he had gotten closer. Unbeknownst to either of them, the ivory moon pendant began to flicker.

“Why…” Estella managed to say, her voice quivering.

“She’s envious,” the huntsman replied, “first it started with your mother.”

“My mother?” Estella’s eyes widened.

“Did it not occur to you how close your mother’s ‘disappearance’ and the day Ms. Evermore came to the estate were?”

She shook her head. Her back met the bark of a tree as he cornered her, dagger pointed at her chest.

“And now here you are, meeting the same fate.”

Estella felt her heart sink into her stomach. Was this it, she thought. Is this where she was going to take her last breath? If so at least she would be one with the flowers, if the huntsman would at least grant her that wish. She doubted it now that he revealed his true colors. She wasn’t ready to meet death but it seemed like she had no other choice as she felt the tip of the dagger dig onto her skin…

The blade immediately pulled back as a yelp came out of the huntsman’s mouth. Estella opened her eyes to see her savior. She didn’t feel the dove leave her hair. It probably flew off before her back hit the tree. Now there it was, pulling at the huntsman’s cloak. He tried to swat it with his dagger but it dodged his blade with zero issue. Estella took it as a chance to escape and began running into the forest.

“Get back here,” the huntsman yelled, “I’ll find you!”

She ran through the trees, though she wasn’t sure if she was looking for a way out or a hiding spot. It almost felt like even the forest itself was against her as bushes pulled at her dress, ripping the cloth. Branches were caught up in her hair, tangling themselves in her bread. No matter how fast she thought she was running, she could still hear the huntsman’s footsteps approaching.

“Gods,” she panicked, “how could I have been so dense!”

He was getting closer. Without anything to protect herself, she was sure she would join her mother in the afterlife. She managed to hide behind one of the trees, catching her breath as she looked up. Even with the leaves consuming the sky, she could still catch glimpses of the moon beginning to rise.

“If there is any God listening,” she began to plead, “please… help me protect myself…”

She saw a small glow around her chest, the pendant Ms. Taliesin had gifted her earlier. The ivory moon sparked up like a shooting star as she placed both her palms around it. It floated a couple inches away from her before the sparks brightened up the whole forest. Estella shielded her eyes with her arm. Once the sparks dimmed she looked up and saw a sword floating in front of her. Her eyes lit up in awe, the sword looked almost exactly like the one her mother used to own. The blade was as silver and shinier than she remembered, yet the chipped and busted handle remained the same.

She hesitated to hold it at first but as the footsteps drew closer, she grabbed it.

“I never learned how to fight,” she told herself.

A soft voice behind her, one that didn’t belong to either her or the huntsman, spoke up, “Don’t worry.”

Estella turned to the source of the voice. The dove managed to catch up to her. As it flew down toward her, it began to glow the same color as the pendant and its silhouette became more humanoid. She had read stories of spirits being summoned when a mortal was in need. She never thought she would ever find herself in that position. The spirit’s face was mostly obscured with their bright cloak, except for their lips and lighter hair over their shoulders.

Their voice radiated a form of comfort Estella desperately needed for so long, “I’ll guide you.”

Estella almost sighed in relief, but there was still a hint of panic in her voice, “What do I do first?”

Despite being a spirit, they were able to physically touch Estella’s shoulder as they helped her fix up her posture. They pointed at the ground as she placed her dominant leg forward and, with both hands, gripped the sword and pointed it toward an empty space. She was in a stance ready to defend herself. Estella took a deep breath to ease her mind. This is for her mother, for herself. She expected the huntsman to appear any minute now. It was quiet, too quiet.

“Behind you…” the spirit whispered in her ear.

Estella turned around. It was a quick movement but to her, everything was slow. She spotted the huntsman about to plunge her back with his dagger. Luckily she was able to swiftly parry the incoming attack using the sword’s blade.

“Where did you-” the huntsman grunted as he backed up and observed the sword, “Ms. Evermore had it destroyed!”

He charged at her again and now his blade clashed with Estella’s. With all the strength she had, Estella pushed him back.

“Go for the attack,” the spirit instructed.

“Do I have to kill him?” she asked.

“Is that what you want?” the spirit had asked her.

The blades clashed as Estella was lost in thought but still aware enough to block another attack. She felt the panic wash away as the memory of her mother played in her head. Her smile, the way she could still feel her warmth before it was snuffed. Now that she knew the truth of what had really happened, she would be sure she’d live to tell the tale.

“Almost…” the spirit was paying close attention to the huntsman’s moves. He was gasping for breath and wheezing for as long as the duel went on. “I won’t let him hurt you…” they reassured Estella as the blades clashed once again.

Eventually as the huntsman’s movement slowed down, Estella lunged toward him and knocked the dagger right out of his hand. It clattered onto the ground as she pointed the blade of the sword at his neck.

The two stared at each other for a moment, before he chuckled, “So, it seems the tables have turned.”

Estella glared.

“What are you waiting for?” he locked his eyes on her, “do it, finish the job.”

“No.”

The huntsman looked surprised, “What’s wrong? Scared to have blood on your hands?”

Estella and the spirit looked at each other. She lowered the sword, but her grip on it remained tight.

“Killing you won’t undo all the pain,” Estella sighed, “and it certainly won’t bring my her back.”

“What will you do now?,” the huntsman grunted, “You can’t go back home.”

“I know.”

“So where will you go?”

Estella looked up at the sky. The night was starting to take over and the moon shined the brightest. She looked toward the direction of the meadow. “Somewhere, but not there.”

“And leave everything behind?” the huntsman asked.

“I’ll be back someday.”

She began to walk away but before leaving the huntsman behind, Estella turned to him. For once in their whole interaction, his face softened.

And she walked away, with the spirit– a dove in the huntsman’s eyes– following behind.