Page 53 of Ladybird

Chapter 12

“Nay, this can’t be happening!” Regina hurried into the mews with Hunter and the rest of the men following right at her heels.

“Where’s Cassian?” shouted Robin. “Get him out here, now!”

“I’m here, my lord,” said Cassian walking out of a shadow.

“Where were you when this happened?” asked Robin.

“It happened last night, I believe. While I was sleeping,” said the old man.

“Did you hear anyone in the mews last night?” asked Hunter.

“Nay.” The man shook his head.

“No, of course not,” mumbled Hunter, since the man was nearly deaf and probably slept through the storm as well.

Regina put Hera on her perch and then proceeded to check on Dewdrop and Cloud.

“Are the other birds all right?” Hunter asked, coming up behind her.

“They’re fine,” she answered. “But Lightning is gone! Oh, Hunter, please find her. I am so upset that my whole body is shaking. I pray she is all right.”

“Damn it! I should have been here doing my job instead of being out on the hunt,” spat Hunter. “I blame myself that this happened.”

“What do you mean?” asked one of the huntsmen. “How is it your fault, my lord?”

“Yes, and what do you mean your job?” asked Robin’s squire. “I don’t understand.”

Al and Sage entered the mews next, followed by Fred. Luke was following slowly but walking as if he’d never been injured at all. He carried Inky in his arms.

“What’s going on out here?” asked Sage. “I heard the commotion and yelling all the way from the keep.”

“Oh, Sage, it’s awful,” cried Regina, running to the woman. “The thief has struck again and this time he took Lightning.”

“I will put a stop to this,” Hunter spoke up. “I swear I will find this thief and he will hang for what he’s done.”

“Do you really think you can find him?” asked Baldwin.

“I can. It’s my job and what I do.”

“Why does he keep saying that?” asked Paul.

“Lord Robin, you may as well tell them all. There is no sense keeping my identity a secret any longer,” said Hunter.

“You’re right,” agreed Robin. “Everyone, Hunter Chase is a thief-taker who I hired to find and bring in the thief who has been robbing us.”

“Ah ha! That’s how I know you,” said Al. “I thought you seemed familiar. You’re that thief-taker who lives in the woods outside of town, aren’t you?”

“I am,” Hunter admitted.

“He’s naught but a damned mercenary, selling his sword to the highest bidder,” said Cassian with a sneer. “Just like his old man.”

“What?” Regina blinked several times, looking over at Hunter. “What is he talking about, Hunter?”

“It’s true, Lady Regina,” said Hunter, swallowing his pride. “I was a mercenary for many years. I started when I was only thirteen.”

“So you…killed people when you were only Luke’s age?” Regina was standing near him but took a step backward when she said it. It felt horrible. She acted as if she were appalled or frightened of him now. That is the last thing he ever wanted. They had been intimate and it felt good. It was magical and special. Now, he was sure Regina would never even want to speak to him again and he couldn’t say he blamed her.