Chapter 43: Experiencing Nature
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The hunt was to take place in a vast dense forest outside the walls of EmptyHollow, whilst they began their journey early to avoid arriving late. Ivan rode ahead of everyone with Abdiel and one of the Grand Masters of the hunt flanking at his side. Alistair, Tobias and the rest of the prince rode behind Ivan while the subordinates and guards followed behind everyone.
Making it out of the dense wood that was covered in mist, Ivan and his companions made their way past the small village that would lead them down the path of the hunting ground. The Vampire lord was regally decked in black leather armor, with his long black cloak streaming behind him. The rest were all dressed in their finest hunting attires and armed with their trusty bows and arrows.
The ash-colored smoke that ascended in the air made it known that the people from the village were up and had started their daily duties. As they rode past, Samantha, who sat behind Herbert on his dark horse, was fascinated by the humans living close by.
Some of the villagers crossed themselves when they passed by, while others stared in open-mouthed awe before lowering their heads immediately. It wasn’t everyday the crowned Prince graced everyone with his otherworldly presence, and only the brave ones were able to steal a peek at the handsome princes of EmptyHollow.
In spite of their fears, the respect in the way they bowed for the Princes’ had Samantha blinking in stupefaction. Craning her neck to look at Ivan who rode ahead of everyone, the Vampire Lord kept his serene gaze fixed on the path ahead, and he emitted such an intimidating aura that could not be mismatched.
As they continued further into the mountains, the people began to disperse, returning to their small homes whilst others continued with their daily activities. They seemed happy and content with their simple lives, with nothing but the daily hassle of a village to keep them occupied. Watching them only made Samantha feel homesick, she missed her home, but if only there was still a home she could return to.
It was only necessary for her to keep away, because if her background ends up being uncovered by the people of the Palace, then her head would definitely be severed from her body.
Swallowing the tight lump in her throat, she gave her head a mental shake, refusing to let herself think about the tragedies in her life. Taking a deep breath, she focused on the journey ahead.
It was a four hour journey from EmptyHollow to the hunting ground, and Samantha bit her lower lip in pure anticipation.
She was starting to wonder how long they needed to ride before reaching the place, and her patience battery was starting to run low. She was curious to see what it looked like, and like an answer to her question, Samantha’s eyes widened in fascination when her gaze spotted the greenery ahead.