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Huntsman- An Encounter with a Siren

Ihadwanderedthemountainsides for days now without a trace of Snow. While she was good with a bow, she was too young and naïve to last this long in the woods without help, and a beautiful woman like her would be no match for beggars and thieves.

I had to find her, but why?

The dark Queen tasked me with killing Snow and bringing her Snow’s liver and heart as proof.

Was I really going to kill Snow?

I honestly couldn’t say right now. If I didn’t, I know the Queen would kill me. Was Snow’s life worth more than mine?

I stopped in a house that had a small sign posted out front.

Ruby’s Tavern.

Hopefully, they’d have something good to eat, since it was the first building I’d seen in hours. I walked into the elegantly decorated black and white foyer and had a feeling this was not the tavern I had been expecting.

“Welcome.” A woman said from behind the bar in the other room. Her voice was light and melodic.

“Hello.” I replied, taking off my hat.

“What can I do for you this evening?”

I looked around and saw a few men waiting at some tables, and then looked back at the bartender. “You wouldn’t have anything to eat here, would you?”

The woman laughed. “We have lots of things to eat. What exactly are you in the mood for?”

Catching her mischievous grin, I settled for the less obvious answer. “Food?”

She smiled knowingly. “You aren’t from around here, are you?”

“Is it that apparent?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe just a little.”

“So… food? This was the only place I have seen around for a while.”

“You just have to know where to look in these areas.” She studied me for a moment. “We rarely serve food, but you’re in luck. I just made a stew last night and brought it in for the girls. I could probably get a little for you.”

“Thank you. I would be so grateful.”

“I’ll be right back.”

She returned a few minutes later with a bowl full of stew that was steaming hot. “Thank you. How much can I pay you?”

She batted her hand. “It’s on the house, darling.”

“I can’t take it for nothing.”

She lifted her chin and studied me for a second. “Two Yergamots.”

“Done.” I pulled the coins out of my pocket and handed them to her. “Not many people deal in Yergamots around here.” I said taking in several large spoonful’s of stew.

“I know. It’s mostly only used around the castle.” Her tone changed. “Tell me. What is it you’re doing out here again?”

Shit. She was sly. A test and I didn’t even see it coming. “I didn’t say.” I shifted more upright in my seat as a tingle crept down my spine.

She looked at me, waiting. “I could make you tell me.”