Chapter 80: A Quiet Moment

6 May, 1359. Magdaline Castle, Islia

William trudged through the forest, leading his favourite hunting steed by the reins. He had been out hunting with Francis and Robin since dawn and despite the ground being muddy from several days of on and off rain, they'd managed to bring down two does and a stag. His friends had been keen to return to the castle to wash the grime off themselves, but William had wanted to spend some time alone, so he had sent them and their accompanying pages back ahead of him.

He tied his horse to a tree and sat down on a dry patch of dirt, leaning his back against the scratchy trunk and stretching one of his legs out in front of him. He was in a foul mood and even the long hunt hadn't lifted his spirits much.