Ozragad had somehow managed to avoid conversing with Manadwyndan or any of his other councillors until he was atop his great black stallion once more and riding out along the lakeshore to the hunting grounds. Then there was no escaping Lord Urathon or Captain Rhiathon, two of his three hunting companions. Other than that, they rode with a small group of guards, some huntsmen to handle the tracking dogs, and finally Elethiomel, Ozragad's kinsman and spur of the moment replacement for his planned third hunting companion, Manawyndan. 

Had he overreacted in his anger and distrust of his councillor? Now that he was getting from the crowd and his temper was beginning to cool he felt somewhat foolish. How could Manawyndan, an old man, hope to harm in any way when he was alongside his loyal guardsmen and fellow councillors? Worse he had dragged a mere child into the middle of whatever scheme might be swirling around him. [color=f7941d][i]When has harming innocents ever stopped you from doing whatever you liked before? Do not think you have changed so much, or that you care any more just because he is of your blood.[/i][/color]

From behind, he heard the approaching hooves of two more horses, drawing nearer to him. Ozragad glanced behind to see his companions approaching him, Lord Urathon and Captain Rhiathon. They both wore severe expressions on their faces. No doubt they wished to lecture him about his sudden exclusion of Manawyndan.

Urathon was the elder of the two, though not as old as Manawyndan or even Ozragad himself, his Lord Justicar, overseer of the Formori's laws and his courts. He was a serious man, with a habitually grave visage. He gave the appearance of orderly man, hair always pulled back, goatee always neatly trimmed. But Ozragad knew he was at home in the field, for hunting was one of his few passions, that and his young wife back at their camp. 

[b]"Your Majesty, if we ma-"[/b] 

Urathon began, Rhiathon cut across him. Where Urathon was a sober and orderly man, Riathon had a warrior's heart. Her head was shaved of all hair, her arm as strong as any man's, Ozragad could not remember the last time he saw her out of armour. She had a fiery temper too, one that reminded him all too much of his own. But that was one of the reasons Ozragad had her as captain of his guard, she had little respect for anyone other than him and always acted without delay, she would never hesitate when it came to defending him. 

[b]"Sire, the hunt has been extensively planned to ensure your safety, I would greatly appreciate it if you would consult with me before making any further changes to our security arrangements."[/b] 

[b][color=f7941d]"Noted, captain."[/color][/b] He could feel a slight turn to his lip. Notice no reproach in her voice about Manawyndan, just that he had done so without consulting his guard captain first. There was no love lost between Rhiathon and Manawyndan, they were very different people, and had often clashed at his war councils. 

[b]"Yes,"[/b] Urathon tried to continue for where he had been interrupting. [b]"But is it truly wise to exclude Lord Manawyndan considering t-"[/b]

[color=f7941d][b]"What's done is done, Urathon. I will hear no more of this. Now, can we please focus on the task at hand? Hunting.[/b][/color] The King spoke in a tone that brook no argument. He put his fingers to his lips and blew hard against them, emitting a shrieking whistle. [b][color=f7941d]"Elethiomel! Get up here boy!"[/color][/b]

With more than just a little trepidation the youth lashed his reins and brought his horse up to ride alongside the rest of the hunting companions. Ozragad had though of him as a child earlier, but he could see now that wasn't strictly true. His cousin's son was young, but was on the cusp of manhood now. He looked like Cheldarine too, with a heart shaped face and long auburn hair worn loose, though his was silk smooth where his cousin's was curled and coiled. 

[b]"Y-you summoned me, Your Majesty?"[/b] There was tremble to his voice, in fact he seemed nervous to even be there. Well, it was hardly surprising considering the circumstances were rather unexpected. Still Ozragad his not remember his kinsman to be of a timid temperament, as far as he recalled he had been a headstrong boy, though he had not seen him a few years. 

[b][color=f7941d]"We are planning our strategy for today. Do you hunt much, up at the Ergyng estates? It was good land for coursing as far as I remember."[/color][/b] His features relaxed and the tension went out of his body as the conversation turned towards the matter of hunting. He must have realised that he had been caught in some form of political quagmire, Ozragad thought.

[b]"Yes, sire, I am fair hunter, particularly with the bow. No doubt anywhere near as experienced as yourself, sire, or your lord and ladyship."[/b]

[b][color=f7941d]"Urathon is fine tracker and rider. Captain Rhiathon has a good spear arm, but little else."[/color][/b]

[b]"You wound me, sire, though my hunting skills are not my primary asset. I am here to ensure Your Majesty may hunt in peace.[/b] Ozragad thought there was little chance of that even if there was no attempt on his life today. 

[b][color=f7941d]"Well, we are all here. I think those woods up ahead look as likely spot as any to start. Loose the dogs and see if we can pick up a scent."[/color][/b]

The Hunt had begun.