Chapter 19
“ ‘All things are possible with God,’ ” the stranger said calmly, “as He is All-Powerful.”
“Will you have the decency of introducing yourself?” Cunnel asked incredulously.
“The boy can tell you my name,” replied the newcomer, “Although, I believe we have already met.”
“Say your own name, hunter” Philip fumed indignantly. “I vowed I would not utter it again!”
“And what,” the tall man asked, “have I done to merit such hatred?”
“You would come between me and my father,” the boy said solemnly, “and no man shall do that again.”
“I recall our meeting, earlier today,” the fisherman addressed his new guest “But I do not remember your name,” he added, holding out his hand.
“Hawkson” The man remained still. “Michael Hawkson.” A moment passed and the refused hand lowered slowly. Cunnel said nothing.
“How did you find me?” Philip demanded. The hunter turned and laid his hat on the table.
“God will not refuse to help His children, ” he began slowly.
“He refused me!” the boy shouted.
“Far from it,” Michael said, “He was testing you, for your sake.”
“You did not answer the boy’s question,” Cunnel reminded him. “How did you get here? The prince said you were gone for good.” Michael’s eyes smiled.
“Did he?” he asked looking at the young boy.
“The soldiers had you bound! They knocked you unconscious. I saw you!” the lad insisted. The fisherman’s face twitched nervously.
“You never told me the soldiers were after him,” Cunnel said accusingly. Philip looked uncomfortable.
“What did it matter?” he asked. “They had him prisoner. He was no longer a threat to us. And that was all you needed to know.” He informed the scrawny fisherman.
“I’ll tell you what matters,” Cunnel answered roughly. “How did he escape the soldiers?”
“Ask him!” Philip snapped.
“I was.” retorted the fisherman. All attention was now focused on the soaking wet huntsman, waiting for an answer. From the fire’s orange light, Philip saw a smile beneath that dark mustache.
“What does it matter?” the tall man mocked innocently. “They no longer have me for a prisoner. And I am here.”
“But what if they followed you here?” the fisherman said anxiously. Michael shook his head.
“Believe me, they did not.”
“Then you’ll lead them to us!” Cunnel pointed angrily at the wet hunter.
“No,” a small voice spoke up. Both men looked over to the youth who was, ironically, smiling. “He can’t.”
“Why not?” the fisherman demanded.
“He will not risk his family’s safety nor his own life, merely for a cause in which, quite truthfully, he has no possible gain.” The hunter’s eyes met Philip’s. The boy’s grin broadened. He liked what he saw.
“What do you mean?” Cunnel looked from one to the other. Apparently he was unaware of this aspect.
“His family is being held by my soldiers.” The prince explained.
“Your father’s soldiers” corrected Michael.
“They are the same,” answered Philip.
“If,” Cunnel looked at the silent figure before him. “If this man was arrested because of you, surely by returning you to these soldiers, he will obtain his family’s release.”
“Not if I can help it.” the prince answered, looking at Michael. The hunter hesitated a moment.
“I did not come here for me or my family’s sake,” Michael told the boy. “Come with me, and I promise you, one day, you will thank me for it.”
“I would rather die,” the youth said hotly.
“You might,” the father warned.
“Oh I like that!” The fisherman’s mind was still back at the huntsman’s offer. “Let us invite the soldiers right into this very house,” he laughed mockingly. “You’d love to see me arrested for all this, wouldn’t you?” But the hunter shook his head.
“No,” Michael promised. “If he comes with me now, I give you my word, I shall leave you out of it. As is within my power, the soldiers will never know.”
This offer was met with silence.
“Come,” Michael looked towards the boy, “I’m not asking much.”
“You’re asking for everything,” the prince said bitterly. An expectant silence hung on the air. At length the boy raised his head. His decision was made.
“Leave now,” Philip threatened. “while you can.”
“I’m not leaving without you,” Michael said firmly.
“Is that how you would speak to your prince?” Cunnel demanded sharply. The hunter answered him with a silent look.
“He does not believe that I am the prince,” Philip smirked.
“If I have to take you by force,” Michael said, addressing the boy. “I will.”
There was a distinct scraping noise and Michael turned to see the fisherman’s knife pointing towards him.
“Lay one finger on the boy, and you’ll leave this house a dead man,” Cunnel threatened. Philip tried to hide his smile. He nodded proudly.
“There are still some loyal men left in this kingdom." The subtle emphasis stressed the hunter’s infidelity. "These men have the courage to serve their prince however they can; be it with a useful boat or a true friendship. They will stop at nothing to fulfill their prince’s will.”
“And some, the king’s will.” Michael answered quietly; his eyes lowered in a thoughtful stare. The prince had heard him though, and slammed his fist on the table.
“Get out of here!” he shouted angrily. The fisherman looked uneasily at the prince.
“We can’t just let him go.” Cunnel whispered.
“He won’t tell the soldiers. He cannot afford their help. They would arrest, if not kill him, before he could lead them here,” the prince said confidently.
“You’re so sure of that?” Cunnel asked incredulously.
“You don’t believe me? He does.” Philip nodded towards the former prisoner. A few awkward moments passed before the hunter noticed they were talking about him.
“What?” Apparently, he hadn’t been listening. The prince was offended and indignant.
“Leave!” commanded Philip. “Before I let my faithful servant here have his way.” The hunter glanced briefly at Cunnel, but then once more at the boy.
“Richard,- ” Michael stepped towards him.
“Don’t call me that!” cried the youth. The fisherman came between them, his knife still unsheathed. The tall man retreated a few steps, while facing the prince.
“Forgive me,” the father said quietly. “But that is the name you gave yesterday.” Philip’s mouth opened, but without a sound. His frustrated mind searched for words. The hunter turned towards the door. Keeping the knife in sight from the corner of his eye, Michael pulled the wooden door open. A sullen voice called after him.
“I hope I never see you again,” the young boy said coldly. The tall man looked back. Philip no longer saw fear in his eyes.
“Be careful what you pray for,” was the grave response. “God leaves no prayer unanswered.” With that, the huntsman went out into the storming night.
