The announcement was once again rung in our ears as we took our position on our horses. With thest whistle we have to start the race and the one who would reach the end point first would win. The rules were simple. I straddled the horse and took a deep breath to calm my mind.


    I looked at the sky that was turning crimson. The slight warmth that was still left there was also covered by the strong winds that were breezing. As if they were singing a song to calm my raging heart.


    Why does it feel like it will rain tonight? Now all i wanted was to finish this race as soon as possible and go back to the ce and rest.


    Though I was not expecting father to confirm me this early, I was still happy that it happened.


    I knew that father was angry when I nodded my head on his question. He was not expecting me to be interested in being the knight of the crown prince but it was better that he knew now, rather than knowing at the end moment.


    The whistle blew and the match started, the path was to cover the woods and reach the other side of the vige. We started galloping and I had to agree that the hundred was not only strong but fast too. He was easily taking over all the other horses, in just a few minutes I was the one who was the fastest. Even Josephine was left behind.


    Now all i had to do was to instruct the direction of the path to the hundred. He was intelligent enough to control that speed and I did not need to pull the reins again and again to force him to run faster. This was going to be more easy than i have thought. I kept my eyes and ears open as these woods were new to me. As the prim and properdy of the Duke''s pce, I never went near to a ce that was not rtive to nobles and royalty, and in the end when I was forced to live in the wood, they were in the outskirts of the empire, near the Forcheistre empire.


    I frowned and pulled the reins and moved the horse to the left side when I saw the arrows pointing there. It was a sudden turn as we had already taken one just two minutes ago. I turned to see if anyone was around but no one was there. How much more time would they take toe close? If this continued i will win with far higher points than I have ever expected.


    But as I continued to ride, I felt strange. I could smell blood. Though there was a very subtle smell in the air, I could smell it like a trained hunter.


    "Haiyaa.. Stop Hundred..`` I shouted as I pulled his reins, making him stop.


    I wanted to wait for the other knights to know if we were on the right path or not. Beuace the woods had turned dense and I was sure there were packs of wild animals around, though I had never participated in thepetition before, I was sure they would not use this hard path for it.


    And as i had expected even more than 15 minutes had passed that we were just dwindling yet not a single knight could be seen.


    "Thest arrow. Darn it ``I cursed. When I had seen that arrow i knew that something was wrong.


    "We need to go back hundred. I know you must be tired, but this ce is not safe and we have to go back at the main path and thenplete the race. Will you be able to apany me?`` I asked softly, bending on his body and running a hand on his neck.


    He sighed and nodded again as he moved his neck against my hand as if reciprocating my love and care for him.


    "Thank you hundred, you are such a great boy" I prepared and turned him back when we heard howls, and it was very near.


    "Great, only this was needed now. Come on hundred, or we will be the dinner of these packs of wolves ``I shouted and gave him a gentle kick and he started galloping again.


    I continued to look back in between and soon I saw 6 wolves following us. They must have heard hundred''s neighing and the sound of galloping.


    "Faster hundred" I shouted as I kicked him again, this time hard and he put more pressure. His speed increased further and now they both were at thepetition.


    I was sure we were going around 32-35mph. But the wolves were still catching up.


    I bent and tried to reach my legs, and took out daggers from it. Thank goodness that old habits die hard and I still keep the daggers hidden in my clothes unconsciously. I took them and moved my legs to one side.


    Hundred looked confused and ufortable.


    "Please, hundred, i need your support." the horse neighed again making me wonder if he could understand my every word.