The Headless Huntsman (3 page)

 

Chapter 4

The Huntsman

“That mob must have come from the town,” said Edgar as they rode. “And they don't want us to get rid of the Huntsman.”

“It sounds almost like they worship him,” said Mary.

“They are grateful to me,” someone said behind them.

Mr Blood and Mary turned their horses around.

The Headless Huntsman sat on Edgar's horse in the middle of the road. Edgar was so afraid, he could hardly breathe. He could feel Mary trembling.

“Why do you kill?” Mr Blood demanded. “How did you die?”

The Huntsman made a chopping movement with his hand through the air where his head should have been.

“You were executed,” said Mr Blood. “And you seek revenge.”

“No,” the Huntsman replied. “I seek justice. The men of the council take everything for themselves, while the people are starving. I told them this was wrong, and they had me killed. The town does not need to be freed from me but from the council.”

The Huntsman began to ride up a small hill. “Follow me,” he called. They all rode in silence to the top of the hill. The clouds had gone and the moon shone bright over Goreditch.

 

 

“You can see thirteen large buildings in the town,” the Huntsman went on. “One is the town hall. The others were built as homes by each of the twelve councillors. They tax the people and keep the money. They pay their guards well enough so nobody dares to take them on. Until now.”

“Let us come with you,” said Mr Blood. “Before you kill them, let me try to reason with them.”

“It is too late for that,” said the Huntsman. He kicked the horse's sides and galloped off down the hill towards Goreditch.

 

Chapter 5

Justice

Mr Blood, Edgar and Mary followed the Huntsman. They were not on the road and the mob did not see them. As they got near to the town they could hear shouts and screams coming from the town hall.

A crowd of people stood outside. “Hail to the Huntsman! Hail to the Huntsman!” they chanted. Three guards lay dead on the ground. Their heads were missing.

“People of Goreditch!” Mr Blood called. “I know that the Council has brought evil on this town. But. . .”

 

 

The crowd turned to Mr Blood. There was rage on every face.

“They'll kill us!” shouted Edgar. He, Mary and Mr Blood jumped off their horses and ran to the town hall doors.

“Let them go in!” someone shouted. “The Huntsman will deal with them!”

They bolted the doors behind them and raced up to the Sheriff's office. Inside they found the Sheriff and four of the councillors standing by the opposite wall. Their faces were grey with fear.

“Mr Blood!” the Sheriff cried. “Thank Heavens! The Huntsman dragged each of us from our beds and brought us here. Save us!”

At that moment the door opened and the Huntsman came in. He dumped another of the councillors on the floor and the man crawled over to his friends.

“Killers and thieves!” the Huntsman roared. “This ends tonight!”

“Wait!” cried Mr Blood. “If you want the people of Goreditch to be free, then they must free themselves. Hand the councillors over to the people. Let the people decide what to do with them.”

“Very well,” said the Huntsman. “Come with me.” He led Mr Blood and the children back out onto the street. A roar went up from the crowd. The Huntsman waited for it to die down, then spoke.

 

 

“Friends,” the Huntsman said to the crowd. His voice seemed to be coming from everywhere. “I know the councillors have destroyed many lives in this town. That is why I have taken their lives in return.”

The crowd cheered and shouted, “
Hail to the Huntsman! Hail to the Huntsman!
”

“Now it is for you to decide what happens to the councillors. Should I kill them all?” asked the Headless Huntsman.

Then, Mary spoke up. “Make them pay for their evil deeds but let them live. If you spill more blood it will bring shame on you all.”