Further Talk with Henri

"You'll be sharing barracks with me, Princess," Henri told her as they left the hut. "I'm to be your bodyguard of sorts." He grinned when Astra made to object at this. "Captain's orders." That was the end of the subject, though he could see that Astra wasn't happy with that. He was certain she could hold her own. The rags she had been wearing left little to the imagination and he was secretly impressed with what was still an impressive physique.

Astra didn't have to worry about being ogled by a lot of soldiers, as Henri had his own 'barracks'. There was only the one bed, Henri said he'd sleep on the floor. Astra told him she wouldn't have minded sleeping on the floor, but Henri was adamant. She had to admit to herself that sleeping in a proper bed for the first time for over a year would be a pleasant experience.

Sitting on the bed, she suddenly asked, "You're not a soldier, are you?"

Henri didn't seemed fazed by this and simply smiled and nodded. "Very observant, I'm not a soldier. Not for want of trying by the captain of course," he added wryly. "I prefer my civilian status."

Astra wanted to ask further, but didn't want to antagonise him. "Don't worry, I don't mind you asking," Henri said. He gave a small chuckle. "My life is hardly a state secret."

Astra was still hesitant, but eventually asked, "so why are you here?"

"I'm a huntsman," he explained. "These forests are my home. Since I've had to rely on them for my food, I've had to learn how to move silently and strike quickly. I've been teaching the soldiers my techniques."

Looking out of the hut's only window, he saw that that more of the soldiers were up and about. Turning back to Astra, he said, "Speaking of which, I'm due to do some training now. Care to observe?"

1. Seeing she had nothing better to do, Astra agreed.
2. Astra politely refused, preferring to stay in the hut for the time being.
3. She asked Henri if she could explore the fort.

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