The center path, deeper into the woods

Trina will likely expect you to ride to the meadow, as that's where you're run off to before for a moment alone. You direct Steelheart onto the center path, down a short path and another bend, and rein him up so that the sound of his hoofbeats do not give away your position. Listening carefully to Trina's horse coming up from behind, you note with satisfaction that she turns onto the meadow path without even slowing. Probably the next time you go for your morning ride, Captain Navarre will insist that TWO of the Kingsguard accompany you.

Once Trina's horse can no longer be heard, you urge Steelheart forward at a walk. The sound of the birds is relaxing and soothing, as is the wind in the treetops and the pleasant, clean scent of the last of the morning dewdrops evaporating away. You let the horse find his own pace through the wood, allowing your mind a much-needed rest. The stress of being King melts away as you proceed through the sun-flecked woods...

Something whizzes just past your throat!

You pull up the reins, bringing Steelheart to a quick stop. The short riding cape slithers off your back and crumples onto the ground, and you realize that an arrow has thunked into the tree on your left - having neatly snipped through the knot that tied your cape on the way there.

The Vixen, you realize. Even though you had just been speaking of her to Trina, you hardly expected her to be up here in this part of the woods, where travelers do not venture.

"I carry nothing of value," you call out to the woods.

"I do not seek treasure," the voice returns. It is whispered, and sounds close, but when you look in that direction there is nothing to see.

"Do you know who I am?" you call out.

"You are the man who would be King."

"Then you should know I mean you no harm, Vixen. Come out and face me, if you would."

"And risk capture? I think not."

"I would lose your trail once you took four steps into the woods," you reply. "My horse is fast, but even a fast horse cannot catch a clever fox in her own hunting grounds. Let us speak face-to-face. Or do you fear me?"

"I fear the chains you would place on me," says the voice again, this time from a different direction. You turn that way, and this time she is there. Her back is turned, and you can barely make out a part of her face beneath the hood of her midnight-dark cloak, which covers everything else.

"What do you want from me?" you ask.

"Not here. Not now. I would speak with you alone."

You make a point of looking around. "Unless you refer to my horse, we seem alone enough."

"We will not remain so. Your guard has already reached the end of the false path and is turning to come back. She will be here in moments."

You wonder for a moment how she could know that; but no matter, it's likely true. "Then, speak your terms."

"Beyond the high meadow is a trail which leads higher still," the Vixen says. "It leads to steps which no horse can climb, and through a crack too narrow for a man with armor. There is a circle of ancient stones there, laid by those who lived and died a thousand years before any other set foot in this place. I will be there tonight when the Moon is at its highest."

"Do you presume to command a King?" you ask.

"I will be there. Whether you will be there is your choice, King Xavier. But know that if you fail to appear, or if you bring others with you, you will not find me there... nor will you find me ever again."

Hoofbeats from behind turn your head for a moment; Trina is coming up the path. When you look back, it is as if the black-cloaked woman has vanished into the air.