Chronicle II – The Huntsman
Warrior. Protector. Legend. These are but a few monikers for the mysterious Huntsman who calls the Enchanted Forest his home. But for our heroine, Red, one title stands above the rest: Father.
"If I don’t, then who will?"
Concept art by: Veljko Krivokuca
A Legend Forged in Solitude
The full story of the Huntsman is known only to the man himself, who prefers to keep it a closely guarded secret. What is known is that many years ago, he sought refuge in the untamed wilds of the Enchanted Forest. There, amidst the ancient trees, he constructed the iconic Huntsman's Cabin and gradually established a reputation as an indispensable guardian of the region.
However, his solitary way of life was shattered the day he rescued an eight-year-old Red from the belly of the Wolf. Most men would have fled at the sight of such a bloodthirsty monster, but the Huntsman is not most men. Not only did he save Red’s life, but he also took her in as his protégé when her mother succumbed to illness. And for the next eight years, he dedicated himself to training her so that she would never again fall victim to the evils lurking in the woods.
In the present, the Huntsman’s daily routines revolve around ensuring Red’s safety and continuing to preserve the integrity of the Enchanted Forest. Whether he is responding to distress calls, culling predators as needed to preserve the natural balance, or conducting patrols to preemptively root out any potential corruption or dangers, the Huntsman has not allowed his age to slow him down one bit.
Huntman’s Variations
The Unflinching Protector
Those who have interacted with the Huntsman can agree there is a certain gravitas that surrounds him. Every action and word feels deliberate, and he conducts himself with the humility of someone who has experienced countless trials. Many locals whisper that he enjoys an unnatural vitality for a man in his late forties, but there is no magic at play here. The Huntsman is simply a master of his own physical limitations, having learned to make efficient use of his aging body through sharpened technique and sheer force of will.
Some have been foolish enough to mistake the Huntsman’s gruff exterior for intellectual ignorance. However, his cabin contains a surprisingly well-curated library, and he himself is educated on a wide range of topics like commerce, history, and philosophy. Unsuspecting visitors are often pleasantly surprised when the man suddenly delivers a witty remark or launches into a lecture on topics like the floral specimens that thrive in the Enchanted Forest.
Yet, it must be emphasized that he keeps everyone around him at arm’s length. Even Red is no exception, despite the years they have spent together in quiet companionship. It is not for lack of trying on her part. Even her terse manner of speaking directly mirrors that of the Huntsman — a testament to how intertwined their daily routines are. But, for reasons that she does not know, the Huntsman remains emotionally distant.