From the dark shadows, the black stallion appears, nostrils flaring, hooves striking the ground with deadly purpose. Atop the beast sits the Headless Horseman, rigid, heavy sword already in hand.
He knows what we have.
Fuck.
We sprint for home.
With a savage yank on the reins, the Horseman rears his steed and turns him towards us, surging forward with terrifying speed.
The box is awkward to hold, its edges digging into my palms, but I clutch it even more tightly. I can’t let it fall.
“He’s gaining on us,” Brom shouts.
We’ve reached town, and we veer sharply down an alleyway, barely dodging the sword as the Horseman swings in a deadly arc. The blade hits a lamppost, and I hear the horrible clash of metal on metal. We don’t stop. Turning another corner, we burst out into the open street. But the clatter of hooves announces the Horseman just before he appears, blocking our way.
“How are we going to get past him?” I shout.
Ichabod grabs my elbow, and we double back, down the alley we just came from. I can hear the Horseman bearing down on us. We’re out onto another main street, but our opponent is faster.
We all dive in opposite directions as he brings the sword swinging down again.
The box tumbles from my grasp as I hit the floor and roll. I stagger to my feet and see Brom snatch it up as he rights himself.
The wind howls and the stallion rears once more. I back up against the closest wall. Trapped. The demonic horse is staring me down. The Horseman tightens his grip on the reins, raising his sword. I freeze. My legs refuse to move no matter how hard I will them to.
The horse stalks towards me, crossing the short distance with menacingly slow, taunting steps. I can’t tear my eyes away. I feel the fear of everyone who has stood in this spot before me, certain death advancing, glinting in the Horseman’s sword.
Ichabod cries out, and before I can react, he throws himself at the horse, slamming into its great head with everything he has. The horse staggers, throwing its head and stamping. It’s been knocked off course, and the Horseman grapples to right it.
“Go!” Ichabod shouts to me.
I hesitate. I can’t just leave him. The horse retaliates, striking him with a flick of its head, sending him crashing to the stone floor.
“Now!” he yells.
“Hey, over here!” Brom shouts from the other side of the street, holding the wooden box high in the air with both hands. “I take it you’re after this?” he goads the Horseman.
“Brom, what are you doing?” I cry.
But as the Horseman changes course and begins advancing on Brom, he pulls one arm back, holding the box and tossing it like an American football. It sails towards me. I unfreeze and leap forward, receiving it with bent arms.
“Go!” Brom repeats.
“We’ll hold him off. Get to the manor!” Ichabod shouts, staggering to his feet.
Panic flares in my chest. I can’t leave both of them here. If something happens to either, to both, I’ll never forgive myself. But we need to reach the mausoleum and end this. It only takes one of us, and they’re giving me a chance to get away.
I make my decision. Hugging the box tightly, I turn and run in the direction of Van Tassel Manor.
I’ve only made it around one corner when I hear Ichabod’s cry pierce the air, closely followed by a pained grunt from Brom. My breath catches. I’m still torn, but my feet carry me forward. Away from Ichabod and Brom, away from the Horseman. I have to finish this.
Tears blur my vision as I bolt forward, legs burning, my breath coming in ragged gasps. I can’t stop. I can’t go back.
It’s my job to end this, even if it means losing everyone I love.
33
My feet pound the uneven streets of Sleepy Hollow. I’ve changed my mind about the running club. I never want to run again. Ever.
