No. No, no, no.
I can’t believe this. I briefly consider using a masking spell to hide behind, but abandon that thought when it becomes apparent that they have already spotted me.
I had hoped to avoid this. And just when I was starting to relax. I look around, quickly realizing that trying to hide is futile.
I need to run.
I squeeze my legs, urging Jack into a gallop. He responds immediately, his powerful muscles bunching beneath me as he surges forward.
But I’m not a skilled rider, so I bounce in the saddle, grabbing the horn to keep myself in place. The reins go flying.
“It’s up to you, Jack.” I crouch forward, praying I can stay on long enough to get away.
I risk a glance backward. I moan when I see that the guards are gaining ground. Their horses are faster, their riders more experienced.
I’m not going to outrun them.
I need to make for Hennop Forest. Most of the trees are dead, but they still stand. It’ll be more difficult for them to follow me on such big steeds. It’s my only hope of escape.
I reach forward to grab the reins and almost slip from the saddle. I give an anguished cry and try again.
This time, I give a shout of triumph as my hands close on the reins. I pull, trying to turn Jack toward the forest.
It works, and he turns.
Yes!
Just then, Jack stumbles.
Noooooo!
His hoof catches on something, and he lurches sideways.
With only one hand on the horn, I lose my seat. My body flies forward, then sideways, tumbling toward the earth.
Instinct takes over. I pull on my magic, feeling it surge through me. I call upon the air around me, hoping it will keep me afloat. It doesn’t. I still fall, but the impact is softened.
I roll to my feet, breathing hard. Jack, realizing that he no longer has a rider, stops up ahead, his sides heaving.
I jump to my feet and start running to him, but I’m not quick enough.
Moments later, the guards surround me, their horses forming a circle. They’re all dressed in shadowfae armor, their faces hard and merciless.
I pull on my magic again. Shadows swirl around me, dark and thick. Fire sparks at my fingertips, ready to be unleashed.
“Stay back,” I warn them.
One of the guards laughs. “Look at her. She thinks she can take all of us.”
“She looks powerful,” another says.
“I think she is a witch,” another sneers. “I’m going to win the bet.”
They dismount, moving toward me with weapons drawn.
“Don’t even try it, witch!” the first one growls. “Come quietly.”
Like hell!
