Chapter 1
Chapter On: Off The Ledge
The galloping of a horse disturbed the calm nature of the forest. Creatures and beasts scurried out of the way of the whinnying animal. On the back of the horse, a figure hunched and grasped tightly on the reins, whispering prayers into the dewy morning.
The thunk of an arrow whipped past the distraught pair, urging the young woman to dig her heel into the sides of the horse. Its muscles bulged, and its long legs stretched to reach further with each stride. Its black fur and mane, usually soft to the touch, glistened with sweat. How long could it go on? Five minutes ago, he would give anything for relief, but the adrenaline took over, fear overpowering the desire of want and need.
The boundary of the Ferren Kingdom was separated by a steep valley, that had a ledge overseeing the sudden drop. The trees and fern cleared into a more open space as the horse and the rider made their way to this ledge; Their hope and way of escape to the Maylen Kingdom.
The golden rays of the rising sun cleared the dew, acting as a guiding angel toward freedom.
Another arrow was nocked and released as the dark beast reached the edge of the valley. The rider urged the horse to take a sharp left at the last gallops. An arrow whizzed by, planted into the soft ground.
More arrows were nocked and released as the horse tried to gain control, eyes wide and wanting to retreat. The rider can hear its thoughts. The jump seemed impossible, but the rider was inexorable and tugged on the reins to lead the animal toward the ledge. Gathering confidence for its last moments, the horse coiled his hind legs and lunged ...
For a moment, they hung in the crisp air, the wind carrying them for a brief second before they crashed back down to reality and entered the dark forest of the Maylen Kingdom.
With relief, the rider straightened and began patting the horse, who leaned into her touch.
Then the beast winded itself on his hind lends convulsing and dropped down with might. One gallop, two, three, and the rider was thrown into a deep bush that could have held any number of creatures. Her coat was torn off, still flapping behind her horse’s caught hooves. And an arrow protruding out his hind.
One rider managed the jump and chased after the disturbed fern, missing the tousle of black curls sticking out the bush, and the hazel eyes that peered out the greenery in horror.
