Page 18 of Saved By the Headless Horseman
“No.No, it will not.”
My father walks over to Krane and claps him on the shoulder.My love is surprised but holds fast.With a sigh, my father shakes his head.
“Since you two decided to wed without my knowledge in the old way, then you will earn her hand in the same manner.”He squeezes Krane’s shoulder in his meaty fist.“You will have to prove yourself.”
Krane looks apprehensive but takes the bait.
“How?”
“Simple.By going into theWhispering Woodsand locating the pumpkin used by the headless rider.I’m sure you know the stories.”Krane nods, and my father continues.“Bring it to me before dawn, and I will give my daughter to you.It will be a sign that the old gods have blessed your union.”
“Richard—”
My father holds up a hand to silence the duke.
“It is a folk tradition.One that shouldn’t be taken lightly.”
“Sir, isn’t the headless rider a legend?How will I?—”
“If you wish to have my daughter, those are my demands that must be met.”
Krane still looks unsure, but I can see the hope in his green eyes.He would do anything to have me.Even fall for my father’s ruse.His betrayal is evident now.The part he played in Krane’s demise is larger than I ever thought.To know he was the one who sent him into the woods—the room spins around me, and I grip the bars to keep upright.
“Go fast.”My father claps Krane on the shoulder again.“We’ll be waiting for you at the woods’ edge at dusk.”
“Thank you, sir.You won’t regret this.”
My father inclines his head as Krane rushes from the room.The fog swirls around the scene, twisting it and forming a new shape.The thick rows of trees loom behind Krane, who is already caked in dirt as he looks for the fabled pumpkin my father demanded.Dirt clings to his hair and clothes.
I have to stop this—stop him.This might be my last chance to do so.I was going to wait for the Headless Horseman, but what if this is what I was meant to do instead?This may be the only chance to free Krane from the creature’s grasp and let him finally have peace.If only I could save him from his fate.
“Krane,” I scream, reaching through the bars.
He travels deeper into the woods as I call his name over and over again.The fog swirls to keep up with his movements.His body gets swept further away from me as tendrils of mist encase him.My hand reaches forward and feels only damp air.
Without giving myself a chance to reconsider, I slip through the opening of the bars and rush forward.I dive into the thick fog, unable to see my hand in front of my face.
“Krane!’I call.“Krane!Leave this place while you still can!”
My fingers find nothing but air as I rush deeper into the fog.I don’t know how far I run for, or even how it's possible.For a moment, I think I’ll be trapped in this unending fog forever.That is, until I hear the sound of thunderous hooves and two strong arms bracketing me.
“You cannot run from this,” the Headless Horseman snarls in my ear.
Green flames lick over my shoulder as I thrash against him.I buck against his hold, but there is nothing that can be done.
“Before the sun rises, you will see what you have done, and you will pay for it.”
The fog recedes, and the scene before me comes into view.The breath in my lungs freezes, and so do my movements.I scream.I don’t want to see this, but it can’t be stopped.
In this creature’s arms, I am powerless.All I can do now is weep.
11
THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN
He does not wish to watch, but he must.
The Headless Horseman holds her thrashing body close.Despite her gaunt frame, there is something comforting about having her close.A dormant part of him stirs at the sensation, and he growls at it.There is no place for tenderness here.He will not enjoy her warmth—not allow it to stir long dormant memories—all of this is a means to an end.
