Golden Box Book Publishing GBBP Magazine, June, 2017 | Page 34

Pahg set quarrel to crossbow and aimed it at Miluva with a
speed and smoothness that impressed me. “Draw that sword and
the girl gets a third eye.”
The fear in Miluva’s eyes almost broke my heart. It wasn’t
hard to guess what they wanted from her.
“Best to give us the book, wench,” said Ludius.
He and Murek rode toward the sleigh. Pahg kept the crossbow
trained on the girl.
“Put your hands over your head, Dowser,” said Murek.
I held onto the reins but did as I was told.
“Give me the book, girl,” Ludius said to Miluva.
She looked up at me. Tears glistened like melting ice on her
cheeks.
“Forgive me,” she said, embracing me. “You have the key.”
Whatever that meant, I had no idea. After what happened next,
I forgot all about it.
As quick as a fleet-footed deer, Miluva leapt from the sleigh
and ran into the woods off to our left. Ludius drew his sword and
rode after her, and they disappeared into the night.
When Murek turned his head, I flicked the reins and shouted
to my horse. We took off down the road, heading straight for
Pahg. Just before he spurred his horse to get out of the way, he
fired his crossbow at me. But his shot went astray and the quarrel
whistled past my ear. Then he tumbled from the saddle, hit the
snow-packed ground and didn’t get up again.
Murek yelled something; he was right behind me. I had to run
him down, try to find Ludius and do my best to rescue Miluva.
Rora was in full gallop as I pulled hard on the reins, trying to turn
her around. But the poor mare lost her footing and slid on her
hooves toward the edge of the road. She tumbled into the gorge,
taking the sleigh and me with her.
* * *
I awoke to the sound of voices echoing inside my skull. My
eyes opened slowly and with great effort, and it took a moment for
my vision to clear. Turning my head, I saw an old, grizzled satyr
staring at me.
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