Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #18 September 2015 | Page 14

Daughter of
Death

She went along the line of horses, decided
that a black stallion suited her while a lovely grey
mare was picked for Emmy. She double-checked the
saddles, the reins, prayed she could do this—she’s
never ridden before in her life. But instead of being
intimidated by the sheer size of the beasts, she was
excited. They were going to be okay.

By Esther Olson

The sudden clatter of cursing and metal armour
had her head snapping up, eyes wide. Emmy met her
gaze and mouthed “What do we do?” Arwyn took a
breath, waved her friend over, desperate, and sheathed
the sword as best she could in the saddle. She grabbed
the reins, all but dragged the horses out of the stalls.
She pointed to the mare for Emmy, snapped her
Arwyn and Emmy burst out of the back
kitchen door, both gasping for breath, frantic with fear. fingers and cupped her hands to ask if her friend found
anything.
They had so little time before the soldiers rallied and
came after them. Arwyn hadn’t thought that far ahead,
Emmy paused, grinned swiftly, and displayed a
cast desperate glances this way and that. The town
hearty-sized coin pouch and shook it. Gold. They were
would not protect them; they were already terrorized
definitely going to be fine… if they got out of there
by the occupation. There was the forest, but what if
in time. Arwyn snatched the pouch, shoved it into the
the soldiers could track them? Just not enough time!
saddle bag and turned to her friend, pointing to the
saddle. Emmy bit her lip, all cheer gone from her face,
“Arwyn...” Emmy clutched at her arm,
and her brows contracted hesitantly.
trembling. “Where do we go?”

Chapter Two

The half-elf took a deep breath, her knuckles
whitening at the tight grip on the sword. She was
afraid to lose the only weapon they had. But it would
do nothing against a group of soldiers who had skill
and experience, whereas she had… dumb luck? Think!
Then she heard it: a faint neighing of a horse