unaffected, turned a hateful eye on the driver and bared
his fangs in a loud, hissing screech which could be
heard clearly, even above the noise of the fleeing team
of horses. The driver had no time to further ponder the
implications as a black-gloved hand clamped down on
his left shoulder from behind. As easily as one might
toss a child’s cornhusk doll, the driver felt himself being
pitched over the side of the carriage. He hit the ground
very hard. On the second bounce his neck was broken.
He was dead before his body rolled to a stop.
Without the driver to exhort them the team fell out of
stride and began to slow. Like vultures on a desert
carcass, the riders swarmed the carriage, quickly
bringing it to a stop. The cash box was tossed to the
ground and broken open and the passengers were
unceremoniously dragged from the carriage, their hands
quickly bound after they had been searched for
weapons and disarmed. The bandits were quiet as they
went about their work. When all of value had been
stripped from the carriage and the passengers, the
thieves stood back, patiently waiting.
A large, coal black mare came cantering up the road
towards them. Sitting astride the mare was the most
beautiful woman that either of the squires had ever
seen. She sat straight proud and strong. Her long, dark
hair flowed back over her shoulders. She wore a black
velvet cape, closed at the neck with two small gold
buttons linked by a fine gold chain and clasp. Beneath
the cloak she wore a black leather vest which strained to
contain her ample bosom. Tight black leggings and
black, thigh high riding boots completed her ensemble.
52