Creative Writing: The Swan Trail

As if she could hear his thoughts, the woman turned in her saddle and stared straight at him across the narrow valley. Consumed by rage, Alvar he dug his heels into the mare's ribs and charged down the forest path. His ire didn't impede his observing a thin smile crossing her slender face as she loosened the pack tied to her saddle, its contents clattering as the bag dropped to the ground seconds before he would crash into her. The noise and the sunlight reflecting off the polished metal spooked his horse causing the mare to jump off the trail, stumble, and spill him into the bushes. Stunned by a blow to his head and weakened from his previous injuries, he lay there a moment to catch his breath and clear his head. Stirred by icy water seeping through his clothes, he crawled toward the trail, ready if the woman came at him with a weapon. Although remorse clung to him as he crawled past dead horse, he felt relief that the mare hadn't trapped him under her. Ignoring his pain and dizziness, he heightened his senses to catch any movement of the thieves as he inched forward until he could peek down the trail. Both thieves sat on the stolen horses about thirty paces away. She rode the best horse in the paddock—a family favorite, called Black. A gentle nudge moved Black toward him, his …show more content…
One wrist motion brought the dark coils to life, jumping from the ground, with the tip striking his right cheek, barely missing his eye. Recoiling from the sting, he reached up to feel broken skin and blood from the tear. Training had taught him to grip his sword in such circumstances and his actions were none too soon as the leather gripped it firmly. The woman's vigor surprised him, nearly yanking him off his feet, however, he recovered and found the strength to pull her toward him. Instantly the leather tension slackened and the rope fell