by Coty Schwabe
until he came across a caravan on the third day. Normally, Acbain ate very little. But after three solid days of no food, sleep and water only sustained him so much. He spent all nine copper pieces on food (salted meat and bread for him; oats for the horse, which had eaten only grass until now) and more water. Then he moved on, warning the caravan of the pressing evil, and being laughed at as a reward.
By the fourth day’s sunrise he could see the Shadows again, dispelling the hope that had built up that maybe he was in the clear. They had no doubt been stalled by the few places to hide during the day, only making small progress until now.
But they weren't gone. Not by a longshot.
On the morning of the fourth day, he and Vandomare forded a wide river, and he knew he was close. He set out to reach the Sanctuary with no more stops.
He kept her at a run, cresting the hills with ease, and as they drew near to the forest, the hills slumped lower and lower, becoming hillocks, then knolls, ending in a gentle upwards slope that met the forest's edge. He rode all day, but did not strain Vandomare unnecessarily.
Once he reached it, he stopped for a moment, preparing himself. The sun wasn't far from falling for the day, and Acbain still had some miles ahead of him. He knew that there was no turning back. The Sanctuary lie ahead, and the Shadows would ambush him when they got the chance.
Wait til morning, a part of him said. Then you can go in the light of day, stand a better chance. The advice made sense, he'd give it that, but deep down, he knew he could wait no longer. The Crossblade had to be put away for good. And the Shadows were no doubt restless from days of chasing.
Acbain swallowed hard, patted Vandomare's head, and whispered, “This may be the end of our story, Vandomare. Would you take me to it?”
Vandomare craned her neck to look at him. The gesture filled him with a new appreciation for her. Had she understood his words all this time? This breed was smart, aye, as well as steadfast, but comprehending speech, was it possible?
Vandomare neighed loudly, and he understood. She was ready.
And so was he.
“Father protect us,” he whispered.
And they set off into the forest.
11
The Shadows came much faster than he'd expected. Whether they'd found some way to move in the daylight, or there had been another group waiting in the forest, he knew not. But the second he charged in, he could hear them - feel them - closing in.
He surged Vandomare forward, and they charged on through the trees, Shadows close at hand.
###
AFTERWORD
Dear Awesome Reader,
I really hope you enjoyed Acbain’s story. At first, this character was merely a name upon which I used for In Search of the Sword. But once I gave him a backstory, and fleshed him out, I found him to be one of my favorites.
If you want to read Acbain’s conclusion, check out the first book of my Crossblade Chronicles series, In Search of the Sword. Simply search for it at your favorite book retailer. Most retailers give a sample of the book, so you should be able to read the end of Acbain’s tale, although I highly suggest you go ahead and pick up the book while you’re there.
You can also stop by my blog, https://bit.ly/CotySchwabeWritingBlog , to send me a comment or grab the links for my latest works. Feel free to drop in anytime, and let me know you exist. Writing is often solitary work, and it’s nice to know that someone out there, in this universe or otherwise, appreciated your work.
If you did enjoy this story, could you leave an honest comment and rating for it wherever you got it? It means beyond worlds to me, and it shows others that this thing is worth their time (or not).
Lastly, (and brownie points to everyone who participates) consider sharing this work on your favorite social media outlet; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (I don’t know, take a picture of it or something), review it on your blog or on Youtube – whatever. By spreading the word, we can contaminate the worl… err… I mean share a great story with another unsuspecting reader.
I appreciate all your support. People like you are the reason I do this.
With much admiration,
Coty Schwabe
LIST OF MY WORKS (Including this one)
► Click Here for a Full List of My Works ◄
Fiction
Acbain: Sealer of the Crossblade (Free Download!) - Dark elf Acbain Shadowlyre has been commissioned to seal the Crossblade - a powerful, legendary sword - away before it falls into the wrong hands. But doing so might come at the ultimate price. Will he fulfill his destiny or die along the way?
In Search of the Sword (Crossblade Chronicles Vol 1) – When a legendary relic is sought out by a black-clad, magic-casting killer, a failing apprentice and group of distant strangers will come together to protect it – even if they deny its existence.
Afterwrath: Part One - Station – Burk Wallace was a bounty hunter before the event known as the Wrath rocked the face of the planet, almost two years ago. Now, he’s a lone survivor, braving harsh environments, internal turmoil, and weapon wielding psychopaths, all in search of one woman: his wife, Lauren.
Afterwrath: Part Two - Caw of Ravens – Burk survived the sadistic inhabitants of the gas station and the encounter with the biker on the highway. Along the way he picked up Snake, a young wolf pup, and stumbled across the hidden desert town of Ravendale. What awaits him in Ravendale? And what does it have to do with that strange dream? Find out here in part two of the Afterwrath series.
Non-Fiction
Time Management Voodoo – Ten Dark Secrets to Superior Time Management Habits
