VIAN THOMLINS SHORT STOR
FIRST PLACE
The Fall Alissa Blalock
Sunlight shimmered through the treetops, splashing a warm green light upon Kate as she rode easily along the travel-worn lane. Several lengths behind, an armed escort rode at a reserved pace, keeping her within sight. She cast a glance over her shoulder, bringing her silver mare to an extended jog as she shifted in the saddle. “I’m going to ride ahead!” she called back, and Ardis lifted a hand in acknowledgment. “I’ll meet you at the spring!” “Yes, Majesty!” Grinning, the young queen spurred Diamond to a gallop. Muscles rippled beneath the mare’s smooth sterling coat. They hurdled around a bend in the road, iron-shod hooves thundering upon the solid earth as they vanished from the guards’ view. The wind was cool against Kate’s face, and her golden braid streamed behind her as she gave Diamond her head. They tore through the forest on hurricane wings, moving as one creature. Suddenly, a hare darted from the underbrush; with a snort, the mare violently spooked. Kate cried in alarm as she was flung from the saddle. The world went dark. *** “What do you mean ‘The Queen is missing’?” King Connor’s voice was cold and hard as he faced the Captain. “Her Majesty wanted to ride ahead to the spring,” Ardis reported grimly. “We were less than a mile away, and the trail was open, so I allowed it. But when we arrived at the spring, she was not there. We found Diamond another half-mile up the road. There was no sign of the Queen.” Terror squeezed Connor’s heart in a death grip; his breathing became shallow and rapid. “Do you have any idea what may have happened?” he asked hoarsely. Ardis shook his head. “No, Your Majesty. Diamond showed no sign of injury, and we found no indication of an abduction.” He paused, then pressed forward. “Your Majesty, I take full responsibility. I never should have let the Queen ride ahead without me. This is my fault.” Connor released a tight breath. “Assemble the King’s Guard and saddle my horse. We leave within the half-hour.” *** Icy raindrops dappled Kate’s face, drawing her into the present as a pounding headache pierced the thick haze of unconsciousness. The roar of encroaching thunder drew an involuntary shudder from her slim frame. Slowly, she eased herself upright, wincing at the pressure in her skull, and peered upward at the darkening skies. Smoldering clouds overcast the forest in a heavy gloom, blotting out the sun which had only hours before cast a warm amber light. 73 The April Perennial
