Domain of Power-The Dreamer (Book 3)

Chapter 1: Dark Rider

"I should be heading back. My father would kill me," I said, looking down at the reins.

"I can understand if you are scared of what your father would do. I am scared too," Romeos teased. "Do not fret," he said, wearing his usual good-natured grin. "We will be done well before dark. Promise. Besides should not Apollus start coming back by now? Who knows maybe he could join us," he said, shrugging.

"I really do not think he would care. He has his other concerns on his head," I said as my eyes drifted to the expanse beyond. Scattered trees dotted the rolling pastures. From this vantage point I could observe our large domus dwarfed in size amongst the sprawling fields. I could even see a glimpse of the capital Apathia miles away.

"Like what?" Romeos quizzed.

"I will tell you when I beat you on the way down the hill," I scoffed. I pulled the reins, jolting me in a whirl of motion.

"Wait for me," Romeos called out. Before you knew it, we were both down the hill with neither one knowing what or who could await us there.

*****

I never felt as free as the exhilarating rush of cold air pummeled my face, sending my curls flapping against my brows and ears. I was riding Midnight, my new horse, across the dull browns and greens of the pastures that still were damp from the cold rains. The hooves swished against the vegetation at unmatched speeds. As the son of the king of Aegea, I was used to feeling entitled but this was different. Here I felt invincible.

"Faster, faster, faster," I shouted as he galloped towards the sunset. Layers of blue, violet, and orange light greeted my eyes as the sun dipped below the voluminous clouds. Now that the race was over I was alone in the expanse of grassy pastures that would abruptly end at the cliff's edge to the far east of me. As the horse began to slow, an eerie silence blanketed the cool air. I turned the horse around only to discover I was not alone. A horseman, dressed in what looked like a black cloak pranced along the horizon, teetering towards the cliffs. It was too far to see his face, which was shrouded by a black hood. Who is that? Is this Apollus or Romeos trying to pull a practical joke? I firmly pulled the reins to stop Midnight from venturing any further, waiting to see what the rider's next move was. The strange horseman turned around to face me head on. If he did not see me before he saw me now.

"Who are you?" I muttered aloud. "There is no more need for practical jokes." The only sound between us was moving air. I squinted. It was neither Romeos nor Apollus. My grip tightened on the reins.

"It is not safe boy," I whispered in Midnight's ear. "It is time to go back home." As the horseman galloped closer, I noticed a long sword sticking out his sheath. Whoever it was they did not come in peace. A cold breeze sent me shivering in my woolen cloak.

"Midnight, we have to head back home!" I commanded in a low but firm voice. The rider and his horse were galloping faster.

"Go!" I shouted, yanking the reins. With a jerky start Midnight jolted into a sprint, kicking up clods of dirt. The horse and its rider only seemed to be closing in as the pounding hooves grew louder. I reached into my sheath only to realize I had left my sword at home.

"What do you want from me?" I spat. His reply came with a swift swiping motion of the sword, aimed at my head. I ducked low, clinging to the coarse mane that slipped through my fingers. My head was in a blur as my heart threatened to explode from my chest. I only had room for one thought. Stay alive.

"Go faster!" I snapped at the horse. Midnight madly galloped in response. Through the dizzying blur, I could see our home growing larger. The wind was blowing hard against my face I struggled to catch my breath. In the corner of my eye I watched the deranged rider take another aim.

Swing left. I yanked the reins, steering Midnight from the blow. I looked back to see how much distance we had surpassed. I was almost neck to neck with the rider. Peeking through the hood was a long face. He tilted his face towards me revealing a pair of sharp gray eyes. He only mirrored my motion. If I was going to outsmart him I had to trick him. Silently, I steered the horse making a sharp right to the south end of the fence.

A high-pitched neigh rang in my ears.

I rattled violently in my saddle as we skid downhill. I looked behind in horror as half of the tail hair was cut close to the buttocks. This man is crazy! I needed to get to the gate and fast!

"Someone open the gate please!" I yelled. Sweat trickled down my brow. Then I saw a young male slave out in the field. He looked up.

"Open the gate! Someone is chasing me! Hurry!" He dashed to the gate without hesitation. The gap between me and the rider was closing in again. As the slave scrambled to the gate, I knew he would not be able to unhinge the gate in time. As the horse came barreling towards the fence I had no choice but to jump. As the horse lifted in the air, the gate door swung open. Just as the front legs cleared the fence, I heard a loud thud. My heart stopped. I found myself falling from the flailing horse before everything went black—