Page 4 of The Masked Baron
“Have you never been this way, then?”
Papa adjusted his hat. “I’m not one to believe old wives’ tales, but the Black Forest is thick enough for all sorts of mischief. I’ve avoided it until now. But it’s the quickest way, and that is necessary for this trip. I wouldn’t chance the safety of my daughter or my wares otherwise.”
Andalin laughed and then choked on the dust the horses kicked up. “Thank you for putting me before your wares when you listed us together. Corbridge will never question our bravery or adventurous spirit after this!”
“Never mind,” Papa replied. “It’s a risk, plain and simple.”
“Indeed. The shadows are certainly eerie, aren’t they?” There was nothing between the thick trees but the last glimpse of daylight.
“Tell me one of your stories,” Papa urged. “The children seem to gather like hens to hear you spin a tale.”
“These days they’re all stories about the Dark Rider. I’ve collected quite a few from travelers. Everyone coming from Thornton Way, or near to it, seems to have heard this or that about the man.”
“Lies and gossip,” Papa said.
Andalin pursed her lips. “Maybe, but you must agree they’re fascinating. Did you hear the latest about Sir John Peltier, who was found unconscious on the ground with the Dark Rider standing over him? He was just about to finish Sir Peltier off when the men at the local tavern rode by, causing him to flee.”
“Sir John Peltier?” Papa chuckled. “You speak of him as if you know him. I’d wager you’ve never even heard his name before nor since.”
Andalin furrowed her brow. “No, but that really is not the point. I know you have an agreement with Lord Cadogen, but there are obvious reasons to avoid him. They say he killed his own family. He’s known far and wide to be the most skilled swordsman in all of England, and his skill is not just for sport like a true gentleman’s is. He carries a short sword with him everywhere, though he is no soldier. Truly, I’m surprised his peers haven’t revoked his title and shipped him off to New South Wales with the rest of the criminals.”
“If you think the working class is entertained by such stories, then I imagine the upper crust is too.”
“His stories are exciting. Most of the intrigue is about what’s under his mask. People speculate whether he’s hiding scars or burns or some deformation. I’ve even heard tell he’s part animal.”
“Enough.” Papa shook his head. “I agree there is something very strange about him, but he’s only a man.”
“All right, but the stories I tell are even more fantastical, so you had best think of another topic of conversation.”
“Very well,” Papa said. “I’ve been meaning to discuss your future. It’s time you found a husband.”
Andalin shook her head and whispered, feeling like the trees had ears. “Might we continue to discuss the Dark Rider instead?” She’d rather speak of him in the growing dark in the middle of a thief-infested forest than of marriage. Thoughts of Mr. Crow’s vile touch haunted her memory. No, she was not prepared for such a commitment.
“You’re of age now.”
Andalin turned her head away from her father. “Yes, but you need me in the store.” She reached for her garnet necklace, gifted to her by her mama, and covered the gem with her hand. Holding it usually comforted her, but the last thing she wanted was to be parted from Papa.
Papa patted his daughter’s knee. “You’re a beautiful woman now. I have done my best to protect you, but I am getting on in years—”
“You don’t have enough years under your belt to consider yourself old, so that won’t convince me in the slightest.”
At five and forty, her Papa was as spry as any younger man. She could not bear to think of him coming home from work to an empty house and a cold hearth. The loneliness would age him faster than the years would.
“This might not be the place to speak of it, but I feel the time will approach faster than you are ready. You’ll have to do your best to prepare yourself.” Papa’s words drifted on the breeze and seemed to be carried away into the thick darkness that surrounded the trees. Andalin wanted to call them back and wish them unsaid. Papa was right; whenever the time came for her to marry, it would be too soon.
Any desire Andalin had for travel quickly waned as the woods seemed to enclose upon them. The forest’s name seemed fitting yesterday, but today it felt even more foreboding to her imagination. Andalin thought she saw someone’s face between two trees, but when she looked again, there was nothing.
She had the sensation of being watched, and her breathing quickened. She searched the tree line and saw no proof of anyone else on the road. But no matter how she tried to push it from her mind, the feeling that they were not alone remained.
After a few minutes she sensed her papa’s discomfort as well. Her nerves were taut, so she attempted to tell Papa another story. This one was about the Dark Rider and a pirate. But for once, talking did not distract her from her worries.
When a soft sprinkle of stars appeared between the trees, Papa stopped to light a lantern and attach it to their wagon. It put off enough light for them to continue traveling, but at a much slower pace. Soon Andalin’s arms became tired of their fierce grip on her seat, but the fear of falling overcame her desire to rest her arms. An owl hooted, startling her.
“Andalin,” Papa said, barely loud enough to be heard over the horses. “If anything happens, I have an extra knife under the seat.”
“You think we will be attacked, then?” she whispered back.
Papa’s eyes did not leave their diligent watch on the path. “The cover of darkness and a generally empty road make us a vulnerable target. But fear can play all sorts of tricks on the mind. It could be nothing.” He rolled his shoulders as if shaking the tension from his body.
