While they had been riding comfortably along, Rosalia entertained Ingeld with some stories. In turn, she had the yong Swanmay tell some of her favorite tales. After one such swap, Ingeld mentioned one particular story that she couldn't quite remember how it went.Rose smiled and carefully twisted her palm covering off her left hand. A light rose-colored smoke issued forth and gently curled in the air until the image of a group of beautiful Swanmay maidens formed within. They had shed their skins to dance in a circle around a crystal clear lake which reflected the three moons. Ingeld clapped her hands in delight. To the side, the image of a young farmer could be seen as he crept forward to steal one of the swanmay skins and capture him a wife!
Ingeld glared at that part of the tale and made a soft hissing noise. At the same moment, Rose's horse also made a low noise in his throat. The black ears laid flat and he tossed his head, moving sideways instead of forward.
Rose jerked her attention back to the road. Her eyes narrowed as she tried to make out what was on the other side of the shrub-covered bend in the road. That someone or thing was there, she had no doubt. But who or what?
She clenched her right fist and used her arm to hold Ingeld close to her and keep her astride should the horse make any sudden moves to either run or fight. The story dissolved and smoke curled discretely from her left hand, waiting to become raw force should need be.
The horse slowed to a prancing walk while Rose debated what to do. Should she find out what was around the bend, or simply run into the forest and avoid any who would delay taking Ingeld back? The horse froze in place, muscles twitching, waiting for a command.
Ingeld gripped Rose's arm and her Angel-baby and asked in a whisper, "What's wrong? Is the bad man back?"
"Hush. It will be alright. I won't let anyone take you away," she promised, and she clenched her hand letting the smoke become concentrated into a ball.
The leaves rustled as something began to move forward...
