| You steady your horse with a practiced grace. The brigands try to leap at you with their weapons, but your steed rears up, kicking them down with her hooves. You reign her in, and with a short whistle, she leaps over the boulder to safety. The brigands shout obscenities at your back as they try feebly to load their crossbows. By the time they are finally at the ready, you are out of their range. You keep riding at a more gentle pace until you come upon a stream. There, you reward your steed with a fresh apple from a nearby tree and a drink from the cool, clear stream. You lean back in the tree, knowing your success is only temporary. There are plenty more theives in this wood, and the chances are you'll be meeting others sooner or later. |