Embrace The Dawn. Jackie Summers

jerkin. Shivering, her heart sank while she watched Jane and the others turn to leave.

      Suddenly Anne heard a pounding of hooves and a loud rush as another group of horsemen thundered across the fields from out of nowhere.

      The soldiers fell silent, listening.

      Through the trembling leaves, Anne counted at least a dozen horsemen charging from the darkness toward the astonished huddle on the road. Moonlight glinted off their poised swords as the hooves sliced the turf all around them.

      “The Black Fox,” announced the soldiers, and Anne heard the fear in their cries. Sergeant Stone and his troopers drew their blades and waited.

      From out of the night rode the most fearsome horseman Anne had ever seen. Her hands flew to her face and she gasped. Surrounded by masked men in Cavalier dress, he loomed larger than life.

      A thrill coursed through her. It was the Black Fox, and he had come to rescue them!

      He was dressed in black, from the wide-brimmed Cavalier hat with full black plumes cocked at a rakish angle, to the gleaming leather boots. Although his face was fully concealed by a silken mask, she knew he was the most handsome highwayman of all. A long cape billowed from his broad shoulders as he sat atop the majestic black horse draped in black skirts. The brace of pistols he held glinted in the moonlight. The steed reared back as the man’s rich laughter rent the night.

      “What have we here?” he yelled back to his men. “A party of wealthy Pilgrims escorted by ol’ Noll’s men?” He spurred the charger to circle the group. “You must be carrying valuables, my good woman,” he addressed Jane.

      Sergeant Stone’s back flexed, his sword drawn. “A pistol against a sword isn’t honorable, rogue.”

      “How very perceptive of you, Sergeant,” mocked the Black Fox. “My compliments to your mum for raising a bright lad!” A titter of laughter rang around the group and Sergeant Stone swore under his breath.

      “Be a good fellow and drop your weapon, if you value your life,” the Black Fox warned. “Besides, you’ll need both hands to dig into your pockets and hand over your coin for the king’s cause.”

      The sergeant swore again, then tossed his sword to the ground, his men following his lead.

      “Now, dismount and stand over there,” the Black Fox ordered, motioning with the barrel of his pistol. Grumbling, the Roundheads formed a line, hands raised, while the highwaymen dismounted and emptied the pockets of the soldiers.

      Anne’s eyes widened when the Black Fox slid from his mount and strode beside Jane, Dr. Herrick, the king and Wilkens.

      “We have no money,” cried Jane. “Please, let us be.” Her hand flew instinctively to the brooch at her throat.

      Anne watched Dr. Herrick, who appeared as cold as a steel trap. His hand went to his hilt, but the Black Fox saw the motion, took his weapon and ordered his Cavaliers to search the Pilgrims.

      Shocked, Anne watched as a burly highwayman removed a small dagger from the king’s vest pocket and tucked it inside his own belt. Anne was outraged. This was nothing like she had imagined. Didn’t the Black Fox realize that Jane and Dr. Herrick were loyal to the Royalists’ cause? How dare he take their valuables and arms?

      “Your gold and jewels, fair lady,” ordered the Black Fox. “Be quick or I may take more.” His demonic laugh gave weight to his threat. Laughter from the other men made Anne wonder what sort of loyalty these men really served.

      “Please, this brooch was my grandmother’s,” Jane pleaded, unfastening the glittering pin from her collar. “It’s of little value except to me.”

      The Black Fox caught it in his hand and examined it before he passed it to his men. “But, dear lady, one of my women might take a fancy to it.” He swept her an exaggerated bow and thanked her before turning to Dr. Herrick.

      “Your purse or your life,” he demanded.

      The doctor scowled defiantly while he threw several coins to the ground. “I’m only a poor servant of the Lord, but take this, too, you despicable lout.” Doc spit on the ground.

      Anne froze in fear. This was the first sign of anyone disobeying the Black Fox.

      With his hand on his sword, the Black Fox threw back his shoulders and strode purposely toward the doctor. “You’ve got starch, Pilgrim.” He glanced back to his men while they shouted encouragements. After a moment, he faced Doc Herrick. “We’re all poor servants, my good man. Only you and I serve different masters.” The Black Fox reached inside the doctor’s vest pocket and yanked off the gold watch and chain. “This will aid my cause quite nicely.” Several of the masked men cheered when he tossed it to them.

      “You black-hearted devil!” Dr. Herrick balled his fists at his side.

      “That I am.” The Fox swung around and from under his mask came a low chuckle. “As black hearted as you’ll ever meet.”

      Anne stood horrified. This wasn’t how she’d imagined the Black Fox. She was startled to see her hand shaking as she spread the leaves to afford a better view. Could her uncle have been right? Could the Black Fox be a cutthroat who robbed in the name of the king, yet held no loyalty to anyone but himself?

      The Black Fox strode beside Wilkens and the king. They turned their pockets inside out in proof that they had nothing of value while Jane explained that they were only servants who didn’t hold coin.

      “Even the poor must give to Charlie Stuart’s cause.” He stroked his chin in feigned thought. “Take off your boots, lads. Your wealthy mistress will buy you another pair.”

      The king appeared dumbfounded, but quickly followed Wilkens’ lead and removed his boots, tossing them to the amused men.

      One of the highwaymen held up a fat bag of gold coins. “‘Ere’s what we gathered from the soldiers.”

      The Black Fox grabbed the bulging purse and peered inside. “It’s not enough, I’m afraid.” He tightened the cord on the bag and tucked it into his saddlebags. “Not nearly enough.”

      The highwayman shouted to several of his men. “Take the Roundheads down the road a modest piece from the eyes of the lady.” He tossed his head in Jane’s direction. “Then bring me back their britches.” The robbers jeered as all but two of them flanked the Roundheads and prodded them down the road.

      Although appalled by his antics, Anne watched the rogue with fascination. When the soldiers were out of sight, the Black Fox grabbed the reins of Sergeant Stone’s sprig-tailed bay and brought it alongside the king. “Mount and follow me,” she heard him say.

      The king climbed atop the horse but cast a nervous glance toward Anne in the thicket.

      The Black Fox called to the burly masked man beside him. “Tom, see them safely on their way,” he ordered, motioning to Jane, Doc and Wilkens. “Hurry and be off with you.”

      Jane and her husband glanced nervously in Anne’s direction then back at each other.

      Anne’s throat constricted in fear. She was going to be left! If the soldiers returned, they would find her and take her back to her uncle, or if the Black Fox found her... A shudder curled down her spine. Nay, she wouldn’t think of that.

      Doc Herrick assisted his wife in the saddle, then mounted his seat quickly. Jane wheeled her horse around. “There’s another in our party...over there.” She pointed in Anne’s direction.

      The Black Fox whirled around, his cape billowing in the wind. His hand flew to his hilt. Anne heard him ask, “Is he armed?” Before Jane could reply, the Black Fox drew his sword and swaggered over to where Anne hid in the bushes. She hunched deeper into the thicket. Her heart stopped as he drew near.

      The highwayman circled the copse. Trapped, Anne crouched lower. Suddenly the branches above her head sliced apart and the masked face of the devil loomed over her.