Chapter 4
AleksandarFallkirk
A desolate road
The horses gave a startled cry, and the carriage lurched precariously to one side. Wood groaned, and Alek shifted to the far side to act as a counterweight, as if that would help. The horses reared back, hooves thrashing as the driver snapped his whip. The wheels on one side left the earth and crashed back down. Alek tumbled against the carriage door. Glass shattered.
Dazed, he pulled himself upright. Broken glass dug into the calfskin leather of his gloves but did not pierce. Wetness trickled down the side of his head. Using a handkerchief that had once been grand but now was in tatters, he pressed the cloth to the head wound. Feeling the chill of the cold spring air, he pushed open the door and stumbled out of the carriage.
The driver lim
