The Escort

THE SUN WAS STILL HIGH in the cloudless sky at late afternoon. Roman trotted his horse, Ivan, through a stylish neighborhood. His new orders commanded him to escort out-of-town guests. He would rather have been in battle than in the company of aristocrats. He passed by several carriages. Along the sidewalk, strolling parents held their children’s hands. A horseless carriage chugged past. Ivan whinnied and baulked.

“Easy boy.” Roman, patted the horse’s neck. He had raised the big sorrel gelding from a colt. They had been through several uprisings that had taken them far from home. On one occasion, Roman ordered a field surgeon to remove a bullet Ivan had received in battle. He still bore the scar on his hindquarter.

They stopped in front of a brick three-story terrace house. A light open carriage drawn by four horses waited for occupants. The driver knocked at the door. A stocky older man dressed in a top hat and long black coat that hung below his knees, stuffed a cane under his arm, and pulled his gloves on. Behind him walked a young woman wearing a full-length light pink coat with sleeves that puffed out at the upper arm then narrowed at the wrist. Atop her head lay a flattering hat adorned with feathers.

Roman’s stomach tightened. His mind flashed back to the moonlit terrace and the waltz that had been playing. The woman stepped into the carriage and sat down. Their eyes met. Puzzlement crossed her face then her lips formed a smile.

“Good day, Lieutenant,” Kira said. Her father swiveled to see the officer.

Roman tipped his helmet and bowed. He remained close behind the carriage.

Kira’s father faced his daughter and frowned. He tapped his cane on the floor and ordered the carriage to move ahead. “Who is that man, Kira?”

 “Oh, someone that was at the gala last evening.” 

Roman grinned inwardly. He diverted his attention to the street corner ahead. An unkempt man dressed in rags looked out of place. Without hesitation, he yelled at the driver, “Whip the horse and move out.” Roman dug his heels into Ivan and galloped towards the man. They cut him off before he could reach the carriage. The man removed a cylindrical object from under his coat. Roman pulled hard on Ivan’s reins causing the horse to rear up. The man dropped the object, lost his footing on some loose stones, and fell on top of it. Roman turned Ivan away moments before the device exploded under the assassin.

Roman raced ahead to catch the carriage. He grabbed the reins of the lead horse and slowed it down. He saw Kira wrapped in her father’s arms. The speed of the ride had caused both their hats to fly off. Her hair lay in tangles along her back. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she turned to him and mouthed, “Thank you.”

He knew at that moment, he had surrendered his heart.