a/n: Here's another little piece! It will probably have a continuation, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to leave it where it ended here. Hope you all enjoy, drop a review if you're so inclined!
Also wanted to say thank you to Miaka Kiri for pointing out some typos I had! That's what I get for splitting my attention between Netflix and writing... haha
Disclaimer: I don't own RK
Carriage Ride
Kaoru smiled slightly, taking in the decorated carriage that was making it's way down the street as she lowered herself to sit down in the tree. It was the King's carriage. Of that, she was certain. His crest was on the side, but that's not what tipped her off. Many of the nobles carried the King's crest on their carriages. So no, it wasn't the crest that made her believe it was the King's vehicle. It was the man riding the horse in the front of the party.
He was doing his best to blend in with the other men, but he stood out from the rest. He had an air of authority about him that seperated him. She wondered if she should be worried. It had been quite a while since she'd had any trouble, but there was a feeling growing in her stomach... She shook it off. This was much too good an opportunity to pass up. So she licked her lips and caressed the hilt of her dagger gently. They would be approaching the blocked road in just a moment.
She watched as the entire party slowed to a stop as they took notice of the fallen tree before them. She watched the man in the front of the party dismount and circle around to the tree. The remaining men in the party followed his lead, leaving their horses in front of the carriage.
Just a few more seconds...
With a small leap, she dropped to the floor of the woods, landing in a small crouch. She pulled the hood of her cloak up around her face, tucking her hair in carefully, but quickly. With one last glance at party, she slipped unnoticed to the side of the carriage. She jerked the door open. There was no one inside. Smiling at her good luck, she picked up one of the smaller pouches that were sitting on the floor of the carriage. She didn't have time to inspect everything and the bigger bags would slow her down. So she settled for what she could conceal and made her exit.
She cast a look towards the men, but they still hadn't even turned in her direction. Some royal guard, she thought with a smirk. Her thoughts were short lived when she noticed how stiff the front man had become. She had a horrible feeling that he'd realized something was afoot. Time's up. She threw her leg up and over one of their abandoned mounts. She dug her heels into the horse and urged it forward.
"Stop! Thief!"
Kenshin mounted his horse with a small smile. He had heard a rumor that there was a highway man working alone and robbing richer carriages in the area. It appeared the reports were accurate. He shouted an order to have his men stay put and then headed after the thief himself. He had the best chance of catching him anyway.
As he took off after the thief, he was surprised by how much distance he had managed to cover in such a short amount of time. He'd underestimated the little thief. He found he was more amused than angered. Perhaps it was because he was gaining ground with every passing second, but he wasn't so sure. He hadn't had a chance to exercise his horse in this fashion in a long time and he was enjoying it.
He shook his head as he caught up to the thief. He was only a few paces behind now and getting closer with every stride. He was a talented horseman, Kenshin would give him that, but not talented enough. He raced up along side him and tried to talk to him first.
"If you return what you've stolen, I'll let you go!"
The highway man turned to look at him, eyes and face shrouded by his cloak. He didn't answer. Kenshin growled and reached for the thief's reins. Clearly talking would get him nowhere in this situation. Once he had the reins in his hand he tried to yank, but the thief held fast and aimed a small kick at his horse. It glanced off, but it was enough to encourage the horse to speed up, forcing Kenshin to let go of the reins lest he be dragged off.
He cursed and shot a glare at his opponent. He was clever. He had underestimated him yet again. With narrowed eyes, he made a decision, as he tugged lightly on the reins to make his mount slow until the two were side by side again. Then, without warning, he launched himself at the other man, pushing him off of the horse and sending both of them crashing to the ground.
Kenshin wasted no time securing him and pulled the cloak back to look upon the thief at last.
"You're a woman!"
a/n: There will be another part! I don't know when, but it will come...
