The Canyon Route
Three sunrises pasted since that glimpse of April with her arms crossed. From a hilltop, he saw the opening to the canyon plus the distance that was left to ride. At lest, a day of riding before he could follow the short cut.
"Burning daylight," he said towards his horse before galloping towards the opening.
Closer they got to the opening difficult the horse got, but Rath was to fight him towards the entrance.
"Easy," calming patting the black neck, "Know this place smells bad, but got no time to go around." nudging the steed into opening of the mountain. Light shown through an opening along the cave ceiling, Rath followed it, snaking through the mountain. Unnatural black appeared on the surfaces that didn't get light.
His ears detected no echo of hoofs striking against the rock floor. Slowly he removed the strap from the hammer of his shooters. His eyes continued scanning the scenery before him.
A split in the path appeared. Both looked the same.
"Which to pick?" asked Rath.
The horse pointed his muzzle towards the left path.
Laughter echoed from the right path causing Rath to pause. Trying to head towards the right path to investigate, but the horse wouldn't go. Sliding off the saddle, Rath pulled the reigns towards the right.
Still refusing to follow, "You stay," said Rath following the right path.
Laughter became giggling as he came closer to the source. Around a corner, he saw a pool of water. In the pool was a naked April splashing in the water.
Giggling, she said, "Hello, lover."
Words stuck in his throat as he slowly walked towards her. His hands flexed their grip on the handle of his shooters. Splashing of water as his feet entered the pool. Her arms went around his neck.
Staring into her brown eyes, "How did you get here?" stumbled from his lips.
Nudging her nose against his right ear, "Rode a fast horse," she whispered kissing his ear.
Fog covered his mind.
"Feel dizzy," he mumbled.
Her cupped hands picked up some water.
"Here wet that dry throat," edging her hands to his lips.
Loud neighing woke Rath from his daze. Moving as hoofs were getting close, watched swinging front hoofs sent April backwards into the water. Quickly getting out, Rath watched April stand up.
"That beast!" she cursed.
Her brown skin and black hair became transparent. In fact, Rath could see the rock wall through her. Drawing his shooter and pulling the trigger, a bullet went into her stomach. Her hands covered the wound. Her human features melted away. Her shape liquidated and descended into the pool.
Reholstering his shooter, "Water nymphs," he snorted.
Grapping the reigns, patted the black neck.
"So you followed," he said getting nudged in the chest, "Ok, you got more sense then the rider," nudged again, "I should've listened," leading back towards the left, "Now lets get out of here," returning onto the saddle.
Finally exiting the canyon without further delay, four muscular black went into a full gallop after spurs into the ribs.