Page 1 of The Piper's Pursuit

One

Summer of 1424, the town of Hamlin, in the German region of the Holy Roman Empire

Did Katerina dare to stay out hunting past dark? The sun was going down, casting long shadows as she skirted the forest on her right and an empty meadow on the left. At least the town gate was visible ahead.

She checked her crossbow, making sure the arrow was strung and ready. Her unruly brown hair was starting to come free from the leather tie taming it at the nape of her neck.

She picked up her pace as she passed a particularly dark section of the forest. She could easily imagine the giant wolf, or whatever the beast was that had killed so many, coming out of those dense trees and leaping at her. Would she have time to aim her crossbow before she fired? She would only get one shot.

She laid a hand on the long dagger she kept in the sheath on her belt. If she missed, she might have time to stab the animal before it attacked.

Were her ears playing tricks on her? Or was that a rustling sound coming from the trees?

She stopped and raised the crossbow. Her heart thumped hard against her chest, so hard she could barely breathe. If she died, what would happen to Mother?

It was probably just a rabbit. She kept the crossbow aimed at the dark trees while moving her feet slowly in the direction of town.

Something was shifting the shadows. The bushes were shaking. Leaves gave way.

Wait until you’re certain you have the best shot possible.She willed her hands not to shake, holding the crossbow up to her eye to make sure she could aim quickly.

A figure stepped out.

A child stood staring blankly at her. Katerina lowered her crossbow to her side.

The breath rushed out of Katerina’s chest. A child! How could a small child be alone outside the walls of town? Everyone knew the beast was killing men, women, and children out here.

When she was able to draw in enough breath to speak, Katerina approached the child. “What are you doing out here, little one?”

The girl was filthy. Her face was nearly black with soot or dirt, Katerina couldn’t tell which. Her hair was as tangled as a field mouse’s nest. The child’s wide blue eyes stared unwaveringly at Katerina’s face.

“Mama. I want Mama.” But her expression didn’t change and she didn’t move.

She must be one of the missing children that had been presumed killed and eaten by the Beast of Hamlin. Tears gathered behind Katerina’s eyes.Thank You, God, for letting me find her.Katerina wanted to pick up the child and run for town. But that might frighten her.

Blinking back her tears, Kat asked, “What’s your name?”

“Bridda.”

“How long have you been lost, Bridda?”

The child’s expression didn’t change and she didn’t answer.

“Are there any other children with you?”

Bridda shook her head.

Katerina hung her crossbow over her shoulder and across her back, then walked toward Bridda until she was close enough to reach for her hand. She squatted in front of her. “Are you all right?”

The little girl lifted her hand slowly. It was as dirty as the rest of her. Katerina took it between hers and squeezed gently. The poor child just stared into her eyes.

“How old are you,Schätzchen?” Katerina used the term of endearment her own mother used for her. Kat’s heart twisted at the tired, almost hopeless look in the little girl’s eyes.

“Six.”

“Are you from Hamlin?”

No response.