Drabble Wednesday: Riders

Before we start the new Frankie and Joni story, I have three interim drabbles for you today… Enjoy.

Discordant Echoes

He traversed the lonely road once a year in the shadows of the moonlight and the bitter whisper of the wind. A dark figure in a ragged black cloak, slumped over his horse as the beast clomped down the dusty road. Those unlucky enough to meet him on the road, find the unexpected, and no mere weary traveller.
Each time his head lifted, empty eye sockets stared from a skeletal face and a deep whisper hissed from broken teeth, “Have you seen her? Have you seen my Rose?”
Shaking heads and frightened reactions are the only answer he ever received.

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Trophies

He only needed one more and he would be finished.
He could go home.
That’s what he told himself as he hunted his prey, as he reined his horse and listened for the panting breath, the whimpers. The other skulls jangled on their strap and he smiled, picturing the last in his place.
There. Footsteps.
He moved forward, finally sighting his quarry. Raising his bow he let loose the arrow and shot the other man in the back.
A clean kill.
He slipped off his mount and went to claim his trophy. Seven heads. Enough to claim his rightful place.

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The Collector

She rode fast and rough, arcane blue light blazing from the rider and mount both. Assigned a mission, she would let nothing stand between her and its completion.
A soul would answer for their debt and be collected.
She paused outside the sleepy little village, before riding on. A peaceful place, dark and put to bed, unsuspecting of what invaded their hamlet.
Stopping again at a small house. Taking a crystal from her belt, her magic wove through the air and drew out the soul of the first born son into its prison. She smiled. The father’s debt was paid.