Chapter II - Six Mile House
... As the storm strengthens, thousands of raindrops loudly bombard the wagon. Their oncoming angle pelts my face. Stirring winds gain momentum, and we grab hold of our hats. All at once, the heavens unleash rumbles of thunder, followed by a violent downpour. The cloudburst severely impairs our vision, but we push onward.
Gale-force winds soon howl and violently sway the wagon, like a rocking cradle lullaby gone mad. Gabriel and Nicodemus forge the turbulence with snorting nostrils and water soaked heads. Amazingly, their footing remains stable. They trot ahead undaunted.
Suddenly, powerful roars of ground-shaking thunder and flashing lightning strike pure fear within the stallions. Each rear up on hind legs, sounding a cry of panic I never heard before. The started steeds gallop full stride down the road, seemingly outrunning the wind. The racing wagon, turned four-wheeled chariot, jostles uncontrollably. Airborne wheels bounce and spin above the hole-pocked road ...
... I collect my boots and belongings, while she lights a candle amid the hammering fury of nature’s outburst. I walk behind her along a dark corridor, seeing our shadows trail from the flickering flame. At the end of the hallway, Lavinia stops, turns, and faces me. Her glistening hair clings to her gown. She raises the candle between us at chin level. I look into her hypnotic eyes and see my lustful reflection. Her flirtatious ways are unnerving yet excite my senses. I find her alluring and dangerously seductive. At this moment, my thoughts are not of sleep ...
