Fierce Flight

They raced through the open county for miles
Sharing whispers, nods and knowing smiles
Two stolen mares drove their flight
One dappled grey, one black as night.

A kinship that blossomed from early years
Shared secrets and laughters forsaking fears
More sisters than friends as time would relay
Destiny ripe as they rode on their way.

Caroline, so dainty with long flaxen hair
A lady by birth so how might she dare.
Dark skin and eyes half peasant half slave
Mary rode without care be it fortune or grave.

Taking leave of the hall as everyone slept
To the stables with their garb they silently crept.
On a journey to freedom where blood lines won't rule
The fate of their bond should have never been cruel.

Days soon passed voyage of chances
Sheltering nights beneath low green branches.
Like men they fought against rapists and thieves
Alas, yon village a sigh of relief.

A small room at the inn with a pallet of straw
Hot bath that would soothe their muscles so raw
Cups in hand the future they toast
"We shall forge our new lives in this town by the coast."

But fate is fickle, hovered o'er them nigh
As they partook of their meal from outside rang a cry
The King's men had followed them quick on their trail
Death or swift punishment, one would prevail.

They ran for their lives, their love, their joy.
No one might stop them, no need to deploy
Screaming arrows whisked through the air
Mary and Caroline chose an end.....no despair.