Shadows of the Hollow: A Tale Reimgine

Cry for Help

The sun shone brightly over the bustling market in Sleepy Hollow, its rays casting a warm glow on the colorful stalls and the lively townspeople. Today was market day. Most of the townsfolk had brought in their crops, material and other items here to sell. The end of the harvest signals the arrival of winter. People walk by the shop, occasionally greeting me. I would wave or smile back, my head full of thoughts that never seemed to fade. The forge, where I usually found solace in the rhythmic clanging of my hammer, had become my refuge these past few weeks. Here, I would toil away, shaping metal into intricate creations, channeling my anger into my work.

Katrina's vibrant laughter rang out, reaching my ears even from a distance. She was with Ichabod, of course, their heads bent close together as they examined a stall filled with fresh produce. Katrina's golden hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her delicate features were animated as she spoke, captivating everyone around her, especially Ichabod. He carried several wrapped items in his hand. From a distance I can hear him quote Shakespear and from the bible. Katrina seemed bored but she spoke to the ladies in the shops.

She noticed me across the street. As he took a step forward, determined to approach her, Ichabod turned and caught his eye. The tension between the two men was palpable; Ichabod's gaze, sharp and inquisitive, seemed to challenge Brom, daring him to intrude upon their conversation. Before I could move she spoke to Ichabod and handed him her purse and a note.

"Would you kindly run into the bakery and pay for the bread and hand this to Mr. Brisom. He will know how much to make."

Crane, ever the gentleman, took both and quickly entered the building. Our eyes met but he made no move to attack. When he entered the shop Katrina turned her attention back to me. I strode towards Katrina, my long strides eating up the distance between us, not caring for Crane if he was watching. As if the little man was a match for me.

"Katrina," I said, voice deep, carrying a mixture of longing and frustration. "I've been trying to see you, but it seems our beloved schoolmaster has you occupied day and night."

Katrina's eyes widened at the sound of my voice, and a delicate blush colored her cheeks.

"Brom, I... I'm so sorry. I've been terribly busy preparing for the Van Tassel party," she explained, her voice soft and hesitant. "It's a grand affair, and my parents are expecting a large crowd."

I gaze softened at the sight of her nervousness. I know Katrina well; we have shared countless adventures and secret meetings in the woods. I used to stay up with her when the thunder would awake her on those stormy nights. To ease her troubled mind I told stories about my life and adventures. I never told her about my immortality and power. But in those beautiful eyes I saw fear that would cripple even the strongest of men. Something was amiss.

"Do you love him?"

The question took her by surprise. She glanced towards the shop, where no doubt Crane was watching us closely. I move to block his view from her. Jealousy rarely holds me but since the man has arrived she has been under his strange hold. I hardly believe that Crane can master an influence spell besides Kat is too stubborn to fall for simple charm.

"If you truly feel this way, say it to my face. Don't hide behind a walking scarecrow."

Holding her gaze breaks my heart. It pains me to see her sad. However something else lingers in those eyes. Those same sky blue eyes that have calmed me even when my temper and power were on the edge of relieving myself. There were so many chances for my power to slip yet her smile settled the raging storm. Right now in those beautiful eyes all I see is ...fear. She was, indeed, afraid, but not of my anger. The fear that lurked in her eyes was far more sinister.

"Forgive me Brom, but have an engagement to attend."

She brushes past me, her hand gripping mine for a short second. Something stiff and warm was pressed into my palm. Squeezing the item I watch as she walks to her fathers carriage. Crane steps out of the bakery and helps her climb into the carriage. He doesn't look at me as he climbs in beside her. As they rode off I went to retrieve Daredevil and to see what Kat had given me. A note? Opening it I see her beautiful writing.

Come to my room tonight. I will leave the window open and explain all to you.

Kat