CHAPTER 2
Carla’s heart was pounding anxiously as the Masked Robber approached her. The loyal Anna had climbed out during the fight and was now standing against the front wheel of the coach.
Carla had heard the refined voice of the Masked Robber. She had also realized from Michael’s demeanor that he had encountered a master swordsman. She knew that this fine art was largely restricted to the upper class, and therefore felt relieved at the realization that she was not dealing with bush robbers.
She could clearly distinguish the perfectly built figure in front of her. His face was covered with a mask, and he was dressed in black from head to toe. A pistol was sticking out of his belt, and she inferred that the sword was transferred back into its sheath in the saddlebag of his horse.
“I hope the little skirmish did not upset you too much,” said the Masked Robber casually and politely.
“I am still alive,” she replied slightly breathless, “but I do not know whom to thank for my rescue.”
He laughed.
“As I have already informed our friend Michael, I am known as the Masked Robber and also as your friend,” he added hastily. “That is an explanation that you will have to be satisfied with.”
“But I do not understand the clothing you are wearing and the mask!”
“I have already told you that I cannot tell you more. I suggest that you inform me about yourself now. Firstly, where are you headed?”
She hesitated for just a moment. She was completely reassured by his attitude.
“I am heading to the governor.”
“Then please climb back into the coach?”
She barely saw the movement he made in front of her, but immediately afterward, one of the black-clad men jumped onto the box. The Masked Robber himself walked behind the coach, and she heard him talking to his other followers. A few moments later, he climbed onto the steps of the coach and closed the door behind him.
“I just checked if the casualties were completely out of reach of earthly help,” he calmly informed her after taking his place opposite her. She could not see him in the darkness now. “Unfortunately, we will not get any information from them. Most likely, their comrades will come back and remove them.”
While he was talking, the coach started moving. Carla had been looking through the small window at the coach box.
“That is precisely what he looked like!” she suddenly exclaimed.
“Who are you talking about?”
“Just before Te Kruyght caught up with us, they shot the coachman. Then I saw a crouched figure up here.”
The Masked Robber laughed softly.
“At that point, one of my men was already at the coach. It was he who jumped up and brought the horses under control. If it were possible, he would have driven away from the pursuers, but he could not manage it. Fortunately, we were nearby and could appear on the scene before they could harm you.”
“But where are you from? How is it that you know my name?”
“Once again, I must disappoint you.” The Masked Robber’s voice remained soft and polite. “If you do not mind, I will now claim the reward for my rescue work.”
Carla von Starrenberg stiffened slightly. She had not expected anything like this.
“Your reward?” she asks hesitantly.
“Yes,” he responds. “You must tell me what happened, where you come from, and why this attack was launched against you.”
She sighs with relief and straightens her hair slightly. “I will tell yo
