Thieves? Of Sholle Forest
There were 13 of them surrounding us but I was sure I'd glimpsed movement in the trees above us. Their leader stood before me, a red mask covering most of his face, leaving just his green eyes and pouty lips on display.
A mixture of men and boys stood around him, the former holding sharp swords and the latter gripping sticks.
All of them wearing masks of various shades.
My eyes catch on the two men on either side of Red Mask.
The one on the left is large - thick arms and torso and legs - and his black hair is cut choppily around his ears.
The one on the right is smaller than the left but still at least double my size.
His blond curls sit messily around his head like a fucked up halo and his brown eyes pierce into me.
The driver lays slumped on the ground but I can see his shoulders rise and fall softly from my position next to the huddling Daria.
"So nice of you to join us, Princess," Red Mask bows mockingly and a couple of the boys laugh.
I turn my attention to him, more focused on the glittering sword in his hand than his sarcastic words.
The men I knew would have already used it in some way and the fact that it lay lax and pointed to the ground has me a bit off guard.
I push all my anxiety and fear deep down, my own mask in place.
"Wish I could agree. Do you have a title yourself or do you just go by thief?"
Red Mask smirks and Daria's eyes widen in fear. She probably thought I was going to get us killed. A little part of me worried about that as well.
"Thief is such a strong word, Princess. I much prefer opportunist." His eyes glitter dangerously and a small part of me marvels at my fearlessness. Or stupidness.
"And yet the Opportunists of Sholle Forest doesn't quite roll off the tongue the same way.
And seems a bit inadequate considering the current situation.
" I point loftily towards two men who are currently ransacking the luggage, taking anything that looks valuable.
This time Red Mask lets out a laugh, "If it makes you feel better we don't rob anyone who can't afford it. "
I couldn't quite keep my eyes from rolling. "I think you should spend more time around other people rather than the trees. Murdoch hasn't been able to afford anything in 30 years."
Red Mask's stance shifts to his something just short of aggressive and his lackeys at his sides shift to match.
"Well lucky for us, Princess, I've met enough other people to know you'll be the property of Gilgunronh in a couple of days.
And King Richard can more than afford a couple of hand-me-down dresses. "
The insult makes my shoulders tighten and I pull myself up stiffer.
All the men around me wear smirks and I narrow my eyes at them.
Daria stands hunched by me but lets out a small cry when the men scavenging the carriage toss her knitted squares into the dust. All of my fear turns into pointed sharp anger.
"I don't know who you think you are, thief, but I've had enough. Either kill us and face the wrath of King Richard or take the valuables and leave us in peace."
Red Mask seems a bit taken aback but quickly locks down his expression and the lackey on the left chuckles.
Red Mask lifts his sword to my neck with a snarl and I stifle the fear that comes rising back to squash my previous anger. I refuse to be intimidated by a coward hiding behind a mask.
"Don't tempt me, Princess. I could think of worse ways to start my morning," he breathes, face almost touching my own.
"Do it. Do it and face the consequences," I snarl back.
The other thieves surrounding us shift - either with anticipation or restlessness.
I push forward more until the tip of his sword pricks my skin and sends a single droplet of ruby blood down my neck.
My heart beats faster as I stare into Red Mask's eyes before shifting my attention to the men by his side.
Both of them look poised to jump between us, to defend their brave leader, and my lips twist in amusement.
Imagine being wary of a weaponless Princess.
"I'm not anyone's property. And to be quite honest I'm sick of men with small swords telling me what to do. Take whatever you need for your little band of merry boys and leave my people and I alone." My words are breathless. I haven't been this brave or stupid in a long time.
For a moment I feel like he's really going to do it. Then a shimmer of respect glances across his eyes and he steps back, taking his sword with him.
"Whatever my Princess wishes."
The two men from the carriage let out a whistle and Red Mask's demeanour changes instantly.
He relaxes with a smile but not before tapping me gently on the shoulder with the tip of his blade.
"I guess you live to see another day, Princess.
Enjoy the rest of your journey and congratulations on the wedding. "
I blink and Red Mask, his lackeys, and the rest of the thieves disappear into the trees, no evidence they were there to begin with other than my scattered belongings.
Daria looks up at me with tears running down her cheeks.
"You're luckier than you think, Your Highness.
I've heard stories of the Thieves of Sholle Forest doing much worse to the people who stand up to them.
"
She totters over to the driver who's currently waking up with a groan.
I stand there letting her words wash over me and I can't stop the small smile that crosses my face at the thought of Red Mask and his sidekicks.
It's been a while since an adrenaline rush woke me up like that.
The Castle of Gilgunronh is imposing, made of large grey stone and black metal. The contrast to the relatively cosy castle of Murdoch is stark. Large black metal gates creak open as I shout up our names to the watch guards stationed at the entrance.
Inside, the castle seems even larger than the view from the outside and I can't help but wonder what kind of dark magic created it.
Daria has disappeared to help the driver to the infirmary so I'm alone for the first time in days.
"Your Highness, Princess Juliette of Murdoch?" A tinny voice questions.
Maybe not alone then.
"Yes?" I reply.
The tinny voice reveals itself to be a small, older man with a serious face and tiny spectacles.
"King Richard will meet you for dinner in the dining hall. He is not happy with your late arrival." I watch in fascination as his spectacles bob up and down on his face as he talks.
"He will have to forgive me. We ran into some unforeseen circumstances.
" I keep my eye-rolling to a minimum. Unforeseen circumstances my butt.
The Thieves of Sholle Forest robbing us was basically a certainty but who am I to say anything to the oh-so-grand King Richard of Gilgunronh?
"If you'll follow me." The older man ushers me forward down a long, dark hallway lit only by several large torches.
Paintings of important-looking men in crowns and women with babies in their arms look down on us their eyes following our every move.
A shiver down my spine makes goosebumps appear on my arms and I rub them uncomfortably.
We walk in relative silence for a couple of minutes before arriving at two very large metal doors.
Time to meet my betrothed.