Chapter 1

The Escape

Weddings were always so typical. There was never much to it other than the same old thing. Even for a Rapunzel and Eugene's wedding, things were practical, for the exception that one might think that because it was a royal wedding it would make it better somehow. Actually, that was putting it mildly. This wedding was a huge deal, regardless of what anyone thought. Like ridiculously a huge deal.

It was quite appealing; the chapel's high ceilings and large windows beamed the light just right upon the couple, making their mere presence seem to muffle out the words that spilled from the priest's mouth. The crowd of gatherers and witnesses were at an utter silence, their focus so intently eyed upon the princess and her soon to be husband that the rest of the appearance of the chapel building didn't even seem to matter to them. Some sniffles and quick gasps of held back tears every now and then echoed down the line of people seated, but even then so, that silence would return.

Among the backmost portion of the chapel stood the Stabbington Brothers, whose stoic expressions completely back lashed those around them. Even the guards beside them took deep breaths and released sighs of glee for the princess, though as kind of a gesture as this may have seemed to anyone else, it came off as pure annoyance to the brothers. It was of no ill will to the princess, but more rather, the simple fact of how vastly different things turned out. Eugene was literally wanted for theft of the crown, just like them. Yet, he somehow got out of going to prison. He somehow got the castle he wanted.

How the hell did Rider turn up so differently?

Connall quickly eyed his brother Bastion who sat next to him. From this angle he couldn't tell where Bastion was looking due to his sibling's eye patch that covered his left eye, but he knew by his body language which mirrored his own that he was probably thinking the same thing. A simple question continued to flow through Connall's mind however: why were we here? After all, not only were they typical thugs that should have no business at the princesses wedding but they also tried to kidnap her and sell her off. Added, much angering Eugene. An act like that would have surely left quite a rip in their supposed relationship, although that said relationship was pretty much a black hole before any of that happened.

"Do you take this man, to be your lawful wedded husband…?" The priest was starting to get to the point finally. Even from far back Connall could see Eugene and Rapunzel's smiles that plastered onto their expressions. As annoyed as he was, however, he found this to be… sweet? What the hell is going on? Seriously?

Briefly and very much with an attempt to be masked, he heard Bastion suddenly sniffle. Connall's eyes quickly shifted again from the couple at the front of the altar and to his brother, whose brick wall of an expression was very mildly, yet apparently, beginning to shatter.

"Are you crying?" Connall asked. The sound of his brother's cuffs and chains softly chattered as he brought his hands toward his face, and swept his thumb over his patchless eye.

Crap, he is crying.

Twins, even the Stabbington Brothers, were typically in synch with one another's thoughts and feelings. Seeing Bastion crying, as pathetic his reasons may be, caused Connall to shiver with the same emotion. Suddenly the feelings he had for the situation took a dramatic turn, and instead of looking up at Eugene in disgust, he felt happy for him. Rapunzel, with her jade eyes staring adoringly up at Eugene just added to it.

"May I have the rings?" The priest asked aloud, though his question moving the attention of the chapel building to Maximus, who had been chosen as the ring bearer. Why didn't anyone else think this was a weird idea? Like seriously.

A gasp overcame the princess when she saw the white horse covered in tar. It was despite his obviously ridiculous appearance, in which the palace horse approached the couple, leaning outward just a tad to hand the rings to them. Eugene, just as taken aback by this, slowly took a step forward and snatched the ring from the violet pillow in which the golden rings lay on, and tore his attention from Maximus and back to Rapunzel. It only took a moment for the mood to return to its previous state, regardless.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife." The priests finally stated, the speech then ending with the couple taking each other in a romantic embrace and sharing their first kiss as man and wife. The crowd that was at a silence spilled into a joyous applause, throwing violet pedals into the air and coming to a stand all at once. It was then, that the brothers finally broke down.

I'm crying… why am I crying? It won't stop! Connall thought this loudly in his mind as he broke down with sobs, taking two hankies offered before him and handing one to his brother. Bastion wasn't expressive in his sobs verbally, which caused Connall to look all the more ridiculous when compared to him. He could feel the eye of the guard next to him looking up at him strangely, but it didn't really matter.

"Who wants cake?" Eugene asked, his voice projecting outwardly quite well, though even upon hearing this Connall resorted to burying his face in the cloth again, and let out a couple more sobs. An apparent mishap was causing a commotion ahead, but it didn't turn into anything huge. At least not yet anyway.

"All right you two, back to the cells." The guard next to them picked up and tugged the chains that latched onto Stabbington Brothers' arms, which quickly brought their tears to an abrupt stop. Connall slowly lifted his face from the handkerchief and narrowed his eyes at the guard, who was already shaking in his boots. If it wasn't for being surrounded by all these witnesses he'd probably punch this guy straight though the face and not have any regrets in giving him a black eye.

"Hold on a second!" Eugene called quickly and ran down the aisle and down to where the Stabbington Brothers stood. He gave the guard next to him a nod and a gentle wave of his hand to let the man know he wanted to speak with the brothers' for a moment. Once this silent exchange was made clear Eugene looked up at the twins. "So glad you guys came!"

"Like we had much of a choice." Connall answered, his straight and no nonsense expression having returned, although remains of glistening tears stood in his blue eyes.

"Heh, you guys cried, didn't you? I didn't know you cared so much."

"We don't." Connall wasn't letting up one bit.

"Well, okay… So, I know you two gotta head back to your cells, but I'll have some cake sent for you. After we find the cake, of course."

"Such a nice gesture." Connall returned his next statement as sarcastically as he could, which didn't take much effort whatsoever considering literally everything he said sounded like a threat or dry sarcasm.

"Okay then!" Eugene clasped his hands together while trying to retain his grin, "Er, I guess that's it. Nice seeing you guys, glad you were here and good luck… living. Yeah, with that."

Was this guy serious? It must have been because Eugene didn't really have the power to remove them from prison, but still wanted to treat them as friends? Whatever the case was, Eugene walked off and back into the crowd, finding Rapunzel among the clusters of people that surrounded her and wrapped his arms adoringly around her waist. Truly it was an adorable sight, though Connall was finding that his irritable feelings for him were returning. The same could be said for Bastion who had whipped his eyes and now was standing upright with no trace of previous feelings otherwise.

"All right you two, now we need to head out." The guard pulled up their chains with the helping hand of another guard and proceeded to lead the brothers out like a couple of dogs. Even passing people gave them weird looks, some terrified and others angry. People didn't look up at the Stabbington Brothers with kindly grins and nods like they did with Eugene. It could be assumed this was because of their past as thieves, but also obviously because of how large and terrifying they looked. They were, after all, at least twice as tall as everyone else, so among the passing crowds they stuck out like soar thumbs.

Quickly, however, the sounds of a happy wedding and a beautifully decorated kingdom were shut off once the cell chambers came into view. The air became cool and depraved, and echoes of footsteps were more exaggerated.

Treating as if it was a procedure done dozens of times, one of the guards headed for their designated cell and held it open, while the other passed each brother and removed their shackles, all the while keeping his eyes lowered as to not make eye contact with them. "Get in." He stated, although without a trace of timidity that his outward appearance enforced.

The brothers looked down at him as if he was a pathetic swine. Every ounce of effort took to not head butt the guard, but they both knew the consequences for beating up these guys. Instead Connall turned his neck to the side, popping it, and stretched his large arms, giving off a vibe that tended to always work on scaring these scrawny idiots.

Obeying then, the brothers walked into their cells, hearing quickly the cadge doors close behind them and lock, firmly. Once that happened, there wasn't so much as a single syllable exchanged between them, and the guards walked away disappearing down the hall and then out the other door in which separated the prisons to the upper walks of the castle.

"Home sweet home." Connall said with a sigh, leaning his back on the wall and slid down steadily. His brother Bastion remained standing and crossed his arms over his chest tightly, remaining at his permanent silence but answering his brother with a sneer through his nose.

"At least Rider was nice enough to have cake be brought down to us. The nerve. I wish I could ring his skinny neck out, but what do you know, he's a prince now. I wonder what the penalty for breaking a prince's neck would be?" Connall was of course being sarcastic again. He knew good and well what kind of punishment followed something like that. Avoiding capture all his life of thievery taught him all the basics; it was usually an eye for an eye. Death for death. But being a thug was a profession of risk taking. If he and his brother weren't in this situation, being locked up for life under the streets of Corona, then things would be different. Maybe he would do it. Just maybe.

"I don't know how much longer I can take this. Living down here, forever. If Eugene cares so much to invite us to his wedding then why doesn't he put more effort into getting us out of here? That or he just invited us to show off." Connall looked up at his brother, who remained at a statue perfect stand. Even being a mute he was the best person you could talk to.

Connall propped a leg up and leaned his head back against the wall, staring upward at the dark ceiling as his eyes blinked slowly. How many days and nights have I looked up at that piece of shit? Hundreds, thousands? He lost count. He got tired of drawing on the wall and counting the days; it got redundant and depressing. Sometimes it's better to not know some things or it would drive a man insane. If only things could go back to the way they were, or better yet, if things could be restarted. The crown would have most definitely been theirs and they'd have money in their pocket, probably living in their own castle right about now. But that old lady, that witch, or whatever she was had to make an offer to good to be true. Magical hair? Staying young forever? Rapunzel had something that would have made them kings in their own respects. Who knows what that girl would have gotten them paid. Yet that was the very thing that got them caught in the first place. Back stabbed, left for capture. They should have known better. That could have been avoided, and then they'd at least would have gotten what the crown would have given them.

"If an offer like that comes around again remind me not to fall for it so easily." Connall mused aloud to his brother and then closed his eyes. Briefly he relaxed and dived into the silence of the dungeon. What little light that filtered through the thin slit windows from the hallway felt good and the smell of cooking from the wedding outside and in the distance added to that comfort. Gotta take what you can get.

The sound of opening cell doors ran throughout the prison blocks, rattling then as it closed with a mild stride. It was probably the guard brining their cake. "Heh," Connall huffed as he thought about the gesture, listening to the footsteps of whoever came in grow louder until the person reached their cell.

"Thanks for the cake, but when you see Rider tell him to stick his face in it." Connall said casually to whoever was standing there, letting himself grin sheepishly from his own remark.

"I didn't come to bring you cake." A man's voice responded, "I've come to give you an offer."

Hearing this caused Connall's eyes to open and his head to perk up. Looking over, he saw the man standing there was no guard. Wearing a long charcoal colored cloak was a young stranger, perhaps around their own ages. He looked rather scrawny, however, causing the features in his face to look older than he probably was.

"Who are you, what do you want?" Connell asked, remaining seated but becoming more alert.

"My names Donnie, and I want to hire you two for a very special mission I have in mind."

"Are you kidding? How did you get in here? How are you even going to get us out for that matter?"

"Please, those guards, let alone anyone, isn't paying attention to this place whatsoever. They're too caught up in that wedding up there." Donnie sighed briefly, "Now do you want to hear my offer or not?"

"Get lost." Connall sneered again, being reminded of the old lady with an offer that was too good to be true. This was starting to feel very similar. Escaping? Getting a new job? Please, that was nonsense, only wishful thinking.

"No, yes you do." Donnie insisted, "Look, you'll be rewarded heftily. Very heftily. I'm very rich you know, and giving up say three satchels of golden coin wouldn't put to harsh of a dent on my savings. Not to mention I can get you out of Corona. You can start over again."

Connall and his brother listened without complaint. As the guy talked things got more interesting. Coin and a new start was surely tempting, but again this seemed to easy. It was too random and unrealistic.

"How did you find us?" Connall asked next.

"Oh, that was easy. I heard about you and your… almost successful attempts at stealing the crown. I can assure you though that you won't have any mishaps this time. There won't be anyone to back stab you."

"How do you know about that?"

Donnie looked as his fingernails, casually yet it was obvious he was full of himself, "I have my ways… I study quite diligently in magic. I can see stuff that's happening without even being there. Rumors and stories spreading throughout an entire kingdom especially. Of course we both know those stories about you aren't rumors. You're good. Really good. And I want you to work for me."

"I don't know if we can trust a witch." Connall responded, frowning extensively.

"Wizard. WIZARD. There is a difference." Donnie stomped his foot briefly, showing irritation and clutched his fists tightly, making his skinny arms shake. "Now what do you say?"

"Four bags of gold coin." Connall teased. If this guy was at all serious he'd give them what they wanted. "Four bags of coin, two for my brother and myself. And after the job is done, two more."

"You've got to be kidding me!" Donnie fussed but clamped his mouth shut quickly in order to restrain himself, "You guys are pushing it."

"You said three satchels wouldn't put much strain on your savings. If you want us to work for you and you know how good we are, I'd assume you'd be willing to pay a decent amount."

"Fine! Four bags each, but that's it."

"And two more after the jobs done."

"No."

"Then we're not doing it."

"Okay, okay… One satchel."

"No, it has to be two."

Donnie pulsed again with a fluster and clamped his teeth, "Fine, two satchels of gold coin in addition to the completion of the job. Now will you make up your mind?"

"All right, we're listening." Connall gave off a smirk and lifted himself up, rising to a stand as the two brothers approached the entrance to the cell bars and looked down at the guy, who wasn't any taller than about half their size. For a moment Donnie gulped nervously, but he soon flickered with confidence once he was back on track.

"Let's get you out of here first. The guards are going to be paying more mind to the wedding right now then they are dealing with you two. Once we're a safe distance from Corona, I'll tell you everything you need to know."

"Sounds like a deal." Connall said, and crossed his arms over his chest to match his brothers. "Go ahead, open the door. I assume you have a way to do that, Bright Eyes."

"Of course I have a way to let you out." Donnie responded, lifting his hands from under his cloak and proceeded to cup them around the lock. Donnie muttered a chant, though his lips moved without much sound as he did so, allowing only particular vowels to spill out of him that could be interpreted. Overall it was just gibberish to the Stabbington Brothers, so paying mind to exactly what he was saying was rather pointless. They just remained stern and patient, watching as Donnie's hands filled with a blue aura and with a click, the lock popped and then finally fell apart.

The sight of the broken lock caused Bastion to act first; pushing the door open he allowed himself and Connall out of their cell, yet even with their freedom they looked down at Donnie with continued reliance.

"Okay, Wizard Boy, get us out of here." Connall spoke up then, afterward taking one last look at his cell.

"Just stick with me. I can morph the air around us to temporarily cloak you guys. Just don't bump into anyone. We need to move quickly too. The spell can hold at least until we get to the bridge."

Donnie lifted his hands upward towards the brothers, waving them in circular motions around as he muttered more chants. Briefly, a glistening light appeared around the two, but after that nothing happened. Connall and Bastion looked at one another curiously and then awkwardly, unsure of why they could still see each other.

"You're kidding us, right?" Connall asked.

"The spell worked, I assure you." Donnie responded, "See, if someone knows you're there, like I do, they can see you. That's why you can't bump into anyone. Once someone suspects you are there they can see you. It's just how the spell works. But don't worry! You'll be fine."

"Nice to know." Connall shrugged, "Now lead the way."

A wave of childish excitement overcame Donnie, whom patted the hood of his cloak that sat atop of his head, making sure it was on steadily, and placed his hands back underneath the charcoal cloth. Without any more questions, Donnie proceeded down the hall and to the doorway, opening it carefully and began up the stairwell to the streets above. Much to the Stabbigton Brothers' surprise, the wizard had been right about the guards. Their usual positions had been changed for the wedding and instead of standing by the cell room doors they were over beside and around the tables, where people had already been seated for the wedding meal and dessert. While the civilians conversed and the guards remained vigilant upon Rapunzel and her newlywed, Donnie continued walking. Decorations of pastel violet ribbon hung from the high pillars and street lamps that lined the castle, and images of Eugene and Rapunzel made appearances in woven tapestry on almost every other corner. Up high and very much in the distance lanterns had been released, filling the blue sky with tiny yellow dots that looked much like stars would during midday. Everyone was very much preoccupied. It was too easy.

"Doing good you guys." Donnie mustered, just loud enough to where the twins could hear him, "Just a little longer."

A whinny of a horse exhaled in the air, causing the twins to turn their attention over to the outer seating area, where Maximus was talking with the queen and his designated rider. The captain of the guard tapped his feat in slow paces, both the queen and the captain's expressions very much similar in appearance. "That cake took three days to make. Three days." The queen said, attempting to keep her poise as she looked at Maximus.

"You destroyed the wedding cake, and then you show up covered in tar upon giving the rings?" The captain then added.

The poor horse looked to the ground, while the little chameleon sat on his head. They looked sorry and rather pathetic. It was probably a big reason why they weren't in even bigger trouble. The cuter you were the less likely you'll get a bad punishment.

"I knew we weren't getting cake." Connall sneered. It was only after he spoke up, that the horse's eyes shifted from the scolding he was getting and towards them. Connall and Bastion tensed as they tried to stay on Donnie's tail, eyeing Maximus cautiously as they walked. Did that horse really hear us from this far away? Too much of Connall's attempts at looking straight ahead, he kept having the urge to look at the horse. Maximus was staring in their general direction but he didn't seem to see them, which was a good thing. It was probably a better idea that they remained quiet until they got to the outskirts of the kingdom.

After a good while of walking Donnie and the twins made it. The bridge came as a huge sigh of relief, and even standing upon it and listening to the waters below pat against the stone, the Stabbington Brothers felt like they could kiss the ground. It was a long time since they last had been out for a walk this long, and even longer since they've been able to see past the kingdoms walls and to the greenery beyond. It was freedom at last.

A wave suddenly overcame the twins as a faint light heaved; the spell had worn off just at the general moment the wizard said it would, which at least went to prove that this guy was trustworthy. Reminded then the reason they got out of that prison in the first place, the brothers turned to look at Donnie, who was then scoping out the landscape before him as he walked ahead.

"Okay, Wizard Boy, what's your plan?" Connall asked as the brothers continued to follow.

"There is a kingdom I hail from called Farrondor. It's about a week's journey. I have a carriage just beyond to take us there, so we won't have to walk."

"Okay… and?"

"Oh, you're job yes." Donnie cleared his throat, "There is someone I need you to steal for me. I'm sure stealing a person won't be much trouble for you."

"No it won't." Connall replied, "Stealing people is no different than stealing an item. You just got to know the right way to go about it."

"I'm glad you think that way." Donnie said, turning his head around briefly to smirk at the twins, "The person I need you to capture is the daughter of King Darren of Farrondor. The princess."

Great, another princess. Although the brothers were happy they were being given this new opportunity the immediate mention of this being about another princess caused hesitation. The last time they tried messing with a princess they got knocked out and back stabbed.

"I can sense your doubt." Donnie said, "But please, there is no need to be worried. I'm paying you a good amount of money."

At the turn from the bridge were two horses and a large wagon waiting for them. Donnie headed straight for the back, jumped in and dug through the bags, taking out four satchels and tossed them out. The satchels landed on the ground with a thunk, spilling some of the coins within. From standing among the wagon Donnie let the hood of his cloak fall from his head, revealing his light brown hair that looked sun kissed sitting under the midday sun. "So, I assume the deal is still on, right?"

"Tell us more about this princess." Connall then said, "And why can't you do this on your own? If you're such a knowledgeable wizard what's stopping you?"

"Heh, yeah…" Donnie shrugged, showing he was a bit nervous, "It's not as easy as it looks. I've known this woman for quite a long time. She's not really your typical princess."

"How is that?" Connall asked.

"You could say she's very, shocking." Donnie chuckled to himself after he said this.

"Okay… well what's her name then? Come on boy, you're not giving me enough information."

"Her name is Dariane. Named after her father, of course. Young, beautiful, future queen. I want her for myself, but she refuses to acknowledge me. Her father had me banished after she got fed up with me… well, constantly running into her. Which is one reason I can't go in after her myself."

"So you're a stalker then?" Connall tried to keep a serious expression but on the inside he cringed.

"Stalker? God no! Please, stalker is such a harsh term." Donnie pushed the air as if he was trying to mentally escape the awkward sensation of what he was just referred to as, "I like to think of myself as more of a… persistent suitor, if you will."

"Whatever," Connall rolled his eyes and scratched the side of his face in between the area of his scar and his red sideburns, "This is going to be a new one for me."

"Ah, but I'm sure you'll do great. I didn't come all this way if I wasn't sure you two were up to the task." Donnie jumped from the back of the carriage and extended a hand towards it, inviting the brothers to take a step inside whenever they were ready. "Just lay back and relax. I have some apples back there and some dried jerky if you're hungry."

"Thanks," Connall's attempts at showing sincerity always came out as verbal jabs, no matter what. Despite the harshness of his voice he didn't seem to notice, took hold of the four bags of coin, pushed Donnie aside and stepped into the back of the wagons tent, causing the wheels to crunch lightly as their heavy weight was added to its cargo. Once they were seated Donnie ran up to the front of the wagon and took the driver's seat, grabbing hold of the reigns tightly before he turned his head slightly to look back at the twins.

"I wonder how long it'll be until Corona notices you're gone. I suppose we shouldn't wait around for that to happen now, huh?" Donnie chuckled lightly to himself as he jingled the reigns and gave the horses a click to get them moving. The horses swayed their heads briefly, and then upon hearing the click they started to pull, taking the three under the canvas of trees and vanished from sight.

From under the shadow of the thousands of leaves up high the sight of Corona and its sounds of joyous celebration began to muffle with every trot forward. It was only a matter of time before that place would be out of sight, and out of mind. Years behind bars had finally been broken and all because of another random stranger. With the Stabbington Brothers' past experience with the old lady, it seemed strange to trust an employer with an overbearing and extraordinary offer like this. Connall just mused to himself how idiotic it was to have trusted someone like Gothel in the first place, but yet they were doing it again. There was something different about this wizard though; he had the coin and he had the job. There were no vague details about it, so everything seemed pretty straight forward. The best part about it was the deal that had been made. Kidnapping a girl in exchange for a new start and more gold then they had ever seen at once in their entire lives was like a dream come true. It would be pretty silly when Eugene found out they escaped and got a castle of their own. Maybe for the hell of it they'd build one ten times the size of Corona's castle, just to rub it in his face.