Chapter 2: From the Rich to the Poor
A hooded figure stood in the shadows of the Duke of Edinburg's castle waiting for the signal from her second in command. Guards were keeping watch on top of the wall with swords clanking as they moved along their post. Suddenly their feet picked up pace heading in the direction of the gate distracted by the perfect decoy, which was her cue. Now that her first mate was keeping the Duke's knights occupied the lone thief used her grappling claws to scale the stone structure, reaching the peak she slinked along the surface towards the nearest entrance using the darkness as her shield. Once inside the skillful bandit allowed herself a moment for her eyes to adjust before progressing forward. By way of the moon to light her path she found a dim stairwell. Placing a delicate hand against the ice cold wall she stepped down the cracked stairs careful not to make a sound. Upon arriving at the base of the passage she peeked down the dank hallway to see if there was anyone coming. After a few moments she emerged trying not to breathe too deeply for the air constantly smelt of fish and old socks. The moisture clung to you causing your hands to become clammy within seconds of exposure. She shuddered focusing instead on her errand.
The estate was in no way difficult for the girl since she had traversed it before; she knew precisely where she was going. In no time flat she had come to her destination. The ancient solid oak door was tightly shut and locked for security, good thing she was an expert at picking dead bolts. Swiftly the escape artist picked open the device with a click that echoed throughout the foyer, pausing only a second to make sure the noise did not alert a knight she slipped in to the stocked treasury to claim her prize. Beyond the walls the guards could be heard conversing with their unannounced guest. Retrieving several clothe bags from beneath her jet black cloak she packed as much gold as could fit in each before tying them with itchy nylon ropes. Wielding a shiny dagger she stuck a gloved hand between rot iron bars of a window facing east towards the woods to alert her fellow companions to pick up the loot. The full moon's rays reflected off of the sharp object at a perfect angle. A few moments later a sound resembling the coo of a dove let the awaiting outlaw know her friends had arrived. Gathering the bounty she dropped the "gifts" to the men below hearing a soft jingle of coins rubbing together as they when cradled by calloused hands then watched as they scurried to their hiding place in the prickly thorn bushes in the distance.
Once the last bag was taken away she made for a silent yet hasty retreat running into an on coming knight as she was exiting out. She stood frozen only for a millisecond before punching the guy forcefully in the stomach. Unfortunately the diversion lasted just a moment because the guard was hot on her trail. Navigating her way about the maze she burst through the entrance from which she came. A shrill whistle resounded from her mouth getting the attention of all those in the courtyard beneath especially that of the "Traveling Merchant", he had quietly excused himself while the men in arms weren't watching pulling to a more ideal spot to accept his soon to be falling passenger.
Eyeing her target the cloaked maiden ran until almost all of her breath was used up, glimpsing behind her to catch the furious orbs of the guard who was in pursuit of her. Right as he was about to grab a hold of her whipping garment she vaulted off of the stone structure doing a swan dive into a front flip landing in a pile of fresh hay of her getaway wagon. Before the foes had a chance to regain their bearings the duo had by this time bolted beyond the now broken gates and into the Enchanted Forest.
After galloping some odd yards in the black mustang was slowed to a halt when there was no sign of them being followed; "Now that is what I call a show!" a deep chuckle thundered in the chest of the driver.
"I would have to agree Billy, one of our best heists yet!" The young bandit wheezed still trying to refill her lungs with much needed air. A rustle of leaves was heard in the distance accompanied by the snap of a rather large twig and the vibrations of several heavy footfalls. The comrades stilled preparing themselves for an ambush when….; "Jackie! Billy! Was that a grand robbery or what?" Bellowed Chuck a mountain of a sailor who bounded over to the petite young women gathering her up into a choking bear hug, he was still learning the meaning of the word gentle.
"It sure was," Jackie rasped clutching onto his barrel of an arm, feeling as though she was going to faint if he didn't release her soon.
"Ok that's enough Chuck, put the Captain down easily" Billy ordered fighting back a laugh that was threatening to break loose.
Soon after the rest of the crew broke out of the dense thicket, each one cheering a job well done causing a broad smile to form on the delicate soft features of their leader; clearing her throat she called all to her attention. Standing on the driver's seat of the wagon she addressed her sailors; "A job well done my crew. Now we must make haste before the Duke's men in arms catch up to us. The ship has to set sail promptly if we are to reach the docks of King James and Queen Snow White's kingdom by early morning."
"Ai, Ai Captain!" the crew agreed in one accord. Without pause they marched towards their sea vessel.