Chapter 7 - Damsel in Distress
A long procession of wagons moved as quickly as they could through the woods. The guards were on high alert, watching the tree line for any sign of bandits. Halfway through the caravan was a gilded carriage bearing the royal Sun crest.
"Please! Stop! Someone, help!" Suddenly cries were heard from behind a dense copse of trees and a girl stumbled onto the road in torn skirts. "Please!"
The lead driver hauled on the reins, pulling the horses to a stop. Two guards dismounted and approached the distraught girl. "Miss! What happened? Are you ok?"
"Do I look ok!?" She sobbed, "My father... a merchant... we were on our way to the Capital - Bandits! They attacked and stole our wagon... My father told me to run - I can't find my father!"
The guards lead the girl back to the wagon and let her sit before calling for bandages for her scratched arms and face. A couple more guards arrived to tend to her when the thunder of hooves could be heard.
"What is the meaning of this? Why have we stopped! This is bandit territory, we need to move!" The Captain bellowed. The girl broke out in a fresh wave of tears. The Captain stuttered for a moment, unsure how to handle a hysterical girl, before dismounting. His horse, however, seemed excited and kept nosing the poor girl's hand. "Maximus, what has gotten into you? Leave her alone!"
The girl giggled and produced an apple from the folds of her skirt, "He must have smelled it. Such a good boy." She winked and the horse stiffened.
Suddenly the tree line exploded. Men were pouring from the branches on ropes and charging from the brush on horseback, surrounding the caravan quickly. The guards drew their swords and prepared to defend the gilded carriage and the young woman when they heard a small cough.
Zela had removed her cap, revealing brown hair where before they had only seen blond bangs and a bun at the nape of her neck. She stood confidently above the men in the back of the wagon. In her hands she held a small crossbow, aimed at the Captain of course.
"While I appreciate your concern, Captain, we have no interest in the princess's ladies-in-waiting. The gold in the coffers however... that will be coming with us, if you don't mind." She smiled cheerfully at their gapping mouths and held them still while the Brothers and Tom's gang collected the chests of jewels and coin.
The men were beginning to slink back into the woods when another horse galloped into view from the rear. Zela smirked as Flynn pulled to a halt beside the wagon with a playful wink. "Milady, would you care for a ride?"
"Why, thank you, good sir. Gentlemen, thank you so much for your cooperation. I trust you'll have much smoother passage to the Capital from here on out." She sat side saddle in front of Flynn and laughed as he tutted and kicked the horse back up to a gallop.
They were the last to arrive at the glen, and found everyone in high spirits. Zela slid to the ground and tore at the ties of her skirt, tossing the offending garment to the ground. "Ugh. I hate skirts! I can't move and they're so hot. Why do I need nine layers of fabric when leggings work just fine?!"
"Tell us how you really feel, Blondie." Flynn smirked and flicked the lock of hair she had fastened to look like bangs.
"Ha Ha Rider. I'd like to see you run through the woods in those. I really hadn't planned on getting stuck in briars... though it did seem to sell the 'damsel in distress' look."
"And I doubt you'd have been able to hide a crossbow without the skirts. That was impressive." Tom grinned and pulled Zela into a hug.
"Tom! It's good to see you. How is your apprenticeship going?" She smiled at the younger man, though he was taller than her now.
"Great! If I'm lucky I should make journeyman in a year or so. This money will really help the other boys get placements. Danny wants to join the ship builders guild and I think Jonah is leaning towards becoming a tailor. They wouldn't have a chance if it wasn't for you, Zela."
"Nonsense. I'm just leveling the playing field. There's no reason why only noble second-sons can learn a skill. Now, go celebrate. There's something we need to discuss with Si & Pat." She watched the lanky teen walk away and had to shake off the memory of his gap-toothed smile when they first met.
"He's right you know." Flynn's low murmur broke her out of her reminiscence.
"About what?"
"They wouldn't be near as well off without you. You're a regular Robin Hood, Blondie. Stealing from the rich to help the poor. Maybe..." He stopped and shook his head.
"Maybe what?"
"It's nothing. The brothers are calling for you." She looked to where he pointed and indeed Pat was beckoning her over. She smiled at Flynn and walked over to the map laid out on a stump. "Maybe if I'd had someone like you... I wouldn't be a thief." He whispered.
"The gang got their gold, and we got the scepter. You were right, Si. Two birds with one stone. Our client should be pleased." Zela examined the short golden staff in her hands. Pascal scurried to the top and admired his reflection in the large emerald mounted on the head.
"Right chuffed, I'd think. The guards have no idea we were after this particular piece. And if the duke 'miraculously' recovers such a priceless artifact, he's sure to gain the favor he so desperately desires. Everyone wins. Now we just have to deliver it."
"Do you think the three of you can handle that part?" Zela asked with a shy duck of her head.
Pat mimed painting and Zela laughed. "Am I so predictable?"
"We honestly expected you to disappear sooner than this. It's been months since the last mural washed away in the rain." Flynn chuckled as he joined them. "We can handle the delivery and negotiations. Go. You've earned some time to relax."
A/N - This isn't the end of this chapter. Too long. Part 2 coming up right now.
