Chapter 26

Amber gulped. "Oh, my name is Amber. I got away from those Stabbington guys a few minutes ago. I let all the horses they had go, and then jumped on this one's back to get away as fast as I could." She slid off the back of the horse. "Can you take him? I don't know who he belonged to before they stole him. D-d-do you think you could take me home? I know my father, he's a duke, would gladly pay for my safe return."

"Sure, I can take care of him. As to helping you get home, I'm sure we can come up with something – no reward needed." Eugene responded.

"Amber, huh? Where are you from?" Flynn asked.

Before Amber could respond, Arabelle strode into the clearing surrounding the house.

"Princess, what are you doing here? I thought I left you back at the castle. You shouldn't have come. It isn't safe. Just look at poor Amber here, the Stabbington brothers took her for doing what you do – leaving the safety of her home."

Ignoring Flynn, Arabelle ran over to Amber. "Hey, sweetie. You ok? I'm sure your parents are worried sick about you. How did you get out?"

"I followed you from the castle earlier. Mom and Dad were busy so I thought we could hang out. But you weren't there. Then I saw you leaving and decided to follow you. I figured if it was safe for you, it would be ok."

"Wait a minute. Just who ARE your parents? We need to get you both home. And Princess, this time you better stay there. I have things I have to do. I don't have time to keep taking you home. Didn't you agree to wait until I told you what was going on? Instead, you followed me – does that mean you don't trust me, Princess? I gave you my word." Flynn bit out.

"Um, it's not that I didn't trust you. I just, um, I was worried about you. So, I followed you to make sure you were ok. I figured if it was really bad, you may not tell me at all, and I wanted to help any way I could. It wasn't a lack of trust; I just don't want to see you get hurt either."

Flynn groaned. "Fine, whatever. Since you want to be difficult, I will just escort you home again – and this time I will leave you to take Amber back to her parents. That should keep you out of trouble for a little bit."

"Oh, yeah. Flynn. About her parents. Um. I think you should know…."

"Spit it out, Princess. We don't have all night." Flynn barked.

Before Arabelle could respond, again – she heard someone coming. "Flynn, we need to go – someone is coming. I don't think you want anyone else to know where you live. Maybe we can draw them away from here."

Eugene stepped up. "I know a way. Flynn, can you distract them? I will lead the girls back to the castle. Princess, you can get back in unseen, I'm sure. Since you managed to get out without getting caught."

"Ok, let's go. Princess, Amber. Follow Eugene back to the castle. Eugene, I will see you when you get back. Be careful." With that, Flynn turned and went back in the opposite direction, heading towards the commotion.

"Let's go," Eugene whispered. "If we go out this way, we can get around whoever it is headed this way. Then I can show you the quickest path back to the castle."

"Eugene, what about Flynn? Do you think he will be ok? It's not exactly safe for him around here." Arabelle asked.

"I'm sure, Princess. This isn't the first time we have had to draw someone away from our home. He has done this before. Better stop talking – at least until we get closer to town and away from whoever is out here." With that, Eugene turned around and once again headed back towards town.

Flynn made as much noise as possible when he passed the area where the disturbance had come from moments before. He wasn't sure who or what he would find, but he refused to allow anyone to hurt his brother. It wasn't long before he discovered what had caused the disturbance. In a small clearing ahead, Flynn took in the sight of the two Stabbington brothers.

"Hey, guys. What are you doing out here? I thought we agreed not to be seen together before the big heist." Flynn's greeting was cautious.

"Oh, um, hi, Flynn. We were just, uh looking for something we lost. Nothing to worry about."

"Oh, just thought I would warn you; I saw some palace guards out here not long ago. They didn't see me, but I don't know if they are still around. Might want to be careful – not make so much noise."

"Thanks for the update. Wouldn't want to get arrested before the big payday right?"

"Nope. Wouldn't want that to happen. Is the plan to meet up to go over logistics still in place for tomorrow? I want to make sure we are all on the same page with the plan before next month."

"What? Oh yeah. We'll see you tomorrow. Don't forget, you don't help and Eugene gets hurt."

"Yeah, yeah. That threat is getting old. See you tomorrow." With that, Flynn walked away towards the town, hoping the Stabbingtons didn't follow him.