Prologue

I fingered my crystal ring with sweaty finger as I hurried along the road. My plaid servants' skirts swirled around my legs as I bustled home.

Dammit! I thought. How did I let it get so late? It's dangerous outside at dark.

My basket of goods from today's market excursion bumped annoyingly against my legs. And why was it so hot? I thoughtas I tried to reach around and loosen my uncomfortably tight corset strings with one hand but to no avail.

Suddenly, I stopped dead.

What the hell was that noise?

Just as I was about to whirl around, a pair of strong, clammy arms seized me. I felt a knife between my shoulder blades.

"Well, well, well. What 'ave we 'ere?" he at his companions, two burly men in front of me. "A damsel in distress, are we?"

I stood stalk still, too afraid to move. "Check her basket," he ordered to his followers in the same deep rumble.

"We'll just be taking these," he said. I could tell he was pleased with himself from the smile in his voice. Maybe a first time robber, but I shouldn't get my hopes up.

"What about the jewel?" Sidekick I reminded Rumble in a whisper.

"Shall I check her dress?" asked Sidekick II.

"Yes, yes," was the reply.

At the mention of a "jewel" my mind instantly flicked to the ring. While I pretended to squirm (making absolutely no progress) I slipped the ring off my finger. It landed in the tall grass by the side of the road making no noise.

After Sidekicks I and II had checked everyplace in my dress (which included to my embarrassment the inside of my corset) and had found no jewel, Rumble sighed.

"Its aright," he snapped. "I'll finish 'er off and we can go."

It occurred to me just then to scream.

"AHHHHHHHHHH!!!" I screamed loudly. But only enough sound to fill a doll's teacup escaped as a rough hand had been clapped over my mouth.

Rumble chuckled. "You thought you could get away with that?" he guffawed. I scowled at him.

After he had finished laughing he said, "Say goodbye to life little missy!" And he plunged the glistening knife into my back. I staggered forward, white lights flickering in my eyes. The pain was agony, and felt like my whole body was alight in flame. I dropped to my knees. My last thought before I passed out was, they took the food and then I everything went black.

Little did I know that help was on the way.

A/N: hallo to all our lovely readers. we hope you have enjoyed our first fanfic. review immediatly. all you have to do is click on that cute little pretty button. (puppy eyes from me)