Timothy allowed Koko to sleep in a bit during the morning. Royalty needed beauty sleep, but he was pressed for time now. After eating a light breakfast, they were back on the road again. They didn't speak much as they rode. Try as Koko might to start a conversation Timothy only responded with short grunts and nods. She got the feeling that he wasn't much of a talker. She thought nothing of it and used the time to knit. The snow lessened exposing the old foliage and grass. The winter weather seemed to only surround the kobold princess's tower. Even without the snow, the elevation of the mountain made the air chilly. It was around noon when they came to the cross road. If Smuhg's map was correct they would find the next tower before night.

"To go up the mountain or down the hill?"

Timothy looked up from the Smuhg's map. On their left was a path that went up a foothill to the cliffs of the Lower Step Mountain's. The path on the right went downhill and towards the plains. From here they could see the flatland funnel into the mouth of a giant wall that stretched across like a terrible scratch. From the plains in sight to the forests out of view the wall stretched out and exhaled dark clouds of dense smoke. There were other towers outside of that massive fortress, but not enough to account for seventeen missing princesses. There must have been at least ten more past the fortress walls.

"Do you suppose that's the entrance to the dragon's tower?"

Koko asked. She was still bundled up in furs. It wasn't bone chilling anymore, but it was still chilly enough that their breath would fog up.

"Yes."

Timothy said. He'd dismounted from his seat and wagered his options. He could go up the mountain and save that princess before he went for the dragon princess. Perhaps it would be better if he hurried onward to the dragon instead, slew it, and then saved the rest of the princesses. Considering how Koko had been imprisoned the other princess could be in mortal peril. That was enough to make up his mind. As he lived and breathed no princess would suffer such disgrace.

"We're going to go save the princess up the mountain first, then we'll go down the hillside and determine the next course of action."

Timothy pointed up.

"I think we should go for the dragon first. That way we won't have to worry about it interfering."

Koko said.

"Princess Koko, my endeavor is not to firstly slay the dragon, but to save the princess. Before anything else I must save all the maidens stolen by the dragon."
Timothy dropped to his knee to speak. She sat above him. Koko wasn't quite sure how to feel about this. On one hand it was good that he wasn't just out to slay some beast, but not all of the princesses would tolerate travelling with a kobold. Unless of course Koko swore her fealty to that princess and her kingdom or vice versa. Princesses such as her would sooner die than do such a thing.

"Smuhg enchanted this cart to protect four princesses and me. She may be in mortal peril as you once were. Teetering on death. I owe you my loyalty but I also am bound by duty to save as many princesses as I can. Please understand."

The tip of Koko's tail wagged a bit. A nervous habit she had yet to break. So far he had proven to be kind and noble. Perhaps she was feeling the pangs of jealousy. Sad as it was to admit to herself, she didn't expect to be rescued. She was grateful for it; however, she couldn't help but feel apprehension at the thought of sharing the knight. Princesses were a fickle sort. She would know after all. The only princess she had met often was the Lamia princess. She didn't really think that was a fair relationship either considering the uneven bond the kobolds and lamia have with each other. That was more of a give and take relationship than a friendship.

"Do as you will. I just hope she's one of the nicer princesses."
Regardless, she couldn't let her personal feelings come in the way of a noble endeavor. Timothy stepped up to her, took her hand, and brought it to his helmet. He pressed it about where his mouth would be.

"Thank you, Princess Koko."

The princess blushed a little.

"Let's hurry on then, we can't waste time as you said."

She pulled her hand back and looked the other way. Losing one's composure like that was unladylike. He hopped up in the driver's seat and urged Apple forward. The old horse looked back a bit like he just started to enjoy the rest, but went up the hill after a bit more prodding. Koko watched the fortress below, through the smoke she felt something hungry and desperate follow their ride up the cliff side.

"So, you plan on saving more princesses?"
Koko asked. It had taken them longer than he wanted but they were nearing the next tower. It was noon now.

"Yes."
Timothy kept his eyes forward.

"Do you know how many princesses have been kidnapped."

Koko readjusted herself. The seat was not made to accommodate tails, let alone one's as thick as hers.

"Seventeen. You included. That is what Smuhg told me."

He spoke.

"Do you plan to save all the princesses?"
She asked.

"Yes."

He said without hesitation. Koko had plenty of room in the back. The Kobold Princess laid wrapped up in a furs Timothy gave her. He had somehow brought her back from the point of freezing, but she was still feeling weak. When she asked him to warm up like before the knight would quickly change the subject. She just left the topic there.

Taking a guess, she figured the wagon could hold at least four kobolds or two humans on each side. If they all bunched up perhaps even twelve kobolds or six humans could pack themselves in the back. These were princesses however, and they would not just sit on the floor like peasants. Even as a kobold, considered one of the lowliest of races, she was a princess first and would be treated as one. Timothy stopped the cart. There was something in the road up ahead. More importantly, someone on the road as well. He squinted. A man was sitting on a fallen tree.

"What's wrong?"
The kobold princess asked.

"We may have trouble. Koko, crawl underneath the seats. You'll be safe there. Wait for me to tell you to come out."

Timothy got off the carriage. He felt a slight tug on his scarf.

"What if you don't come back?"

Koko asked.

"I will."

He spoke.

The man on the fallen tree waved him down. There was a wagon on the side of the road. It'd be better mulch than riding material.

"Hello. Ah, a good knight. It's good to see you. I need your help. My name is Craig."

The man said. He wore a simple tunic and leather pants with dusty worn boots. He had a dirty look to him. Not just from a lack of proper hygiene. This man looked to have a grimy set of morals as well. Perhaps it was the smile. Or those beady eyes that weren't looking at Timothy but the cart behind him.

"How may I assist you?"
Timothy asked. He didn't come too close to Craig. Timothy could feel the intent in the air, almost like the man was expecting him for a while now.

"I need a hand getting rid of this tree. I can't seem to move it by myself."

Craig got up and moved in position to push the tree. Timothy did not move to his side.

"Well, what are you waiting for?"

Craig looked back.

"Tell me, what is your profession?"

The knight asked.

"Oh, I'm just a shoemaker."

Craig halfheartedly pushed the tree. The hair of Timothy's neck stood up. It was like someone had stepped in his shadow.

"A shoemaker. Why would a shoemaker need such a long knife?"

He asked. Craig looked to his side and realized his dagger was poking out from under his shirt. The man chuckled and shrugged. Timothy heard the dirt shift behind him.

"All the better to stab you in the throat!"

Craig cackled. Timothy spun around in time to swat away the man creeping up behind him. Craig charged Timothy while his back was turned. The two bandits were clearly aiming for an opening in his armor. The knight shifted himself and forced Craig's blade to be deflected off his plate armor. Craig grabbed Timothy and struggled to heave the boy off his feet. Timothy grabbed his wrist preventing further stabbing attempts.

"Come on now, we just want a bit of coin. It's the highwayman fee. If you give up now we won't hurt you much."

Timothy grabbed Craig with his other hand and maneuvered him towards the other recovered bandit rushing forward. The bandit pulled the knife back to avoid stabbing his cohort. He remained committed like a bull and charged into the two. The three fell to the ground and struggled with each other. Timothy dodged the stab attempts at his visor. He smacked the bandits and tried to stand. The two bandits grabbed a hold of his flailing arms. With a bandit on both arms Timothy struggled to stand.

"Just slide into his pits!"

The bandit on Timothy's right went for the kill. He shoved the knife into Timothy's armpit. One of the few areas without armor. It slid in but stopped short of going all the way. The knife failed to fit through chain mail underneath. Timothy ripped his hand out from under Craig and struck the man with the back of his fist. Craig reached for his eye and cursed as his brow bleed into eye. He refused to let go, all he needed was for the other man two shank the boy. Timothy grabbed the other bandit's side and squeezed it like a wet rag. The bandit howled for a moment. Timothy yanked his arm free and seized the man's collar. The knight pulled his head back and swung it into the man's face.

"Eck."

The iron helmet crushed his brow. He swung back in pain for a moment. It was all the time Timothy needed to shove him off. With the new maneuverability Timothy ripped his arm out of Craig's grasp.

"Why you-"

Craig caught an elbow to the nose. Beneath the sound of heaving and clanking metal one would hear the pop of a broken nose. Craig went cross eyed. The tip his nose pointed to his left now. He didn't get to think about the pain much as Timothy kicked him in the face. The other man got up before him. He no longer had the benefit of a back stab, nor proper armor. The look in his eye told Timothy he still had some fight in him. The bandit lacked the sense to run or ask for mercy. Not that he would get any from this knight.

"I'll gut you!"

He cried out. Knife raised in hand he lunged for Timothy's throat. Timothy head butted the man again and punched him in the gut. He bent over and heaved up dry coughs. The man looked at the knight with hate. Timothy kneed the bent over man in the face. The bandit dropped unconscious. The knight looked back at his cart; someone was rummaging around in the back.

"What is this?"

His name was Simone. That's what he told his now sleeping compatriots. He opened a box he found under the seat. He pulled out a little pouch and undid the string holding it closed. There was some green powder in there. He hoped it was tobacco. He smelled the bag.

"Blech."

Sniffing it was not the right choice. He put it down and started rummaging once more. He knew he saw someone back here. Being a highwayman was pretty easy, he thought. Since all the princesses were caught there's been no end to idiots seeking glory. Wealthy idiots. Poor idiots. Idiots. Idiots. Idiots. Really it was easier than taking candy from a baby. Craig gets some fool to lower his guard with the ole 'I'm a poor weak farmer help me strong knight'. Then he or Boon would then slip a knife between the idiot's ribs. They never saw it coming. He hoped the current idiot brought a woman. It sounded like a woman was in the carriage. He hoped it was a woman. It's been a while since he had some good loving. It may even have been a princess. That'd be nice since they'd get some and a sum of money. A hand grabbed Simone by the scruff of his neck and between his legs. The bandit let out a shrill whine as he was thrown head first from the cart into the earth. Timothy shook his head.

"Princess, are you alright? I've handled all the bandits."

Timothy asked and kicked the fallen bandit to make sure he stayed down. A head poked out from underneath the seat.

"I'm alright."

Timothy nodded knowing that the princess Koko was safe. He grabbed the bandit, Simone, by the boot and dragged him to the other two. With all of them tied up Timothy brandished his sword. Craig whimpered a bit at the sight of the steel. To Timothy they weren't worth the air they breathed, but it wasn't he who would decide their fate. He stepped away and went to Koko who was sitting in the cart. They were out of earshot of the trio of bandits.

"What do you plan to do with them?"

Koko asked. There was only one right response for the knight.

"What do you propose we do with them?".

Timothy glanced at the trio behind. There was a certain coldness in that iron helmet, like he was a guillotine waiting to be dropped.

"As I see it we have three brigands who attacked us with the intent to murder and steal from us. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the matter."

Koko's intent was not to solely judge the three men, but Timothy's as well. Was he fair, just, and merciful? Or perhaps he was ruthless and cruel with his judgement. He thought for a moment then cleared his throat to speak.

"I think we should leave them here. I'm not taking them with me. I do not have the time to stay and watch them till a retinue of knights comes. They rendered their lives forfeit with their crimes but I'm also against executing them here and now."
Timothy said.

"Why don't we execute them? These men are, without a doubt, menaces. They've likely killed innocent men and women."
Koko took a side look at the trio of bandits. They looked away from her.

"I think they are villainous scum but I was able to subdue them and take control of the situation. If the opportunity to draw my weapon had arisen and I had crossed blades with them. I would fight with intent to kill or disarm them. Not only for the protection of my life, but yours as well princess. It would be dishonorable to kill these men as they are unarmed and subdued. If I killed them now it would be murder in cold blood in my eyes."

Timothy said.

"I agree, but what if they escape and continue their wicked ways?"

The princess was pleased with the knight's judgement.

"I pray they wouldn't take this mercy as a chance to continue their evils, but if they were to continue to commit evils…."

"That is enough. Tie those men down."

Koko said. Timothy wrangled the three men together and tied them to the nearest tree. As far as he looked there was no other path aside from the path the tree fell on. They could go take the other path they passed earlier but that was at least five hours back whence they came. He clapped his hands as the idea came to him. He ran to the back of the cart and searched his chests until he found his tinderbox. Back to the log he arranged a nest of leaves and dried grass, then set to work rubbing the stick into the nest until finally, a fire was lit.

"It should burn up quickly. The tree is pretty old and dry."

The knight said to the princess.

"It shouldn't take more than an hour or two."
He sat in his cart. Koko sat as close to the fire as she could without burning. While her many fur coats were excellent at trapping body warmth, they did little to help her cold blooded body raise it. They sat like this for a bit, before someone squawked the silence.

"So, you're not going to kill us?"

Said Craig. No one in particular listened to him.

"We tried to kill you. Simone, look at this clod. He's a real do-gooder."

Simone's response was a kick to Craig's butt.

"Ack!"

He yapped.

"Shut up! You're going to piss him off then he'll kill us for sure."
Boone snarled. One could count the number of teeth in his mouth on two hands, and count the number of teeth that weren't rotting on one hand.

"No, no, no. I'm willing to bet this guy won't."

Craig said with the utmost certainty.

"I could change my mind."

Timothy wiped the blood off his helmet. Simone wished looks could kill, as he saw nothing but hate for Timothy. The bandit couldn't believe a knight would dishonorably attack a man's manhood. Craig on the other hand wished he could turn into a bird right now and fly away. Boone wished they would just shut up already. He had a splitting headache right now.

"We are not executing them. They are prisoners under my care until we leave or someone else takes them."
Koko said. The princess, after getting warm enough, turned around and put her back to the fire.

"It can talk?"

Craig said. He was astonished, but not as astonished as Simone, Boone, and Timothy for saying such a thing. Boone and Simone had caught onto the fact that the knight felt some feeling of affection for the kobold. They'd even figured she was royalty due to the crown on her head. Craig on the other hand was slower than most. Timothy had half the mind to go whack the bandit over the head with a branch. Koko's naivety saved Craig from the whack.

"Why would I not?"

She asked him back.

"I just, you know, you're a kobold. You never do much but hiss and click at each other."

Simone and Boone scooted away from Craig. Timothy didn't move either. While he was annoyed at the bandit for saying such things, he felt a bit of hypocrisy. Timothy, after all, didn't expect much from Koko when he saw her first. He even thought it was an elaborate joke. He decided that he would just wait for Koko to give him a sign or get offended.

"Ah, you're mistaken. The lamia people are the ones who hiss. I learned the common tongue as part of my royal studies."
She crossed her arms. She was quite proud that she could speak with little to no accent.

"We kobolds have a beautiful and elegant language too. Listen, this is how a proper kobold greets another proper kobold."

She cleared her throat. She then proceeded to make a guttural bellow. Koko enjoyed the idea of teaching another the beauty of the kobold language. Craig was slightly scared of the fact that such a small sound could make a sound like that.

"Wait, go back. You said royal. What do you mean?"

Craig asked. Timothy perked up. He'd already been attacked when he saved Koko. Timothy didn't want her to tell other she was royalty. He couldn't trust the bandits to keep it a secret. It'd be safer to kill them than let them escape. Once free they'd certainly form a pack to hunt down the princess and him.

"You shouldn't answe-"

"Why, I'm the princess of all Kobolds, Koko Boldhorn."

Koko didn't hear Timothy in time. The knight waited for a response from both parties. Craig got a funny look on his face.

"What? Beast men don't have the sense to make princesses?"
Craig looked her up and down. He appraised her like an art critic would a statue. A poor art critic who'd only spent the last few years studying stick men drawings.

"You're not even a human though. Only humans can be a princess."

A very crude art critic. While others would get upset, Koko was emboldened.

"Why would they not? If there's a princess for humans why not kobolds. There are bunch of princesses. A human princess. An elf princess. An ant princess. A fish princess, well she prefers to be called the mermaid princess. Or the lamia princess. You must have heard of the goblin princess, at least! The humans and goblins have been allies for as long as I've known."

Koko could have named more but then she would have been there all day. Timothy was nice, but due to his lack of talking Koko didn't really get to show off all her knowledge.

"Well, they don't count, they're technically human."

Craig said. He put his hands together and rubbed his face, as best he could without tugging on Simone and Boon.

"Technically? Humans and Goblins are two different races. What makes them technically human?"

Koko was taught quite a bit about how human kingdoms viewed non-humans. She'd not heard of non-human's being considered human. Craig caressed the air in front of him like he was making a clay pot.

"Ya see, a human and a goblin can fu-"

Timothy gave him a look, one that said Craig should think about the words he uses next.

"They can have a family together, is all. Beastman can't have families with a human, or even like a human. They can't even make a noble culture. They are feral and to be feared. They're nothing but animals and beasts."

Craig smiled nervously. Surprisingly, he had all his teeth. Chipped, brown and yellow, he had every tooth.

"Well, do I look like a beast?"

She asked Craig. The bandit looked her up and down. She had horns, scales, and a tail. She was shorter than the average woman too. If he hadn't heard of a kobold, he might think Koko was a dragon. His eyes glanced down to her two large human features. Very, very outwardly human. Then, something began dragging his gaze behind her. It was the knight, and more importantly the unpleasant gestures the knight was making.

"I don't think you do."

The bandit swallowed a ball of spit that formed in his mouth.

"Right~! My crown dictates that I am the rightful heir to all kobold lands. I am well versed in mathematics and algebra. I'm well read and not to mention poly lingual. I am far from being a beast."

Koko pushed her crown into Craig's face. There some sort of scribbles on it. Must've been Kobold scribbles.

"See?"

Koko pointed it out.

"I can't read it. It's no good to show me those scribbles."

He spoke. Given the tone of his voice Koko felt he was a bit saddened by his illiteracy. That's what she understood in her mind.

"Well, I'll teach you the basics of reading and writing. It should take us no time at all to make you a proud literate."

This was a bit too much to digest for ole craig. He didn't expect to meet a talking kobold today. He just nodded along; people tended to not to bother when he nodded along. Boon was finally fed up at this point by all the noise. He snapped at the two.

"Get that stinking li- "

A rock hit him square in the forehead. He fell over and twitched.

"Would you look at that, a rock tumbled down the mountain and hit him. What are the odds?"

Timothy said. Koko and Craig didn't notice. Simone didn't care, but he knew to keep any reservations to himself in the future. Koko grabbed a twig and began to scribble into the dirt.

"I will teach you to read, let's start with the basics."

"My name is Craig. There I read it."

"Good, very good."

Koko and Craig had spent the last two hours going over the alphabet. The man didn't grasp it well. Koko moved onto something he would better remember. How to spell his name and introduce himself. The princess smiled. By now the log was a smoldering pile of ashes.

"The log is done; we have got going now."

As a child his mother taught him a trick. If one had a specially made blanket you could place it over the coals and the blanket would get very hot. He took one such blank out earlier and smothered the coals. He peeled the thick blanket he placed on the oldest coals; had he not been wearing gloves he might've burned his fingers. He wrapped it around Koko. She pulled it tight around herself. She seemed to have some resistance to such heat.

"This'll keep you warm."

The knight hopped into the driver's seat.

"Thank you, Timothy. One moment please. Craig, please open your hands."

She stepped over to the bandit and placed a gift into his open hands. It was a small badge with the princess likeness stitched into it.

"I made this with my own hand while we were travelling. If you come to Canopy Cove kingdom, present this to the guards. It's a badge of my friendship. We'll put you into a work prison for your banditry. If they find you without this badge you will work as a boat rower for our fishing vessels. Don't worry if you can't find your way. I'll send a party to get you if you can't make it for some reason."

She said happily.

"That's a good one."

The bandit smiled weakly. It was a funny notion. Koko smiled back, but for a different reason.

"Don't worry we'll bring your friends too."

The other two bandits who had spent their time grumbling or sleeping shot up.

"Would you look at that! A flying pig!"

Simone pointed above their heads. Lo and behold there was a bright pink pig with tiny wings flying. It gracefully fluttered through the air as it chewed on a large mushroom. Boone kicked Craig in the ass.

"That's what happens when you open your stupid mouth."

Boone readied another strike but stopped as the knight and princess turned back around. Koko did a small bow and hopped on the cart. The princess waved as their carriage went off. Craig waved back.

"I think she's nice."

"I think you're an idiot."

"Ow!"

Simone kicked Craig.

"You think anything with a rack that size is nice. Just shut up and help me gnaw through the rope. I'm not serving time in a prison and I'm sure as hell not rowing a boat!"

Timothy stopped Apple. They had reached the tower. It sat alone on the cliff side. From here Timothy and Koko saw the brutal mountains of Whiteout. Further north and out of sight the mountains only got taller and taller until they reached The Throne of the World. The tallest peak in the world. Many mountains in the whiteout mountain range grazed the sky. The Throne of the World went beyond the highest of clouds. Some people weren't even sure it had a peak. Koko wondered if even the dragon could reach the peak. It would've made a better lair than the plains. The knight had no time to stare in awe of the mountains. He stepped into the back of the cart and pulled one of the bundles3 from underneath the seat. He rolled it out and began to look over the assortment of one-handed weapons. A hatchet, hammer, short spear, and a short sword.

"What are you looking for?"
Koko asked.
"I'm trying to decide on my weapon. I'll be taking my shield so I need a weapon that compliments the shield."

What if the princess was locked behind a door? The hatchet would do nicely there. A hammer could break chains when properly applied. The spear would be the best weapon if he was caught in tight corridors. He thought of many possible situations, but that'd waste time. He grabbed the short sword and put the rest away. He hopped off and walked to the tower door.

"I want to come in with you."

She said,

"No. I'll be back soon."

He replied. He walked around the tower. Fortunately, this tower had a door. It looked to be two horse lengths from the cliff's edge. An entrance like this had to be trapped. He tentatively reached for the knob. Koko stepped in front of him before he could open it.

"I must come with you."

She pressed again. Timothy shook his head again.

"Why is that?"

Timothy picked her up by her pits. The kobold princess became a bit more aware of their physical discrepancies.

"If I come with you in saving this princess, she'll think better of me. I want to have a good impression when I meet her and I won't get a good impression if I sit in the cart. She'll just see me as some useless baggage you carry around or worse. If I help you my chances of having a good impression will increase."

Koko said. Timothy thought for a moment then put her down.

"How firmly do you believe this?"

He asked. He had no real way to challenge her. Getting Koko to dislike him was not something he wanted. He also did not know if the princess in the tower was in mortal danger. He could think of a few ways to scare her off but he felt those were unsavory and unbecoming.

"Very. Not to mention, I'm pretty much defenseless if someone were to steal the cart and I away. Who's to say there aren't bandits lurking around right now."

Koko said. The idea of something or someone harming the princess twisted his stomach into knots.

"Fine, but you are staying in this pouch."

He put her in the makeshift hammock around his chest. She thought it odd he hadn't taken it down yet.

"I don't mind this, but I'd hate for that other princess to think of me as a child."

Koko leaned out of the hammock and pulled the door open. Timothy stopped her.

"I'll be able to protect you with my shield and body, that is what I need to put my mind at ease. When we are near the princess, I'll pull you down so you can greet her."

He crept to the side of the door and pulled the knob from the farthest side. A swinging mallet or log would send them flying off the cliff side. He opened it. Nothing happened. There could be more. They peeked inside. It was all dark.

"Wait."
He looked onto the other side of the door. As he thought, the entrance on the inside of the tower had no door handle. He took a rock and closed the door on it. Door secured, the knight lit a torch. Finally feeling prepared. Having determined it safe, the knight ventured forward with the kobold princess in tow. He entered this time to see the slivers of light dart around the inside. Timothy looked closely while drawing the shield closer to Koko. He could barely make out a light above them, it looked to be the top. If the princess couldn't be above them. Timothy passed the torch around until he spotted a hatch in the ground. He popped it open, he couldn't see the floor.

"That's a bit concerning."

Koko looked down.

"Having second thoughts?"
Timothy asked.

"No, let's go."

"Simone, stop slobbering all over that damn rope. If you tug on it one more time I'll kick you."

Boon had been trying to sleep for the past hour.

"You say that, but when I'm free you'll beg for my help I bet. Craig, for the love of god stop staring at that stupid badge that filthy kobold gave you!"

Simone had been gnawing on the rope for the past five hours. He hadn't even gotten halfway. Craig had spent the time eyeballing the badge or writing his name in the dirt. Or complaining to the others. Or being kicked.

"Boon, think about it, we can sell this and make it big this time. I know it."
Craig squinted his eyes to see a figure walking closer.

"Ask that guy coming up here to cut us free."

Down the road a knight in dark armor and cloak approached. Craig was more focused on writing his name in the dirt so he paid the man no attention. Simone stopped gnawing on the rope. The knight lumbered forward in a trance. He could've fallen over at any moment and died. Then the smell finally caught up. The stench woke Boone up. He smelled rust, blood, and sickness. He had smelled the disease on people who openly withered away when he was in the slums.. It reminded him of infected wounds and fevers. He resisted the urge to turn over. He could have looked but it wasn't worth the risk of drawing attention. The hairs on Boon's neck stood up and urged him to run away and hide. This man before him was not from here. Something went wrong and now this man was crossing paths with them. An angel or a demon would've felt more natural.

Dark brown and maroon stains caked the knights armor making it near black. His legs and boots were a darker red than the rest. The two kept quiet. Whoever this man was, they didn't want his attention. Craig finally looked up from his name in the dirt. He took notice of the passing man and involuntarily let out a gasp of surprise. The dark knight stopped. Turned his head to the trio. Craig the shadow of death over him. The man took a step towards them. He gulped down a puddle of spit and fear.

"Hey, can you cut us free?"

The knight reached into his cloak with his right hand and they heard the hiss. The man produced a rusted sword. The blade was visibly dull and the rust made it look more akin to a scab. In some places it was closer to being black and in others it looked more like a sore. A liquid dripped off the tip. It burned the ground it fell upon and smoked. Simone took a step back. Boon finally gave in and looked. Boon was the closest and the most daring of the trio. He stood up to the dark knight.

"Actually, we're fine. Sorry to bother you."

He felt a slight push. He looked down. There was a sword where his heart would be. The blade pierced through and came out his back. Simone and Craig screamed and tugged on the ropes. The dark knight put his hand on Boon's shoulder and pushed the bandit off the blade.

"Ah."

That was all Boon could muster as a cold fester settled into him. The knight swiped at him aiming for the throat. Simone leaned back dodging the slow swing with ease. The knight kicked Simone's leg out from underneath him. The bandit's leg gave way and he fell onto his back. That one swing cut the rope binding them together. Quickly crawled as fast he could from the dark knight. He did not get far as the knight's blade skewered his throat. Craig hid behind the tree and prayed. He asked that his mom wake him up. He asked for some salvation. He felt the shadow of death over him once more. He looked up and saw the dark knight looming over him.

"...'
Craig could not understand the words. The knight lifted the sword up. He was only thankful it was quick. The dark knight sheathed his rusted sword. He felt that this had been a waste of time. He reminded himself that if he couldn't do this there was nothing else, he could do. His duty done; the dark knight resumed his trudge. One step at a time.