Kidnapping the King

Wenches and Wine

"The red bandit has struck again sire."

"Again? I thought you had it under control." Grant said with a long sigh.

The sheriff shifted uneasily from one foot to the other.

"We made an arrest, yes."

"And?" Grant said slowly.

"We arrested a man who we suspected of being the bandit but while he was in our custody Lord Butler from east of the river reported that all of his wife's jewelry had gone missing "

"How did you know that it was the red bandit?' He said, his voice growing tighter."He left behind another message."

The sheriff reached into his pocket with shaking hands and pulled out a folded letter and handed it to Grant. Grant unfolded the letter and read the contents.

Grant,

I look forward to entering the homes of the filthy and wealthy people who live in your land because I know that I will find great comfort in laughing at your fruitless attempts to find me. Tell Lady Butler that this ruby necklace of hers is sure to feed me for at least three moons.

Your Dearest Friend,

The Red Bandit

Grant felt his blood begin to boil. This bastard dared mock him? He did not even use his title, he simply called him by his first name. He would not have the last laugh.

"You will search every mountain top, swim every river and burn down every house in that goddamn village if you have to. You will find him. If you do not find him by the time I return from visiting in Castleburry, you will die. You will rot in my highest prison until the rats have eaten every ounce of flesh from your body." Grant screamed as his hand swept across his desk, his goblet falling to the ground, the wine splashing across the Sheriff's tunic.

"Y-yes your majesty." The sheriff stuttered.

"Get out." He said, turning his back on him. He motioned to a nearby servant.

"Bring me fresh ale and the two wenches who clean my quarters."

The servant nodded his head and rushed to meet the king's needs. Grant paced his room quickly, anxious to think of some way to find this mysterious bandit. He had to admit, he was quite witty. He had eluded the guards for months now and he had his full attention. It was often that men such as the bandit tried to outwit him. He had taken the throne at only sixteen years of age and had ruled for the past eight years with an iron fist. Yet, some believed his young age hindered him and they underestimated his intelligence. His kingdom was the most powerful in the nation, with the strongest and most skilled soldiers and the wealthiest nobles. However, this bandit had never been caught, never been seen but always left a message, mocking the king.

All they knew of the bandit was that he wore a black cape, plundered the houses of the wealthy, was never caught, few had claimed to see him and he always left taunting messages for the King. However, the most memorable thing about the bandit was the red insignia that he left behind at each location. It was a crest with a raven flying above a thorny rose. It was always painted in detail and anyone who saw it spoke of it as being quite impressive. What amazed the king the most was that the bandit even had time to do so.

If the bandit wanted to play games, he was willing to play. He sat at his desk, laying out a piece of parchment, ink and a quill.

Red Bandit,