Kidnapping the King

Defeat

Grant bowed and Emilia copied. He took a stance and thrust forward, beginning the fight. She quickly blocked. Her strategy was to use her speed and wear him out then go in for the kill. She saw the look of surprise form on the Grant's face as she blocked several more blows. She could hear the watching crowd whispering in surprise. The dance continued as he went in for blow after blow, but Emilia could not break him.

"He can last for hours little bandit! I warned you!" She heard Maverick yell.

"Ay!" Grant said grinning as sweat poured from his face. "Surrender and I shall spare your life. You can be my servant and empty out my chamber pot!"

Grant threw back his head in arrogant laughter and Emilia swung forward and sliced the side of his leg. Surprised by the quick lash, the kings knees buckled and he fell backwards. Without hesitation Emilia leapt onto his chest and brought the tip of her sword to the king's throat.

Grant's shocked face quickly turned solemn and the crowd gasped.

"Do it then you little bastard. Earn your freedom." He spat out. "You could at least let me look into the eyes of the man who will take my life."

Emilia shook her head and sheathed her sword. She reached into her pocket and took out a piece of parchment and dropped it onto Grant's chest then turned towards the castle. She had done it, she had spared and defeated the king. She could have killed him easily, but she did not want him to die quickly. She wanted him to suffer for what he had done to the people she loved.

Grant sat up quickly and unraveled the parchment.

Grant,

You underestimated me. I spared your life because I am not yet done toying with you. Wherever you go I shall be there. One night I will come unexpectedly and I will drive my dagger into your heart.

-The Red Bandit

Grant looked up in time to see the bandit had already disappeared from his view. He clenched his fists and stood, tossing the parchment to the side. Those wenches had better be waiting in his chambers, bathed and ready for him.

"Servant!" He screamed out to no particular person. "Bring wine and ale to my room!'

                                                                                                   *

Once she was off the path leading to the castle Emilia immediately picked up speed. She knew of camp grounds located near the river and she was ready to set the next part of her plan in motion. She heard the laughter of the guards inside the tents along the riverside. She stayed hidden behind the wild brush and slowly pulled off her helmet. She quickly clawed at the earth by her feet and placed her helmet into the hole she had made. She quickly slipped off her breeches and tunic, leaving her in only her chemise. She reached into the pocket of her breeches and pulled out her piece of merchandise. A golden circlet necklace lined with emeralds. It was one of her favorite steals from months ago. She took the necklace and secured it around her neck.

She left her hair messy, glad that the helmet had matted it. Then without hesitation she stepped out from behind the brush, let out an ear wrenching scream and dropped to the ground. She could hear the guards yelling and hustling to their feet. She pulled some soil from the ground and smeared it across her chemise and face. She then leaned her head back and closed her eyes.

"Quick, look it's a woman! And from the looks of it, someone was attacking her." Came one voice.

Emilia began to slowly open her eyes and then fluttered them dramatically. At least twenty men surrounded her, watching her with worried and curious eyes.