A Common Thief [H.S]

Chapter 1

Beatrice Maxwell

Running was never something of a stranger to me. I can remember the days of running on marble floors and dancing with the curtains, recalling the freedom and absolute bliss I had felt.

Now my days are entertained with bruised feet due to the harsh grounds of nature, and the constant fear and paranoia plaguing my mind at all hours of the day.

The loud shouts behind my back snapped me out of the short daze that occupied me, my attention once again focuses back on the task at hand. Escaping the king's men that are currently chasing me down.

Nudging my horse to run faster, I try to avoid the branches trying to smack my face all while the adrenaline rushes through my body. Directing my horse in different paths to lose the two men gaining on me.

My heart is pounding and I can feel the beginnings of a headache forming, perhaps from dehydration. 

My thighs clutching onto the strong animal, my fists never losing their grip on the reigns, and my eyes quickly taking in my surroundings. I veer my horse to left, leading him towards the heavy rapids where we could find some cover.

Due to the steep slope, I demount in a rush and nearly sprain an ankle in my hast. Being careful of the sharp rocks pointing up, I spot the old broken toll bridge. After hearing the loud gallops of the horses and the shouts of the men tracking me, I rush to fit us both under the small bridge.

I'm praying to all the gods at this moment, that this broken-down toll bridge provides at least enough coverage to turn the men in a different direction. Holding my breath and staring at my horse, hoping he can read my thoughts and not make a sound.

After a few minutes pass of them discussing which way I could've gone, I finally hear them leave. Very slowly I check around to make sure no one is lurking, positive that nobody is around I bring my horse out from under the bridge and lead him up towards the slope.

"That was close." My breath comes out uneven as I whisper towards my horse. Mounting him once again to start my path towards my favorite pub.

I reach my hand into my pocket feeling the bag of coins, secured safely. I can't help but giggle to myself, knowing I outwitted and outsmarted the king's 'esteemed' men. The tyrant himself King Delfir is a man doomed by his pride. Knowing he will throw a fit once his men report back to him, that it was me; a girl nonetheless, that has tricked him and plenty of his men, one too many times.

The king's views on women are completely retched and outdated. Nevertheless, his title makes him near untouchable and his crimes, as horrendous as they are, are not questioned. The townsfolk and even his men are too terrified of him to challenge his authority, to question his demand.

Anyone that is to doubt his majesty is subjected to his punishments. He shows no mercy and certainly no remorse, he is nothing but a monster in human skin. He certainly didn't show any remorse when he ruthlessly assassinated my father.

Guiding my horse through the twigs and sticks that lay on the ground, I can't help but think of my father. He was a kind man, a generous and benevolent king to his people. The kingdom loved him, his people never went hungry and were treated equally despite their station in life.

He was well respected amongst the citizens of the land, but his enemies perceived him as naïve and weak due to his nature. He was a strong king, but when my mother passed away, my father was so stricken with grief, that he had neglected his duties to the kingdom. Which Delfir took advantage of.

While I try to remember all the good and positive memories of my father, I find it hard to reminisce when every fond memory I have of him is clouded with the flashback of his violent murder. For months I was haunted with nightmares of that night, even to this day years later, I am still plagued with agonizing dreams.