Knight's Quest

Chapter XV: The Forest

"Well Mad Man, what is it going to be?" Blade says, up in the branches.

"Just as I was about to have some real fun in this cursed place." I look at the princess "Walk towards the sound of the creepy guy in the forest, and don't die, m'kay."

"Oh, so you're just giving her away. Fine by me, it saves me money."

"Wait, what's going on?" Sarah interrupts, but she doesn't move because of your knife at her throat. "I'm not just something to be traded like livestock. I'm a princess!"

"Were a princess, Dearie. Now you're really not anything." I look up into the shadows where I know Blade is lurking."I didn't realize that this was a trading opportunity. What will you give me for her?"

A dark chuckle resounds from the leaves above. "I knew you were smarter than you appeared. How does 1,000 gold coins sound for your first catch?"

"Please, I could get ten times that amount for a servant girl."

"You are not an idiot, although I wish you were correct about the servant girl. How about this deal. I give you 5,000 now and you can hold onto the girl as a personal assistant until we find a buyer. You will then get a piece of the profit for your work."

"How much of a piece?"

"A substantial amount."

"I want numbers."

"Demanding. You'll get 30% of what the buyer pays."

"30%? What kind of person do you think I am?"

"Fine, 40%, but no more. You're already getting paid 5,000. Besides, that may be all you get. Ex-princesses are tough to sell in this economic depression."

"Alright, I'll take that deal. Give me my money."

Blade emerges from the shadows, stepping out from some shrubs. He walks directly in front of you. You don't know how he got from the trees to the ground so quickly, or so silently. Blade tosses a brown pouch into your free hand. "There you go, your first pay. Don't spend it all in one place. Hold on to the princess until I can find a buyer. Then you can have your 40%. Also, try not to damage her, that will only make the deal harder to make."

"I'll do my best to keep her in one piece." I give a fake smile.

Sarah is starting to squirm and breathe heavily. "You guys aren't being serious right now, are you?" she says "You're not going to treat me like this. I won't let you!"

"Please Your Majesty, struggling will only make things worse."

"Indeed." Blade adds,"I have had to let so many of my finest wares go to waste because of rebellious actions. So, if you may, be as cooperative as you can." Sarah stops moving and fear drips down her forehead. "That's better. Now Drake, are you ready to make this official? We still need to properly initiate you in."

"Not yet. I need to find my people first."

"You are a dedicated man. Very well. I'll bring the princess to the Guild so she won't slow you down."

"No, I'll hold on to her for now. She might be useful."

"Alright, fine by me. If you need me, all you have to do is ask." Blade steps back into the shadows and disappears like a whisper in the wind.

That guy has issues, he must get that from you.

Nonsense, he is the most mysterious figure you have ever met.

He's as mysterious as your plan is.

What is that supposed to mean?

Just that you're predictable, all of this has been predictable.