Defying Gravity

Chapter 02: Who's the Thief?

               It was silent, save for the occasional flutter of distant footfalls outside of her bedchamber. The darkness seemed to swallow her lithe form, but the room was illuminated by three candelabra scattered about the extensive chamber. Shadows danced across her alabaster skin, which looked all the more unnatural because of this. And her red curls were in a state of disarray from a less than restful slumber. It had been three days, and still she did not awaken.

               At that moment, it became apparent from the flicker of the candles that there was a second inhabitant within the chamber. Two cat-like eyes stared at the bed from the corner of the room, but that was all that could be seen. With carefully measured movements, this unknown creature drew closer to the bed. Those ethereal eyes were locked on the diamond necklace, which had once been Annabel’s, which rested at her neck.

               The floorboard creaked beneath him, and he stilled. Still, the princess did not stir. The occasional voice would drift in from the small crack of the door, but never once did it sound as if someone questioned the princess’ welfare. The mysterious creature continued on.

               It seemed as if it had taken an eternity to cross the bedchamber, when in actuality it was merely a matter of minutes. With the illumination of the candle, it became obvious that the creature was male. Short blond hair that curved a bit behind the ears adorned his head, with a fray in the front that fell before his eyes. And he was dressed as a peasant, but with the jewels of one who was noble born. Given his intent, it is not too far off to make the assumption that he had stolen them. He carried a brown pouch at his left hip, which would soon contain the priceless stones of the Potter dynasty.

               He bent over her, and for a moment she seemed to stir. Carolynn’s eyes fluttered, but never opened. The man could almost feel the tension build in his stomach, as if it were a coil. The soldiers were just beyond that door, and should she awaken…

               No! He mustn’t think like that. Carefully, he hooked his hand underneath the diamond necklace and pulled backward with such force that her entire body seemed to lurch. The clasp broke, and several less valuable beads scattered all over the floor. They rolled in every direction, and the man had to worry if he would advance and find the misfortune to stand on one, and lose his balance. A mistake like that, and it would all be over.

               Hastily, he stuffed the diamonds into his pouch and buttoned it closed. And then he made to flee, because he could hear the nurse in the hall. She readied the herbal treatment to help heal her wound. With a flamboyant motion, he slid out of the window and took only a moment to note that the terrain was some thirty feet below. He took a breath, held it, and allowed himself to fall.

               The princess continued to slumber, oblivious.

--

               The cover of stars twinkled above head, and cast a dull silver radiance upon the beaten cobblestone path. The path was surrounded by trees of all different sizes, their leaves a dark blue in the darkness and the trunk almost black. On occasion, the trees would break off and reveal a dirt path that led to a district of houses. But the robber’s attention was fixated on the road ahead, which seemed to extend until it broke the horizon.

               John’s castle stood behind him, an ominous structure that looked to extend until it touched the heavens. The outside walls were constructed of stone, which was cut precisely so that the entire structure was flat. It was impossible to count the windows that lined said walls; some were made to portray John’s brilliance and others simply plain. And the front door was constructed of pine wood, with bolts on the inside and on the out. Two soldiers were stationed at the front door, and at intervals of five feet all around.