The Plop Tart War

Watchtower

The guards rotated only once every two hours. Their job was to stand there atop the battlements and shoot if any strangers came near. They were all well-renowned for their aim and speed, especially at night. I headed in the exact opposite direction of their arrows. After all, how could I complete my plan if I was dead?
The "village" of Karan lay only a mile or two away from the castle. It's dirt paths led to a mere seven buildings: A large farmhouse, a bar (which also housed the black market), an inn, a trading post, a stable, a much smaller house, and a barn in the distance.I walked around to the back where the stables were.
The stable keeper laid there, passed out on the rug with a leather flask in his hand. I tossed a few copper coins onto his lap and he awoke with a stutter.
"Wh-wwho's there!"
"'tis only I. Fetch me my horses, if it pleases you." I pulled out a fair amount of copper coins from a pouch on my belt and rolled them around in my palm.
He got up, sputtering a limitless string of profanities under his breath, and pulled out the stable key. After unlocking the door, he waved me on in and sat himself by the door.
I rolled my eyes and tossed him the rest of the coins.
"Equinox?" I whispered. A deep brown horse neighed back. I untied her reins and walked her out of the stable. We then rode back into the woods.
I tied her to a tree, gave her carrots, and then began the tedious work of cleaning my armor. It took quite a while, but it soon looked good enough to pass. I then took out a clean red blanket and put it under Equinox's saddle. I brushed and plaited her mane and tale and cleaned the mud off her sides and hooves. I took a step back to review my handiwork. She almost looked good enough to pass as a dignitary's steed. I straightened my armor and added a plume I had bought in the village to the top of my helmet.
I looked the part.
All that was left was to play the part.
I mounted my steed and rode off to the castle.