CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER  5

 

In surprise, James dropped the lock picks.  It hadn’t been a guard voice that had spotted him.  That was what had surprised him the most.  It was a girl’s voice.  His heart stopped dead.  He swirled around.  And there she stood, in a little yellow dress, looking sweaty.  She had run after him.  She had spotted him long ago.  His mission has failed miserably.

“What are you doing?” she repeated.

“Me? Oh, nothing” he managed to say.

She took a few steps towards him.  He stumbled back.  She picked up the lock picker. 

“Nothing. I see…” she said sarcastically.

James sat frozen.  His mouth had gone dry.

“Why were you robbing the Treasury?”

That was it. He was doomed. He had been captured.  He’d end up in jail, and his brothers could do nothing about it, because they would’n know. And by the time they would find out, he’d probably be hanged.  But he’d been already caught, why not tell the truth?

“It was a contest.  With my brothers.  Who would rob more would win.”

She raised an eyebrow. 

“You have that kind of contests?”

Then disaster struck her. 

“Wait!  They’re all here?  How many brothers do you have?”

“Just two, and they are not here, they’re at the other castles.”

“Oh, so tonight is robbing night, or what?”

 

They both laughed.

“Come on.” Heara said catching her breath.” If we’re quick, maybe we can get you out before the guards notice.”

James couldn’t believe it. He wanted to thank her, but there was no time.  She had already pulled him by the arm.  They were both sneaking through the night.

At the wall, James was wondering how he’d get over. 

“This isn’t where I sneaked in. I know perfectly how to climb the wall over there. But here…”

“Get on my shoulders.

“What? James said shocked.  But you’re a girl!”

“Just do it!”

A bit unwillingly and very carefully, James got on Heara’s shoulders. They were really strong for a lady.  Once he was on the wall, he turned around.

“Thanks. A lot.” he whispered.

He wasn’t sure she had heard. But then came the response:

“You’re welcome.”

 

*  *  *

 

Heara walked happily back to the castle.  Not only had she stopped the robbery of the Royal Treasury, but she had also helped a boy.  But then she stepped on something.  It was not too big, but spiky.  She took it.  It was her crown.  Then she realised.  She hadn’t had the Crown on.  It had fallen off while she was running.  The boy had thought she was… a normal girl.