The princess was in better spirits by the time they left the sprawling countryside, finally reaching the forest by noon. It was due in part to the new terrain: the tall trees that formed a canopy overhead and the lush vegetation that was home to animals that created new sounds for her ears. They crossed trickling streams with colorful, gleaming stones and pebbles. Had time not been of the essence, she would have followed that urge in her that filled her with the desire to explore—to see more and discover new, appealing sights to please her eyes and her cat-like curiosity. Vail had to remind herself that there was danger in her surroundings, and not just the beasts that dwelled in the environment they passed through. Gabriel warned her of dragons and the possibility of encountering roaming humans. She understood the need for a cover story and she committed hers to memory while hoping their path would be clear. It turned out to be wishful thinking when they came upon a downed tree, the massive trunk laying over the trail.<br/><br/>Upon the log was a man who greeted them, skillfully flipping a tomahawk up into the air to catch to handle again and again. He was accompanied by others, a rag-tag group who appeared just as unsavory. Vail brought her horse to a halt alongside Gabriel, immediately wary and uneasy about the “highwaymen.” As their leader explained that they would need to hand over their valuables, she realized they were nothing more than thieves, thugs who were taking advantage of unsuspecting travelers. Melina and Sebis purposely ensured that she had nothing of value. She did not have very much to begin with, but the items that belonged to her were quite telling. They were priceless trinkets holding the de Warren emblem or prized jewels worn by monarchs before her. Her servants had the foresight to take what they could in the horrible uprising, knowing that whatever the recovered would serve as proof to her lineage. Surely they would just have to let them pass . . .<br/><br/>Gabriel tried to explain their story, but the man quickly dismissed it, seeing through their ruse. He set his sights on the knight’s sword and Vail’s hands tightened on the reins. Her heart was racing and hints of panic were beginning to reflect upon her features.<br/><br/>“Oh don’t fret, my pretty,” another one of his men announced, squirrelly with a row of disgusting, corn colored teeth that he’d been picking with the end of a pointed dagger. He flashed her a wide grin while his eyes trailed over her form, a look that made her shiver. “We’ll be searchin’ that bag o’yers. If there’s nothing we can take, then I’m certain we could . . . Work something out for payment.” The men beside him snickered along with him.<br/><br/>“Alright then, hand over your things nice and easy. No funny business,” the leader instructed them.<br/><br/>Vail felt utterly powerless, and was left with no choice but to dismount her horse to remove the bag. She swung her leg around and looked over her shoulder at Gabriel, trying to buy themselves some time while she slowly unlatched the buckles.<br/><br/>“C’mon now, girlie. For a farmer’s daughter you work real slow, don’t you?” One of the men said, prompting her to move a bit faster. Once it was unattached to her horse, she tossed the bag in the space between them, a billow of dirt kicking up. The leader gave a jerk of a head gesture to the bag, sending one of his men to retrieve it.