It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, birds in their nests chirping and singing ballads only they could understand, the wind gently combing its way through the tree leaves. It was truly something to behold. Well, maybe for some kind of sap that had the time to admire nature. Clearly the young man hiding in the shrubs beneath a large oak wasn't one to enjoy the scenery. Well, if by scenery you meant the passersby that would occasionally come through this neck of the woods. Then and only then would he be interested.<br/><br/>Otto brushed back his gritty brown hair impatiently, slicking it back with sweat. He fingered the thick cord in his hands restlessly as he waited for his catch. Oh, what a catch it would be! Perhaps a traveling princess would happen to be passing through, then he could get ransom money AND sell her off to the highest bidder! Unfortunately, that was never the case. Only peasants passed through here, but hopefully, one would be good enough to sell at the black markets of the city he originated in. What a place, full of crime, filth, and not to mention slavery. That was what made him come out here in the first place, to catch someone and pawn them off. Even if they didn't get sold soon enough, perhaps they would be good bedwarmers for the night...<br/><br/>His fantasies of lovemaking were interrupted by the sound of hooves clopping on the dirt trail. His eyes lit up eagerly, a crooked smile plastered on his face, he peeked out through the bushes, watching and waiting for the coming horse to step onto the loop of rope concealed beneath some excess dust and grit on the way. Otto couldn't wait, he was getting restless just thinking of what kind of person was on that horse. He nearly missed his chance.<br/><br/>As soon as a horse hoof appeared in his line of sight, the man yanked on the rope. The horse squealed with fright, bucking whoever was on its back onto the ground. Otto jumped out, sword in hand, and pointed it at the woman who lay helpless before him. "Hands where I can see 'em."