Bandits!

John William and the girl huddled behind some trees and peaked into the town’s front gate. Inside were creatures that looked like giant raccoons. Big, bushy tails stuck out of their colorful garments as they strutted around the town, wielding blades. One of them peered through the gates. John William sank into his coat. The bandit had fierce, beady eyes with a thick, black stripe of fur across his face like a thief’s mask.

 “Bandits!” Celeste whispered.

“Are you kidding?” John William asked, still feeling like he was in a wild dream. “What should we do?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe we can try to help.” She glanced at John William with raised eyebrows. “What do you think?”

“Gotcha!” A group of bandits rushed in, tackling the two of them to the ground and laughing as if they were playing a game. “Well, well, well, what do we have here?” the bandit shouted. “Look, boys, we found ourselves a genuine princess and a wart to go with her!” John William fought and squirmed, but the bandit’s grip was too tight. “I’ll take this heavy bag for you, lad.” The bandit yanked John William’s bag from his shoulder and then tied his hands together.

“Give that back!” he shouted.

“Quiet, boy.” The bandit pressed his foot on John William’s cheek, squishing his face into the ground while rummaging through his bag. “Ooh, here is my score for the day.” He grabbed the compass and slid it in his pocket. “Thank you kindly, wart!” The bandit shot him a gentleman’s wink and tipped his hat, keeping his boot on John William’s face. His heart sank.

“Get your filthy hands off of me,” Celeste shrieked.

“Screaming won’t do you any good, my lady. I’m afraid you’re just too valuable for us to let go. It’s not every day we get the pleasure of snagging a princess.” The bandits laughed boisterously and celebrated their capture. 

“Don’t worry, we won’t hurt ya any!” The Bandit grunted and gathered them up. “You’ll fetch us a pretty price, precious.” He brushed his jeweled ring-covered fingers through Celeste’s hair. “Throw them on the scamper fowl!”

John William caught a glimpse of a guinea fowl the size of a horse before he and Celeste were both blindfolded and dropped on its back.

“Ayah!” The bandit slapped the scamper fowl’s backside. It let out a squeal and darted off.

John William and Celeste are in some serious trouble. Find out what the bandits have planned for their new captives. Thanks for reading!