The Reckless

I was a fast runner. Fast in this world was all one could count on, as running was all anyone could do unless they were under the protection of the crown. I used to be, once upon a time. But now, I lived in tight rags good only for subtlety and hunting. Sometimes hunting didn't mean food; at that moment, I lurked outside the castle looking warily up at the stone. I'd read stories of beautiful castles and stone sculptures. This one was even more beautiful, topping even the biggest of castles. Sadly, with the biggest castles came the most protection. Only the most royal of the royals lived in castles like these, and here I was creeping outside like the criminal I was. I'd only committed minor offenses, like stealing and evading capture after said thieveries. This was one of the most dangerous places for me. I crouched down, extending my mind out around me. No one; my uncle had made sure of it. The guards had just hit this area and wouldn't be back for another half hour. Without the thoughts of others distracting me, I managed to climb easily and quickly. Rather than complete stone castles like in stories, this one had stone, glass, and metal. Few castles had the right metal to keep thieves like me out, but this one did. Only my uncle knew where I'd come from and refused to tell anyone. I'd taken that as a hint and also didn't tell a soul. I was a descendant of royalty that could make these kings wet their silks. I would never let anyone know that, though; I had few friends, and all of them would laugh. The royals were babies, all whining inside their castles and hiding from real threats. I pressed my lips into a thin line, looking at the castle above me. It had a tall wall around it, complete with deadly points at the top. I could feel the ache in my mind, keeping my ear from reaching out. It left me vulnerable; I had an advantage against anyone here. I could hear thoughts from miles away. Not my own, but others'. It was a gift in times like these, and a horrible curse in others. I pressed my fingers to my temple, suppressing a groan. Iron had an intense effect on me, and I hoped there was no one around to see me while I couldn't feel them coming. My uncle and I had managed to rob carts, shops, and carriages blind, but this was new ground. I had been against it before, but he had talked me into it easily. "Just think. Mountains of gold and jewels just waiting for us to find them." It had been reason enough until I felt these effects. I looked down and began climbing, hoping no one paid enough attention to discern the different shades of gray. That's all my outfit was. When I got close enough to the ground, I dropped down and leaned against the wall with my eyes closed. When my uncle came close, I heard him. He knew of my gifts, and would occasionally think something meant for me to hear. Keep moving. It was just a murmur, but it was enough. He was just on the other side of the wall. I began at a sprint, going into the shadows. At night, you couldn't see anything unless you were around the fires of the entrance. I slunk closer, having studied this castle from afar for days before. I knew which windows lead where, and which one was my goal. I held onto the side and began climbing. There was one window open, because this window was always open. I smirked, launching inside and ducking through the first door I saw. As planned, there were aprons, plain clothing for maids, and shoes. I quickly ditched my clothes and laid them behind some drapes, deciding on a servant's clothing that fit me quite well. After that, I pulled some flats onto my bare feet and tied my hair into a knot behind my head, much like a servant's. Then, I boldly left the room and found myself in the hallway. I had no idea where any of their money would be. Sadly, my plan consisted of wandering the halls until I found it. The floor was dark wood, and the walls were stone, glass, and metal. There were huge windows and grand light fixtures above us, and I admired them as I walked. When I passed someone, I visibly stiffened. I hadn't expected anyone to be about this late. The person, wearing a bright gown and brown hair, didn't spare me a second glance. Rude. If this was how servants were treated, I was glad I wasn't one. It was easily an option for many people of our village, but most of us didn't want to be disgraced like that. Servants were spit upon by the family. I kept my hands behind my back, like I thought they were supposed to walk, and turned down a corridor to find stairs. Stifling a proud smile, I quickly went up the stairs and looked around me. It was common knowledge that the family stayed higher up, surely with all the gold. It was harder to reach during a siege. I shook my head at the stupidity. Sure, an army would have troubles reaching them. Me, though? Hardly. As I went up, though, an aching sensation took over my senses. My eyes closed tightly in pain and I took in a large breath, hoping to stifle any noise. Stupid castle. Anyone like me had long since died in an old war.