“Exactly,” Crow winked when Penelope said they would be looking for knights instead of hiding from them. “The hunters will become the hunted, and they’d better watch out because I never miss my target.” He put his boots back on and stood up from the bed, turning around to watch Penelope do the same with a bit more trouble. He wished he could do something more to help her, but the best he could do at this point was make sure she didn’t need to get involve with his heist.

“It’s simple,” he shrugged as she asked how he planned to track down an archer. “I don’t need to do any tracking if they come to me.” He smirked mischievously. “You’re a lucky knight, love. You get to see how the infamous Crow got his name.” Shouldering his own bags, he headed for the door and held it open for her to pass through first. It wasn’t much, but he still wanted to help her when he could. Aside from his concern for her wellbeing, he also needed her to be mobile when they reached the palace, so she wouldn’t be a danger to herself.

As they walked down the road again, Crow was much quieter than usual. His green eyes swept observantly over his surroundings while he plotted how to lay his trap. Of all the differently skilled knights, archers were the most difficult to take down because they stayed far away from danger. He needed to set it up in such a way that they would either have to come out of hiding, or they wouldn’t be able to see him approach, neither of which was an easy task.

His gaze landed on a busy marketplace up ahead. There were a lot of nobles milling about, along with a few Younisian knights standing guard near the edges. He slowed to a stop as an idea formed in his head. It was risky—one wrong move, and he could end up severely injured—but what was thievery without a little gambling?

“Wait here,” Crow said to Penelope. “I’m going to cause a commotion.” He met her gaze seriously for a moment. “Don’t move until I say ‘run’—no matter what you see. Alright?”