Crow met Penelope’s lips as she kissed him and then laughed, “If that’s how you’re going to thank me, then maybe I should be considerate more often.” He stood up with her and nodded in agreement when she said they should keep moving. Gathering his bags, he glanced at the town beyond the trees. It was becoming more visible as they got closer to the castle. The forest was thinning.

He turned back to the large stone building, trying to come up with ways that they could get closer without drawing attention to themselves once they reached the edge of the trees. It was going to be difficult while he carried the knight’s bow. They needed to stay away from both the nobles and the guards in the town, and he could think of only one way to do that.

“We should stop and rest when we reach the tree line,” Crow announced, turning to Penelope. “We need to start travelling after nightfall if we want to reach the castle without being seen. There’s no way to avoid the crowds during the day, but I can get us past the night patrols easily.” He looked back at the town again. There were still a few supplies that he wanted to get before they reached the palace as well. With so little time left before they would infiltrate the castle, this was probably the only day that he could find what he needed.

“Let’s make a quick detour,” Crow said suddenly. “I want to buy some things at the marketplace over there.” He stopped walking and tilted his head back to look up at a tree. Stepping up to the trunk, he climbed up to the lowest branch and took the bow and quiver off of his shoulders, hanging them both on a bough above his head. He jumped back down and drew his dagger, striking a small cut into the tree to mark it so he wouldn’t forget where he had hidden the weapon.

“That should do it,” he said, brushing his hands off on his pants. “Let’s just hope none of the day guards get curious and look up.” Turning back to her again, he grinned. “Ready?”