Crow nodded again when Penelope said she would meet up with him again after about a week’s time. That sounded about right to him. Travelling on foot—he was sure William was still planning to leave the horses they had stolen at the border—it would take the two knights longer to get back to the Brerratic king’s castle from Younis. He let out his breath in a long exhale. He still didn’t like the idea of parting with her, but at least it wouldn’t be too long.

[i]It’ll be fine,[/i] he reassured himself. [i]One week is nothing compared to the years we’ll have after she comes back to the outer villages.[/i] Feeling a little better, he sat up on the bed with her as she noticed William beginning to stir. He glanced up at the knight, who returned an irritable glare at them before moving to put his boots on without a word. The thief bit his tongue to keep from smirking when he noticed how swollen William’s nose was. He averted his gaze to put his boots on as well. After what had happened the night before, he didn’t want to be the one to start another fight with the short-tempered man while there was still a chance for them to have some reluctant peace that day.

Once his shoes and cloak were on, Crow stood up from the edge of the bed and turned towards Penelope, “I’ll go get the horses from the stables and meet you both at the entrance.” Not wanting to wait around while the other guests at the inn woke up, he headed for the door to do as he had suggested.

He walked down to the stables and stepped inside to find a nobleman retrieving his horse from one of the stalls. The man offered him a friendly smile and a nod of his head, which Crow returned wordlessly as he went to collect the two horses he had left the night before. He pretended to inspect the animals and their gear until the other man left.

As soon as he was alone, Crow hurried over to the bales of hay and drew the bow and staff from their hiding place. Moving quickly in case anyone else was coming to the stables that morning, he hitched the stolen items to the rope and belt around the stallion’s round belly and covered them up with the blanket and saddlebags.

Just as he finished tightening the strap around the horse, another pair of noblemen stepped into the stables to get their horses. Crow offered a polite dip of his head and hurriedly exited the space. Even though the staff and bow were mostly hidden from sight, he didn’t want to risk getting caught if one of the men happened to catch a glimpse of them while they were in close quarters.

[i]That was close,[/i] he sighed as he guided the horses to the front of the inn to meet up with Penelope and William.