Crow tensed as two knights came into view at the top of the ravine, and he gritted his teeth in frustration. This was the second time in two days! Perhaps they needed to consider moving to a new location, considering how easily their enemies were finding them lately. However, as he watched the knights for a moment longer, his eyes widened in recognition. It was Olivia and Penelope. What were they doing here? Olivia had no reason to come back, and Penelope had no business showing her face after what she had said to him. His heart leapt into his throat and his momentary confusion gave way to panic as he realized what was about to happen.

Unfortunately, being the farthest one away from the knights also meant he could do nothing to stop the other thieves from attacking. He stood up hurriedly as he saw Alistair leap down on Penelope with a vicious gleam in his eye. Rikki and Simon were quick to follow his lead, springing on Olivia before she had a chance to react. The three were clearly intent on taking advantage of the female knights’ surprise while it lasted, striking furiously in their desire to overpower them.

[i]Damn it…[/i] Crow sprinted towards the battle, catching the sound of Penelope’s words over the clashing of blades as he got closer: [color=fff79a][b]“I know Crow! I’m here to warn you guys about what the knights are planning!”[/b][/color]

“Sure you do!” Alistair laughed, swiping at her again with his short sword. “All you knights ‘know’ Crow. Try again, sweetheart.” His eyes flicked towards Rikki in a knowing glance before returning to Penelope. He dove to swing his weapon at her side while the female thief pivoted away from Olivia to come at Penelope from behind, her dagger poised to strike the knight’s back. However, before she could make contact, Crow intercepted the blow, using his own dagger to knock Rikki’s away.

“What the hell?” she snarled at him. “I had her!”

“That’s enough!” Crow snapped loudly, drawing the attention of the other thieves, who faltered at the sternness of his voice. Reluctantly, they obeyed his command and stood down, though they continued to eye the knights defensively, clearly prepared to keep fighting if Olivia or Penelope came at them again.

“What’s going on here?” Simon turned on Crow with a glare, seeming suspicious of the fact that their leader knew the strange knights.

Crow ignored his hostility and turned towards Penelope and Olivia. “I don’t know,” he said coldly. “What [i]is[/i] going on here?” As his eyes fell on Penelope, he felt a harsh tangle of emotions—hurt, anger, longing, heartache—and he turned away again, unable to look her in the eye. Instead, he focused on Olivia, “What are you two doing here?”