~Who are you~

The lords' guests left way past sundown and the animals of the night came out of hiding. I waited in the shadows for more than an hour before sneaking to the back door of the kitchen for supplies before I make my getaway. I tiptoed to the pantry were the bread and other food is, I stuff my pockets full of anything I could hold before tiptoeing back to the door. As I reach for the door handle I hear the creak of floorboards behind me. " Peter?" Came a soft voice. I turn around and there was Gracie, I curse myself silently. " Hi, I'm sorry did I wake you?" I ask nervously. Her soft pale eyes stare at me with sympathy and warmth. " You're leaving," She said in a hushed voice.

" Yes, I am I can't spend my whole life her getting beaten," I answered back my voice soft and quiet as hers. " I understand and that's why I packed you this," She said holding up a small bag. " Thank you, for everything," I replied as I carefully took the bag from her.

" Be safe child," She said as her pale blue eyes turned bright with tears threatening to roll down her cheeks. I pull her into a big hug and whisper thank you over and over again as tears begin to force their way out of my eyes falling silently onto her shoulder. She forces me from her grip after a minute. " Hurry you must go, you need to travel fast before the lord realizes you are gone," I give her an understanding nod before disappearing silently leaving Gracie, the only mother I've ever known crying soundlessly as she watched the boy she raised to leave.

" I can't take a horse, the lord will notice right away, guess by foot then," I mumble to myself. I head for the forest in the distance the bright crescent moon hanging above lighting the way. I walk until my legs give out from under me and I can't keep my eyes open due to lack of sleep. " At least I put some distance between us," I half say half mouth, and my eyes close and fall into a deep sleep. Little did I know I chose to sleep in a very dangerous part of the forest, the home of the thieves guild.

" Help, someone help!" A voice shrieks which jolts me awake. Jumping to my feet I see a figure running desperately towards me.

" Sir, please help me!" The girl calls, she is wearing an expensive red dress which is a sign she has money, her brown curls bouncing as she runs.

" Get behind me!" I say to her, she happily listens. " Who's after you," I ask looking around. " The thieves guild, that's who!" She exclaims her voice going up with each word. " I don't know who they are but I'll protect you," I reply. " What do the thieves look like, the ones after you?" I asked still looking around. " Me, " She answers with a devilish smile as she quickly puts a knife to my throat. My eyes widen with disbelief.

" Who are you exactly?" I ask not daring to move.

" I am just a lady who happens to be robbing you," She answers with a velvety voice.

" Well, I have nothing for you to take," I say.

" Everyone has something," She stated.

" Look for yourself, "

" Hand me the bag," She demands pressing the knife on my throat. I give her my small bag. She removes the knife and runs leaving me with nothing.