The Tale of Rostefoe

From within the dark cab came a golden light. There, before the three men dressed in rags and filth, stood the symbol of beauty. Long flowing blonde hair fell in curled locks over a cascading white dress that fitted tightly over a sturdy, slim frame.

"I come for gold and find diamonds instead!"

This young woman, so gifted in beauty, stepped down and surveyed the remains of her protectors. The driver- old and not very agile- lay unconscious on the ground some yards away. Her guard- the young man- at the mercy of a leg.

"I know you men," she said matter-of-factly. "You are the three brothers working for Ghecko."

At this observation the leader, and oldest, nodded and replied:

"Harron, at your service. And this fellow to my left is the younger Cederic. And to his left, the youngest, Robert. And since you know us, is this your man?"

Harron looked down disdainfully at the young captive.

"No, he is only my chaperone. He is seeing to my safety."

"Ah. That is not so good, eh? But fortunate, too, that you have three viable suitors to choose from!"

"Suitors?" chimed in the young man. "You three brothers are gentlemen?"

"Murderers, more so," replied the woman.

The young man frowned at this, choking on his own air. As he looked up, the face of Harron invaded his view. He was smiling with his blackened teeth and nodding a sinister intent.

"I am afraid we have not been introduced," he said.

"B-bb-b-Bucky," said the young man.

The three brothers laughed raucously.

"B-b-b-Bucky!" Cederic imitated.

And they laughed even louder, drowning out the words of the noble protector.

"I am seeing the Lady Daphne to her future husband’s home. He is to be along shortly. Garvin is his name- a knight who is quickly becoming known for his heroic deeds."

Rostefoe sat up stiffly. A noise rang in his ear that brought about familiarity. He even began to tremble a little bit and thought better to get up and move on, lest he be confused with this rabble. But his legs having become numb, failed him. He was stranded as a man delegated to the role of watcher. Incredulously, he observed that the three brothers had heard none of it. They were as ignorant as they were cross. Rostefoe was the wiser for he knew that if Garvin arrived it would go badly for all concerned.

No sooner than he had thought this, his eye was attracted to a glimmer of light bouncing on the horizon at the end of the long dirt road.

Harron leaned his body into the carriage and began tossing things out. Cederic, unconcerned with the young page, opened one sack and poured its contents onto the road. Robert was taking in the scene.

Bucky, disheveled and hurt, got to his feet and tried to catch the items being hurled from within the carriage. Cederic took fancy in nudging him away and swatting the things out of the air just before Bucky’s fingers could grasp them.

After some time of this, Harron turned and emptied one last sack of useless valuables.

"Nothing. There is nothing of value to us, my brothers."

He paced forward, his hands folded behind his back. Cederic rummaged in the remains, dismayed.

"But, how can there be nothing?" questioned the younger Robert, uncertain in his tone.

"Indeed."

Harron turned and faced Daphne.

"I wonder with all your beauty and obvious well being how it is that you carry nothing of any use to some enterprising robbers?"

Daphne stood firm and answered directly.

"I never carry anything of importance when I travel. I have a legion of guards bring it instead. You would need a thousand brothers to even glimpse it."

"Strange. You see, my brothers and I were set upon this carriage with the understanding that there was great booty to be gained with ease."