Bad things happen

A few laughs and good memories were shared until it was almost dark and had to go home

"It's getting late Papa and we should better get going" Monty politely said as the old man ended his story

"I agree with you son, I'm sorry this old man took too much of your time." he said gesturing Jose with something

"It's okay Papa, we enjoyed your company! Thank you so much for having us, it's been ages since I last heard good stories like that other than in books" I happily said complimenting him

"Thank you, I appreciate you both, Jose here has grown tired of hearing my stories over and over but sadly time just flies too fast. It'll be dark outside and it's not safe for young people to wander around in the street" Papa agreed, his eyes flashed contentment as he attempted to stand up from his seat to guide us out

Monty and I stood up carefully assisting Papa on both ends of his chair to stand up, I looked out at the large windows and the sun was beginning to set. It was indeed time to go home. Monty grabbed the paper bags beside the couch and gracefully scooped Daisy up in my arms then went back to aid Papa in going down the stairs. This time he lit up a large lamp that Monty held on to as we all descended the noisy pair of stairs, announcing your every step

"I'll always know if there are thieves because of this stairs before they can even reach the top, hohoho" the old man jokes laughing from his stomach

"These stairs do come in handy, they're so noisy even a mouse wouldn't be undetected" Monty added, we all laughed as we went down the first set of stairs

"Now that I don't find them creepy, they aren't so bad after all" I said leading down the second set of stairs gently holding onto Papa's arm for support

When we reached the bottom of the stairs that led to the dark corridor but because of the lamp Monty was holding I could see better. The floor was lined up with paint and a few worker's tools, the walls had paint splashes all over.

"Jose didn't take painting too seriously and just played with it then left it to be, we should continue with painting the walls next week when my son visits." Papa explained seeing me look around

"You don't have light bulbs yet Papa?" I asked as all I could see were oil lamps

"Light bulbs are more expensive than oil lamps that we just make but I'm saving for at least one to put here, this place needs to brighten up, hohoho"

We reached the shop's interior after walking through the corridor, it was an opposite sight from earlier as tables were clean and deserted while the kitchen was almost empty. Everyone was preparing to close for the day then Jose came holding 3 cloth bags in hand

"Here, take this" Papa said handing me the cloth bags he got from Jose "I had Jose pack your left overs and some additional ones as well for your family to enjoy"

"Oh, have us pay for these at least Papa." I said trying to get my small bag but he waves a hand at me dismissively

"No need child, you both are like my children now. You're always welcome here" he exclaimed with a wide smile on his face, making the wrinkles on the corner of his eyes more obvious

"Thank you again Papa! It's been great talking with you.Thank you both for sharing this experience with us. Enjoy the rest of the evening."" I said happily as I turned to Monty, my hands were full as I hugged Papa tightly. I just realized how short he was after he hugged Monty, he was just at the height of his chest, I was at least a few inches taller than Papa

"Thank you for having us, we had a great time P-Papa! Thanks to you too Jose" Monty thanked them as Papa let go of him. Monty was trying and I smiled at him for doing so, he always seemed to be distant to other people outside of the palace

We said our goodbyes and walked into the street as Jose and Papa waved at us, I waved back and Monty just smiled at them. They went in afterwards and I could hear the shop doors closing.

We slowly walked towards the castle, the cold breeze keeping us company as Monty covered me with his coat and got the cloth bags from my hand. I looked up at the sky admiring the spectacled colored sky, an array of red and orange covered clouds dancing as the sun goes down to sleep

The stores in the market were starting to close, they only open late when there are celebrations and festivities that attract people to go out. Mostly people in the kingdom sleep early

We were already far from the village and was getting closer to the castle when a group of men suddenly appeared out of nowhere, the way to the castle was covered in trees so they must've hid somewhere behind them

"Look, who we got here" a heavily muscled man said with his adenoidal voice making him sound funny

I instinctively went behind Monty but I couldn't hide myself from giggling at his voice

"What's so funny!" one of the other men asked eyeing me with big crazy eyes

Monty put an arm in between us shielding me from the men "They're bandits" Monty simply said looking directly at them. They were wearing dirty torn clothes and were holding something suspicious in their hands

"Give us everything you have and we'll let you pass" another threatened, there were 5 of them, most were thin and 2 were huge and muscled

"You don't own this path! No one should pay for walking on an open road!" I shouted at them, how dare they claim something that isn't theirs

"Shhh" Monty said looking back at me "Keep quiet" his tone was cold and serious

"How dare you talk back at us, you spoiled brat!" a thin man with long hair holding a stick shouted menacingly, he took a step forward and laughed loudly "With an attitude like that, you got to be an Aristocrat! What do you say guys? Maybe someone will be willing to pay more for the girl!" he called out to the men behind him this time he sounded even more sinister with his sharp eyes staring back at me

"I think that's a better idea you have there, Ralph!" the muscled man said pulling out a dagger from under his shirt, flashing an ominous smile on his face

The other men cheered holding out sticks and was getting ready to attack us

Hearing their intentions and seeing the dagger I could feel my body trembling and realized how dangerous the situation we were in, I could sense Monty tensed up. It was getting serious now that they were aiming for me