Marinette Snow White climbs off her horse to rest for a while. She gives the animal some hay, a few carrots, and some water. She eats a few carrots as well. 

    The village she arrives in appears to be empty.  Strange, she did not think there was unmarked land in the kingdom.

     "Is anyone here?"

    "Who wants to know?"  A voice spits out.

    She turns around at the sound and gasps.

    "Luka?"

     "I beg your pardon, your majesty."

        The lad drops the weapon.

            "What brings you here?"

        "I seek Adrien and Kalie. Honest, I meant no harm."

      "Ha, I believe you.  You never can be too careful though, after all, you are in the bandit's neck of the woods. I know because I grew up here."

        Marinette shakes her head. She is not happy that the others were right.  

          "I shall be on my way then."

        "Whoa, little lady. Do not you want to stay awhile?"

       "I mean, you did come all this way. It would be a waste to run off and not let anyone enjoy your beauty."

      She pulled out her dagger and held it to his throat.

      "Listen, let me and my horse pass, or I shall slit your throat.  Got it?"

         "Yes, clear, princess." 

         Marinette Snow White remounts her horse and takes leave of the bandit's town. She is not comfortable with staying here any longer. Not with thieves, and not with that flirt Luka.  Not when Adrien and Kalie are still lost.  

         She rides far away.  

      Will she find them before the third day's end?

       Adrien and Kalie shiver in the small hut they call home.  The wood to stock the fireplace ran off a few days ago. 

          Kalie rolls her eyes. She is not happy they left the palace. At least there, it was warm, and they had the company of the leader, Marinette Snow White.

      "Dad, let us go back, please!"  Kalie begs.

      "I have told you there is nothing for us there.  This is our home, child."  

  Find out more in Chapter 21

   til then,

bye, bye little owlets!

-Summer out!