Nick sighed as he did the proper way of arresting people. If they let him break protcol, he could've gotten things done faster and maybe some criminals wouldn't have escaped.
The knight that led Nick's group of guard trainees always watched Nick wearily... His name was Oz. Occasionally, strange things happened around the boy, and he was usually blamed. The knight was very wary of magic, and despite the boy's obliviousness, he still often insisted the younger boy did these things on purpose.
But his brother, Mason... He was a good follower. Mason listened, was respectful, and - best of all - caused none of the trouble the younger caused. Most wondered if the two boys were really related. To that question, both would laugh. While Mason took after their mother, Nick took so much after their father - including his magic.
"Please, we just wanted the food! I'm sorry we stole from the castle, but we were desperate!" one of the people they were arresting pled.
"The king will decide your fate," Oz said, sighing. "Take him away."
Nick froze, watching it play out. While Oz was distracted, Nick lowered the handcuffs.
"You needed food?" Nick asked, frowning.
"Yes," the 'criminal' replied, backing away from Nick slightly. "We didn't want to steal, but there were no other options... The outer kingdom is starving."
Nick glanced over at Oz then smiled slightly over at the person, lowering his voice,"Go, quickly!"
The man smiled back at him. "Thank you..."
He ran off quickly.
Nick walked over to Oz. "Hey Ozzy!"
Oz sighed and turned towards him. "What do you want, Nick?"
Nick ran a hand through his hair. "Has the king considered providing relief? It sounds like these people were really desperate for food-"
Oz gave him a look. "If we were to give them what they wanted now, they'd win the fight."
"As long as people are starving, I wouldn't call arresting desperate people 'winning,'" Nick retorted, raising his voice. "Yes, stealing isn't great, but neither is hoarding all the food in the castle!"
A few other trainees stopped and glanced over at them.
"You're being fed with that food, Nick, so watch your tone! I would think you'd be greatful for your opportunities! Not everyone gets the chance to serve as a knight in this kingdom. If you want to make it around here, I suggest you obey the king's orders and stop with whatever ridiculous problem you think exists besides crime," Oz lectured.
Nick realized talking to Oz was like talking to a brick wall.
He sighed and kicked a rock. "Sorry... I understand now."
"Good," Oz said, patting his shoulder. "Don't make the same mistake again. Let's go, everyone!"
"I won't," Nick agreed, hopping on his horse.
The mistake Nick wouldn't make again was thinking these people could be reasoned with... Oz hated him, and he doubted the king would listen. That left him one choice... He had to steal the food himself to help them. As they rode back to the castle, a plan formed in his mind. After this, there was no going back.
He just hoped Ophelia wouldn't be mad at him for stealing from her family...
