Kelvin sighed, tightening his grip on the Princess's arm. "I'm afraid you'll have to come with me." he said calmly, pulling her toward the stables.

Julianna swallowed nervously. "Who are you and where are you taking me?!?" she asked in a high, squeaky voice. The impersonator merely rolled his eyes uncomfortably.

"I'm taking you to the Guild. You are my newest hostage." he said without turning around.

"WHAT?! Your hostage?" she asked in disbelief.

Kelvin nodded. "My partners were angry when I didn't bring back the jewels last night. You're the compensation."

They had reached the stables.

Julianna yelped in surprise as he suddenly turned around, grabbed her by the waist, and plopped her onto the back of a large stallion. He swung up beside her and began to move the horse.

"But why me? What did I do?" Julianna tried one last time, a futile attempt to save her hide.

Kelvin narrowed his eyes furiously. "You interrupted me. My party personally ambushed that damn prince's caravan...so I could impersonate him and steal the jewels. Everything was perfect until YOU!"

Julianna bit down a harsh remark and fixed her eyes to the road. Kelvin seemed satisfied with her silence, and urged the horse to move faster.

Three hours passed, and it began to rain.

Julianna squirmed uncomfortably in her seat. She was tired, wet, hungry, and most of all, scared. "Are we almost there yet?!" she snapped angrily.

Kelvin jerked up in surprise. He had thought she was asleep. The rain turned to a downpour, and the night was pitch black. Kelvin frowned. Something wasn't right. He squinted into the inky darkness, searching for familiar signs, but there was none.

Julianna must've noticed his panic because she smirked. "And I thought you were smart enough to at least know the way back to your own hideout." she muttered mockingly.

Kelvin scowled. He was about to say something when a clap of thunder shook the air. The storm had just gotten worse. Wind and rain howled together, pounding against the riders relentlessly.

Kelvin gritted his teeth. "We're not going to make it tonight.." he whispered in her ear. "We have to wait till the weather lets up." Julianna nodded.