Cursed by Bandits (Once Upon A Curse)

36. Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Six

T wo days had passed in a blink of an eye. Spending time in the forest with my friends was easy, even if there was the constant reminder of why we were waiting and the importance of what we were doing. But that didn’t stop us from sitting around the fire and telling stories about our pasts, the parts we spent together and the times we were apart. The lull in our mission was a necessary respite that allowed us to reconnect in ways that had been missing until now.

That didn’t mean we weren’t all on edge, jumping at every little sound the forest made, especially the rustling sounds of wild animals walking through the woods. I was ready for Connor to be there at the end of the second day. I just hoped it was with good news.

“Rowan?” A whisper filtered through the sounds of our camp.

I turned towards the sound, my hand on the hilt of my dagger. The shadows around our campsite flickered, and out of the darkness, a familiar figure stepped forward.

“Connor.” Relief washed over me. “You’re actually here.”

He nodded, the creases on his forehead a sign of his concern. “It’s time for us to talk.”

I motioned for him to sit by the fire, where the others were already gathered. The lighthearted mood we had maintained for two days had gone as we waited for whatever news the prince brought with him. Connor sat on a log, resting his elbows on his knees, as the firelight caused shadows to dance across his face.

“I have spoken with my father, the king.” His voice was low. “He has agreed to listen to the evidence against your uncle. My father and your uncle have never liked each other. The allegations against your uncle disturbed him. He was unaware of the level your uncle was willing to go to gain control. ”

It wasn’t the same as condemning my uncle, but it was one step closer. “Is what we showed you enough? The notebooks, the ledgers, the letters?”

Connor’s eyes flickered to Milo, then came back to me. “It’s not that my father doesn’t believe you, but he needs more to depose your uncle. He’s sent his men to Lockersley to investigate and, if necessary, arrest your uncle.”

I wanted more, something more definitive, but at least they were willing to help. “This means the world to me, Connor. Thank you.”

He smiled as he broke eye contact. “It’s not just for you, Rowan. What your uncle’s done threatens the stability of the entire region. The betrayal is something the king cannot let go unpunished.”

Tuck leaned forward, his brow furrowed. “How long will it take for the king’s men to get to Lockersley?”

“Within a week,” Connor replied. “While you wait, get everyone in town ready to testify, especially anyone that has knowledge of what happened to Rowan’s father, and anyone who supports her in taking his place.”

Will nodded. “Erin and I will rally the town.”

Connor stood, his eyes clouded with the weight I had put on his shoulders. “I have to get back, but I’ll let you know if there are any changes. Stay safe, all of you, and especially you, Rowan. ”

I watched as Connor disappeared into the night. The next week would be crucial to completing my mission. My uncle was going to be brought to justice all because of the fortitude of my friends.

I looked at my merry band of bandits, the crackling campfire illuminating their faces. “One more week and everything will be set right. We’re almost there.”

“It’s time, Rowan,” Jane said as she pushed her way through the brush we had left in place to hide where our camp was located.

I jumped to my feet. The last few days had been unbearable. I’d been stuck in the forest, unable to do anything to work towards my goals. My friends all agreed it was too dangerous for me to go anywhere near Lockersley. So, I had been stuck in the woods while everyone else did something to get justice for my father.

Finally, it was time for me to do something, to say my part against my uncle.

I stood and brushed the wrinkles out of my clothes and took a deep breath, steeling myself for the day in front of me. The forest, once a place that felt safe surrounded by my friends, now felt like another prison I had to break free from.

As soon as I stood, Milo was at my side. He could tell how much of a toll the last few days had taken out of me. He wrapped his arms around me. “I’ll be with you every step of the way. But first I have something to remind you of everything you accomplished,” he whispered in my ear before stepping back and slipping a necklace over my head.

I looked down at the pendant, a delicate bow and arrow. It was some of the finest metalwork I had ever seen. I gently wrapped my hand around it, finding strength and solace in his gift to me. I stood on my tiptoes and let my lips graze his, grateful for his unwavering support. “Thank you, I will cherish it always.” I turned to the rest of my friends. “Let’s go. It’s time to take back Lockersley.”

The rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds cheered us on as we moved through the forest. At the edge of Sherewood, I could see the silhouette of Lockersley Castle resplendent against the pink morning sky. Its presence was both a beacon of hope and a symbol of what I had lost, what I had been fighting to get back. I shook my head—how could one place mean so many things to me? For a moment, I questioned whether or not I really wanted it. But then we walked into town, reminding me that this battle was for each and every one of them, not just for me.

The town was bustling as we arrived, so different from when I had returned from the nunnery. Everyone must have heard that the king was coming. They nodded as they watched us walk by, supporting us in the only way that was safe. But it gave me hope, I felt unstoppable with their backing.

In the town square, a platform had been built for this hearing, and a small contingent of royal guards had already arrived, their uniforms pristine, kilts perfectly pleated. Prince Connor watched from the front, his presence commanding and reassuring, signs he would make a great king one day. His eyes swept over the crowd until he saw me. Then he nodded, an acknowledgment of me and the task in front of us.

My uncle’s eyes bored into the crowd, his face a mask of anger and hate. Beside him, Montfort saw me in the crowd and sneered, his eyes cold and calculating. It would seem he had picked my uncle and was not being swayed from his choice.

Connor raised his hand, and the crowd fell silent. “People of Lockersley, we are gathered today to seek justice. Lady Rowan of Lockersley has come to my father and me with grave accusations against her uncle, which we present to you to ensure that the proceedings are fair and unbiased.”

I stepped forward, removing my hood, my heart pounding in my chest. “I, Rowan of Lockersley, accuse my uncle of poisoning my father, Laird Richard, and usurping his rightful place as lord of this land. I have evidence and witnesses to support my claim.”

I paused as a murmur ran through the crowd, allowing everyone to let my accusations sink in before I continued. Taking a deep breath, I painted a damning picture as I went through each piece of evidence we had gathered: letters, testimonies from servants, and accounts of my uncle’s suspicious behavior.

As I weaved the story together based on the facts we had found, I could see the townsfolk’s interest shift from looking forward to a potentially prosperous day to outright anger at my uncle’s villainy. Those that had suspected foul play but had been too afraid to come forward stood beside me. Especially since I had the backing of the prince, and potentially, the king.

My uncle’s face turned an unbecoming shade of red. “This is preposterous! These are lies, all lies!” he spluttered, so angry he was practically foaming at the mouth. “I demand you call a halt to these preposterous proceedings. ”

Connor stepped forward, his voice firm. “The investigation will continue. However, if you are innocent, you should have nothing to worry about.”

Montfort’s sneer faltered, and a flicker of doubt in his eyes betrayed him.

A booming voice interrupted the proceedings. “There is no need for an investigation. I can confirm that everything my daughter has said is the truth, except for my death. I fear that has been greatly exaggerated.” He smiled down at the woman by his side. “But it would have been true if not for this lovely woman that not only got me out of the castle but nursed me back to health.”

“Father . . .”