Little Red Robin Hood

By Jordan Foster   

“Lord Paraguin.” My advisor hurried after me. “We must do something about the land Lord Egerton seized.”

I quickened my pace with a huff. Think! That was never my strong suit, but I was thrust into this role after barely reaching adulthood. Besides, how could I fend off Lord Egerton? My “army” only amounted to my guards and villagers who were adept with weapons. The land was as good as his. Father would’ve stopped Egerton.

I adjusted my waistcoat as I stormed into my library, slamming the doors in my advisor’s face. Then, I bolted them shut. I can’t think.

I wandered through the rows of bookshelves, studying each treasure fondly, hoping for an answer. My collection was worth a fortune, but its value was so much more than money. I drew my fingers along the worn spines with a sad smile as I neared the one book I loved so dearly.

Then, my fingers fell into a gap. What? I snapped out of my daze and stared at the empty space. My eyes widened. No, I couldn’t have misplaced it. Everyone knew how important it—

A flash of red rocketed me out of my speculations. “Who’s there?”

I darted after the red swathe but only found more unexpected gaps.

Silence.

I paused, straining my ears. Then, I heard a soft, swishing patter of feet. Thieving elves? No, elves weren’t real. Were they?

I could not lose that book. “Why are you taking my books?” I gritted my teeth. “You know, red is a terrible color for thieves.”

The footsteps echoed on the hardwood floor, and a male voice responded. “I’m not usually a thief. It’s nothing personal. Just needed a ton of money super quick.” Another book slipped from its shelf, revealing green eyes. “Surely you won’t miss a few of these.”

“Get a job or something!” I growled, rounding the bookshelf as quickly as I could, but the intruder had vanished. “Just leave my books alone!”

“Pfft, stealing is much easier and quicker. I’ll take this… and this.” Two more books disappeared. I reached through their gap, just missing the brown-haired rapscallion with a satchel full of my books.

A worn journal peeked out among the golden-bound volumes. No. I glared at him. “Put that back!”

“Maybe later. Right now, I’ve got to smooth things over with Eggy.” The boy smirked before disappearing into a cloud of smoke.

Egerton! I stormed out the double doors. My advisor opened his mouth but promptly shut it again with one look at my face.

“Guards!” I screeched. “Secure the perimeter. Nobody leaves until I find that boy!”

“What boy?” A guard mumbled.

I whipped around on my heels. “What boy?” I scoffed. “The one that got past your watch, into my private library, and is now running off with my books, all while wearing a bright red cloak!” That little, red “Robin Hood” would pay for stealing my books. I needed that journal! “If he’s not caught in thirty minutes, send out a search party. Bring him to me the second you lay hands on him.”

A chorus of “yes, sir,” hit my ears just as my steam ran thin. Oh, Father… I’ve lost your journal, but I’m going to get it back. I inhaled sharply, eyes stinging. I had to get it back.

* * *

A few hours later, a guard dragged Little Red into my study. “This the one? We found him coming from Egerton’s territory.”

I frowned. “Yes. Leave us but watch the door.”

The guard bowed and then left Red in front of my desk.

Red pulled a pouch off his belt. “So how about a cut of my profits? Twenty-five for you, seventy-five for me.” He muttered. “Eggy already took half…”

“You’ve already sold my books?” My shaky fist struck my desk. “E-Even the journal…?”

He nodded. “I’m a very good salesman. Can’t believe Eggy wanted that old thing. So, twenty-five, seventy-five? Take it or leave it.”

I raked both hands through my dark hair and exhaled slowly. “That was my father’s.”

“I see…” His eyes flitted out the window and narrowed slightly before jangling his coin purse at me. “Deal?”

I sighed. “No deal.” This was just perfect, two unsolvable problems in one day.

“Suit yourself then.” He shrugged, though determination flashed through his eyes.

I rose quickly and opened the door, turning to the guard. “He’s free to go.”

The guard blinked at me, but escorted Red roughly out of my manor. I shook my head. Now it was gone forever.

* * *

For the rest of the evening, my doubts drowned out my advisor’s lecture of ways to deal with Egerton. Father’s probably so disappointed in me. How could I stop Lord Egerton from taking more land when I couldn’t stop Red from taking Father’s journal?

A knock sounded on the door to my study.

I looked up. “Come in.”

A guard entered with a box in his arms. He set it on my desk. “This was left on the doorstep, sir, by the red-cloaked thief.”

“Thanks.” What would Red be doing back here?

I took the note pinned to the top of the box, “Promised to bring them back later. The journal, too. ~Spark” I threw open the box. The journal lay on top of the other stolen volumes.

A grin spread over my lips. Maybe this Spark wasn’t so awful. Flipping through the yellowing pages calmed me. What would Father do? I bit my lip. I needed help. Help, that’s it!

I set the book gently on my desk. “Which lords were allied with my father? I ought to pay them a visit.”

My advisor choked. “You want to visit them?”

I nodded. “I owe it to my people.”

“Very well. I will send a messenger.” He bowed, then scurried out the door.

I drew my finger along the leather journal’s cover with a slight smile. The province will be just fine, Father. I can handle it now.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jordan Foster is a young writer with a love for the Lord and random facts about His world. She seeks to bring glory to the Lord through her words. When she’s not writing, you can find her watching nerdy YouTube videos, spending time with friends and family, playing her clarinet, and with any luck, baking her famous cookies.

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