Dark

The two theives walk down the long gravel path, the gravel crunching under their feet.

"This isn't a good idea." The tall one mumbles.

"Your just scared." His companion says.

"Of course I am! It's the bloody Dark Fairies castle!" He exclaims.

"Exactly. We won't have any competition."

"Because nobody else is stupid enough to do it." He mumbles.

His companion laughs. "She hasn't been seen for four years. We'll be fine. She wouldn't have just randomly gone soft and stop plundering villages and terrorizing the realm. She has to be dead."

"Your logic is infuriating."

They reach the door and the companion pulls it open, walking inside without pause. "There aren't any cobwebs or dust." The companion notices.

"You don't think..." but they continue in anyway. The castle is tall and dark, the walls black and daunting. It was empty the first few rooms. Then the only objects were higher up. There was a cold fire. But nothing of worth. They open things up and find normal things.

There are a few valuable objects they stuff in their bags, but the real valuable stuff is deeper in.

They push farther in and find a long black wand. "This looks like where her bedroom would have been." The companion says. Just as the last words leave his mouth, a rattling breath sounds behind them.

They whip around, startled. The bed has a lump in the middle.

"Great realm, is that her?" He whispers to his companion. The companion starts creeping forward.

And there she is. The Dark Fairy lays flat on her back, a dagger protruding from her heart. Her eyes are glazed over. Another breath leaves her, she doesn't pull in another.

"Who could have done this?" He asks.

The ground shakes and they look at each other. A protection spell was falling around the castle, as befits the Dark Fairies death.

They turn to leave when the knob turns and the door swings open. The theives prepare their bows, but their aim is too high.

A three year old girl walks in, a stuffed wolf in her arms. "Mommy, I scared." She sniffles, then sees the men.

"Great skies! She has a child!"