"Pulling the hood of the jacket low over his eyes, he moved cautiously through the dark streets, keeping close to the walls. He did not particularly relish the idea of encountering anyone.
“Guide me.” He whispered to the darkness, touching the metal charm he always kept around his neck. The owl had been with him since birth, never leaving his side. It reassured him to know it was there now.
“You’ve led me this far, father, now help me find my way. Please. Don’t let me get lost.” He prayed. After that, he let his feet go where they wanted. He didn’t think about the road, or the maze of alleyways, and especially not the dangers that lurked around every corner. Several times he heard footsteps behind him, and had to duck behind houses and into black alleys to let them pass. The only people out at this hour were the ones he’d been taught all his life to avoid like the plague.
“Are we lost, young prince?”
Marcellinus whirled about, panic sending his heart racing.
“Stay back! I’m-I’m warning you! I’m armed! How do you know who I am?”
The man detached himself casually from the shadows, coming closer.
“Expensive jacket, permanent imprint of a gold circlet on your hair, and an owl charm reserved for children of the nobility. You’re also arrogant enough to think that because of who you are, nothing bad can possibly happen to you, even though you’re wandering the streets alone at night like an idiot. You even smell like royalty.”
Marcellinus forgot his fear momentarily, deeply offended.
“I do not smell! I washed yesterday!”
The man laughed. A beam of moonlight pierced the clouds, and the boy shuddered, remembering his terror. He could make out his enemy clearly enough now to see the dark wooden mask. It had no face, only slits for the eyes."