Word: Scrupulous

 

scrupulous

[ skroo-pyuh-luhs ]

adjective

1. having scruples, or moral or ethical standards; having or showing a strict regard for what one considers right; principled:

   scrupulous about defending human rights.

2. punctiliously or minutely careful, precise, or exact:

   a scrupulous attention to detail in their performance.

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“Excuse me, my lady, but could you please stop there?” 

Lady Ravone and her two guards stopped in utter confusion. They were out in the middle of the woods and were not expecting anyone else. They became even more confused as several men in well-tended leather armor emerged from behind the trees. Each man was armed, but no weapons were drawn. Lady Ravone thought they might be bandits of some kind, but she had never heard of any such ruffians that were actually polite. 

“Thank you, my lady.” One of them said with a well-practiced bow. The man wore the best armor, which even had some metal on it. And since he had spoken, he was most likely the leader. 

“Sir, may I ask what the purpose of this…gathering is?” 

“Of course. I do apologize, but I am afraid I must ask you to part with any coin or valuables you might currently have. Within reason, of course. I shall not dream of taking any items that may serve as a memento or have personal meaning.” 

The Lady blinked. Her guards looked at each other, neither sure what to do. 

“So then you are bandits?” 

“Quite so, madam.” 

“And if I refuse to relinquish my possessions?” 

“Ah, then I am afraid that violence will be necessary. I would, of course, rather avoid such unnecessary behavior.” 

The noble woman wrung her hands nervously. Her two guards reached for their weapons. But, since none of the bandits had drawn theirs, they kept their weapons sheathed as well.  

“You would kill a lady for a few coin?” 

The bandit leader recoiled in shock. He seemed downright offended by the suggestion.  

“My lady, you wound me! I would never allow such behavior for me or my men. No, you shall not die this day. At least, not by our blades. We might have to injure you, but nothing that would leave a mark.” 

“I must say, sir, I have never heard of a robbery being done so…politely. May I ask your name?” 

“Ah, of course. I am Wilhelm, once of Carvale.” The bandit leader said with a deep bow. 

“Carvale? Really? Terrible what happened to that country. We were distraught over the news. Hm, Wilhelm. Ah, you wouldn’t happen to be Sir Wilhelm, the famed paladin, would you?” 

“Alas, I was. But with the fall of my lord and nation, that title was stripped of me. My men and I traveled around trying to find a new home. But a failed paladin and his men are not as well received as one might think. We were at our wits end to find a way to gather enough to eat, and we figured we might as well give this banditry thing a try. You would be our first go at it, my lady.”   

“Times are indeed difficult if such a storied man such as yourself must resort to hiding in the woods and waylaying travelers. Although I must say, in a way it is a relief. Bandits that are so well spoken and behaved is certainly a novel experience. Say, if you would like, I have the ear of a few members of the court. I can see how they would feel about hiring you and your men.” 

Wilhelm perked up at the thought, as did many of his men. “That would indeed be a fine thing to do. You have my thanks for the very thought.” His next words were delivered much less enthusiastically. “Although I still must ask for your coin. Many hungry men to feed and all that.” 

“Ah, of course. Hm, if I gave enough to have a warm meal for you and your men, maybe I could keep the rest?” 

“That would be more than sufficient, my lady.” 

“Wonderful.”  

She reached into her purse and pulled out a few coins. It was not much to her, but it would certainly buy the men a good meal. Maybe even a night in a proper inn if they were smart about its use.  

“Excellent. I do thank you, my lady. You have been most generous.” Wilhelm said with a bow once he had the coins. 

“Oh, think nothing of it. The story alone is more than worth it. Good day, Sir Wilhelm. With any luck, I shall send word with good news about future employment.” 

“I look forward to the day. Good day, madam. Safe travels.”

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Gotta love the trope of the overly polite, super nice bandit. It's fun. At least, I think so.