How was the princes taken captive by the thieves?

The princes were taken captive by the thieves during a surprise ambush while they were traveling through a dense forest. The thieves, skilled in stealth and deception, quickly overwhelmed the guards and surrounded the princes, catching them off guard. Despite their attempts to fight back, the sheer number of attackers made escape impossible. Ultimately, the thieves bound the princes and transported them to their hideout, seeking ransom for their release.