Escape!

Princess Glenda hated palace life. She hated the walls that confined her, hated being waited on hand and food. She hated the court, the constant edict requirements. She hated her dresses and gowns. She wanted to be free! There was a whole world out there and she was kept prisoner from it!

Luckily for the princess she had a plan to escape. True, she had tried to escape a half dozen times. But this time it would work for sure! She would spend the day reading in the garden. She had paid a serving boy to distract the guard. Then she would throw herself into the creek which ran through the garden. The creek ran under the palace walls and led out to the moat. Normally there was grate to keep intruders from swimming up the creek but it had broken in a storm a dozen nights ago.

From there... well, she be free! True, she'd have to flee. Her father would doubtlessly send out knights to find her. But, if she headed straight for the woods she would probably be safe. She'd have to find something else to wear though. A blue gown with golden lace was not the most inconspicuous attire, and would make travel through the forest difficult. Finally she'd be free of these restrictive clothes she hated so much!

So Glenda spent the afternoon in the garden. Though she had a book in front of her she didn't read a word. She was too excited. A guard stood nearby, ordered by the king to keep her safe, and prevent her escape.

Then, the serving boy Borin came up to the guard. He offered the guard a small flask. The guard looked around to make sure no one was looking, then took a swig. Soon him and the boy were laughing and drinking together.

When she was sure they weren't looking Princess Glenda threw down her book. Hiking up her gown she ran towards the creek. Taking a deep breath she leaped in. There was a loud splash. When she popped back up for air she saw the guard running her way. It was too late though. she'd be at the wall soon! True, she was never a strong swimmer, and her long gown didn't help matters. But she was so close to freedom she didn't' care!