Exodus

As they approached the bottom of the staircase, there came a loud rumbling sound. The earth shook under their feet for a few moments, then there was silence. "There's no turning back now," Juniper said as she looked back into the darkness above them. "All we can do from here is move forward."

"Juniper, thank you for coming with me. I don't know if I could make this journey without you. Do you have any idea of where we should go, once we're out of here?" Alessa knew the kingdom well, but Lutan's invasion had to be backed by someone. Or at least that's what she thought. Relations with Lutan before the invasion were pretty much teeter tottering on the edge of a sword. Someone, or something, had to send them over the edge.

"I can see it in your eyes that you suspect the same things I do. Lutan wasn't acting alone. There has to be a driving **** behind their invasion. We are not safe anywhere until we find out who, or what was responsible for their actions." She looked at Alessa for a moment. "We can go to my uncle's farm. We should be safe there for quite some time, until we can gather more information. He lives in the valley. It's far enough away from here. About twenty leagues as the crow flies. I'm sure Lutan is not after simple farmers and peasants who are trying to manage on what little they receive for their crops."

"Twenty leagues sounds like about a two day journey. We'll have to stay under cover as much as possible. Once we find the exit out of the city, we should wait until nightfall to leave. My royal dress is too much of a dead giveaway. I wish I had a change of clothes."

"You and me both," Juniper agreed. "This royal armor sticks out like a sore thumb. We could always travel in our underwear."

Alessa had to laugh. "I'm sure there are a lot of highwaymen out there who would appreciate that."

The two walked through the dark corridor for some time, changing torches when they had to. It seemed like the trip out of the city would never end. "Will you look at this!" Alessa exclaimed. "There's a door over here to my right."

The two women drew their swords as Juniper slowly pushed it open, and stuck a torch inside. When she was satisfied nothing was in there, they opened the door wide, and went inside. What they found there amazed them. There were shelves filled with provisions of all types, and a chest filled with commoner clothing. In the middle of the room sat a wooden table and four chairs. An envelope with the royal seal stamped on it was sitting on the table. Alessa took the envelope and opened it. Inside was a note from her father:

"My dearest darling Alessa," the note began.

"If you are reading this it means that the kingdom has fallen, and that you are in great danger. More than likely I am probably dead by now. Please do not grieve, for I have lived a long life by the grace of God, and the kingdom has known peace and prosperity for many years. I knew this day would be inevitable, so I made every arrangement for you that I could possibly think of. Here you will find shelter for a while, as well as bedrolls, food, and a chest full of clothing you can use to disguise yourself with. May God be gracious to you, and walk with you wherever your journey may lead you. Just know that your mother and I loved you, more than we loved each other. Our love will always be with you."

"Your father, King Pontius III."

Alessa broke down, and started crying as she slumped back in her chair. Juniper tried her best to console the young Princess as she held her tight up against her, saying nothing, but letting her tears fall on her shoulders.