There is another way

(note- credit for this chapter goes to Spoox, I just added a paragraph in the beginning for the sake of continuity)

Christine looked at her father, uncertain about how to take Henry's offer. Hostages were not uncommon to help cement commitments made between families. Several of her own childhood friends had been sent to live at her father's to ensure the loyalty of their families. These young men and woman had all been safely returned after several years living with her family and the bond between them had strengthened the oaths sworn. However, her father was an honourable man; what would her and her brother's life be like living in the care of a man like Prince Henry?

Henry had already made it clear what his intentions for her were, how many nights would it be before she found the lustful beast at her bedside. It wasn't just the loss of her maidenhead that Christine feared; hostages were known to die unexpectedly from fever or fall and never grow to maturity at all. Was that to be Erik's fate?

She saw the same calculations on her father's drawn face, and after a moment of thought he shook his great head silently. He took his children's hands in his and led them back to the privacy of Christine's bedchamber where he held his only daughter by her slender shoulders, and stared at her with an intense but loving gaze.

"Go to Oldchester." Her father's normally smooth tone almost cracked, "Don't stop for anyone. Even people you consider friends aren't to be trusted. Highborns are the most dangerous as they will likely know who you are, and have the connections to bring your downfall or worse. Do you hear me?"

"Yes father."

"You must get to Merthin, my notary."

"But I have never been to his house. How do I know where he lives?"

"Merthin is a good and honest man. He lives in the grandest house on Gold street near the cathedral. His name hangs on a large sign. Go there and give him this letter." Bartholomew handed Christine a folded parchment "He will know what to do, and he will give you at least thirty guineas. It is enough to secure your safety for a good few years. He kept it for me in case I, or any of my family needed it. He will also look after you and advise you on what to do next."

"OK. But you will meet us there, won't you?" Even as she asked the question she knew the answer. "Promise me. Erik and I can't survive without you and mother."

"Sadly. I can't promise that." What else did she expect? Her father had never lied to her, he was not going to start now.

"But…" Christine began to sob. She felt suffocated by fear and it showed on her face. Her panic only got worse as the sound of the killing commenced, this time louder and nearer. "Father, you must. And what about mother? How will she escape?"

"You know full well she is bed bound. But I will protect her with my life."

"But father… "

There was shouting from the stairs as the Baron's men struggled to contain the attackers. Although he loved his children dearly, Bartholomew spoke with his voice of command rather than that of a father. His words were orders rather than fatherly advice. "There is no time to be sad. Now come on. You have to be strong and brave for each other." He rested a hand on both Christine and Erik's backs then brought them both close for a group embrace. " You have to keep each other safe."

"We will."

"And tell no one other than Merthin your true identity."

Christine muttered. "I promise." Her father glanced toward the sounds of fighting, which sounded even more intense and closer than ever. With a grimace he twisted off the heavy signet ring that had resided on his right hand for as long as Christine could remember. The heavy gold ring studded with emeralds had belonged to the Baron of Gerard for at least the past five generations, it was the ring each and every man and women who swore loyalty kissed when they took Bartholomew's hand, and now her father was passing it to her. There were no clearer words her father could have spoken that indicated just how dire the situation had become.

"Take this for Erik." He placed the ring in her palm and closed her delicate fingers over it. "Do all you can to help Erik become a squire." The words were like a commandment biding her to her brother. "Merthin may help with this. But I lay this charge on your slender shoulders -Erik must become a knight, and when he does give this to him. "

"I will."

Bartholomew stared at Erik. "Listen to your sister. She is wise beyond her years. She will do you right and see that you become a squire. Then, when you eventually become a knight, you will protect her in return."

"I will father."

"Good. Now, put on your cloaks. And take your daggers. "

As Christine dressed, she wondered what her father was doing when he dropped to his knees and searched under the bed. He then took a coil of rope which she never knew was there. "Follow me, quick." Both children then followed him out onto the landing and along across to the latrine.

The sound of panicked determination echoed from the staircase as the bloodthirsty fighting was coming up the stairs.

"Father?"

"Now, time to escape down the shitter. " Bartholomew lifted the wooden bench from the latrine, exposing a gaping hole which dropped to the cesspit outside the keep.

"What? You can't be serious."

Erik suggested to his father "The bedroom window?"

"The latrine is less conspicuous. Now, do it before I throw you down. "

Christine knew when, and when not to question her father. She then stood while her father tied the knotted harness around her torso. "Climb onto the edge." He then told Erik to hold onto his sister before tying him to her with a silk scarf. "When you get close to the pit, kick against the wall to swing out.

The sound of the blood thirsty fighting was now coming up the landing. The prince shouted. "Bartholomew… I'm coming for you and your daughter. Give her to me and I will spare your life."

Bartholomew ignored him and pushed his children down the narrow passage into the darkness. Then, aided by his newly arrived guard, fed the rope through his strong gloved hands. Lower his children to safety.

The two young siblings were lowered in silence. It was as if they were descending angels coming to end the ****. The darkness was absolute and a protective cloak.

As they neared the ground the stench from the pit was horrendous. "Erik, start kicking".

"I'm trying. But my legs are too small."

"Try and spin us around, my legs are longer "

Fortunately, they managed to spin around on the rope. With a big push Christine propelled them away from the wall. And the cesspit. With perfect timing the rope went slack, sending them crashing down onto dry earth beside the pit.