Bartholomew fights on while trying to save his children

It was too late for himself and his bedridden wife, so Baron Bartholomew turned his attention to saving his children. In his daughter's bedchamber he held Christine by her slender shoulders and stared at her with an intense but loving gaze. "Go to Oldchester. Don't stop for anyone. Even people you consider friends aren't to be trusted. Highbornes 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. 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 on what to do next."

"OK. But you will meet us there, won't you? Promise me. Erik and I can't survive without you and mother."

"Sadly. I can't promise that."

"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 grew 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."

With a grimace Bartholomew 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 and then a knight." 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, get dressed' 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, children, quickly." Both children then followed him out onto the landing and along the curving hallway 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 sweet little 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 smell 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.