The beginning of the fall (Veatrice POV)

‘Run’ the voice screamed in my head waking me from a deep slumber, ‘run far from here' it screamed again.

I was shocked when I hear why, the screams of the innocent being killed outside the palace walls filled me with terror. I followed the voice's orders as I ran to gather my things quickly, also grabbing what I needed for a long journey for my mistress.

“Anna,” I said under my breath as I passed the stairs. I look down the stairs longingly before starting down them. I grab a handful of empty sacks before I grab the keys on the wall.

“Anna, wake up Anna,” I say as I unlock her manacles from her ankles and wrists. I grab her hands as soon as I was done releasing the people beside her.

“Here take these and run for the mountain. There are two willow trees that hide a cavern and tunnels inside the mountain. Go there and take as many with you as you can.” I say as I hand her the empty sacks and start towards the stairs.

“Wait, Veatrice. I want to go with you” Anna pleaded as she followed me.

“No Anna you have to get enough food for yourself and get to the mountains. I will take a different route to make sure you are not followed,” I said with a small sad smile, “I will see you soon my dear sweet Anna, Farwell for now.”

 I ran to my mistress’s room and found two gauds helping her get ready for the long journey. “Gentlemen, I will help her. If you could get the children packed and ready, it would be a great help,” I say as I grab the purse from the floor. They bow and leave the room quickly. I look at my mistress heavy with child, she is due in less than a month. Her emotions got the better of her and she starts to heave sob after sob. I catch her as her knees give out and guide her to the bed. I hug her gently as I rock back and forth to comfort her.

“Veatrice,” she manages through the crying, “what is going on?”

I squeeze her gently and say, “The wall is about to be breached, Lady Izabella, and I will get you to the mountains safely.” I stand and gather my lady's traveling clothes as she composes herself. I help her into a travel set of clothes and grab her things when she rested. I go to the bed and make a replica of the mistress and pilled the covers to make it look like she was asleep. I grab her hand and left the room as the two gauds come into the corridor with the lady’s three children. Both of them were carrying one of the three-year-old twins and the oldest, he was but nine, was walking beside them. Each had what everyone needed. I nod to both of the guards and grab the eldest by the hand.

“Follow me, hurry now, we must get to the carriages,” I say as I run through the main hall to the stables. We got there just as the pounding started on the palace gates. I look around the stables and see the only carriage left was the biggest and it was mostly prepared for a journey to the mountains, the last thing to do was light the torches and attach the horses. I file the mistress and her children into the carriage along with their things. I tell the guards to light the lanterns as I find the rested horses. I find seven horses and I start to strap sis of them in. As the last horse was attracted and the guards got in the driver’s seat, the palace doors busted open and the gauds attacked the intruders. Two slaves come to help me open the stable gate as the palace midwife and three other women jump into the carriage with their supplies. The guards start to move the carriage outside and the slaves jump on the back.

“Go I will catch up,” I say as I start to close the door.

Once they pass and the door is closed, I grab a broom and brush away any trail that leads toward my mistress. I grab a set of reins from the wall as I place the broom back. I place them on the last fresh mare and lead her to the door as the door was forced open by the intruders. I drop my things as I run with the horse towards the fighting, mounting the mare when I kicked an intruder down, stealing his spear and sword. I rode bareback through the onslaught, killing those in my way. I jump hurdle after hurdle just to get away. I jump right past the intruders’ king himself and kill the two ugly princes as I passed.

“Get that girl and bring her to me,” the king screamed as he realized what I did.

I ride southeast towards the sea throwing them off from my lady’s trail. I plan to loop back by about to the northern country of Serrileone. Then enter the mountain range via the western mountains. I prayed to the grand goddess to keep my lady safe and well. Also, to look after my sister, cause goddess knows the trouble she causes.

I drive my horse onwards as the kings’ men chased me. As I crossed over the Bireinen border and into the Bireinen forest the kings’ men began to fall behind, but I still drive father into the forest. When I reach a river, I stop the horse and get off. I remove the bridle and walked the exhausted horse into the river to drink and rest. I pet, wash and check over the horse as it took long gulps of water.

“Good girl, you were very brave and strong, thank you for being so,” I coo at the horse as it nuzzled its head into my arms. I lead the horse into a meadow as the moon came from hiding behind the clouds, lighting the entire forest like the sun. nighttime creatures scurried about and the tree look like forest giants, watching over everything from tall viewpoints. As I reach the middle of the meadow, the horse freezes and a chorus of blood-curdling howls emanate from all around us. I freeze in place as the silhouette of giant wolves emerged from the forest surrounding us. The alpha wolf came out of the forest, followed by two other wolves, and stopped about 10 feet in front of me.