“I’m ready to follow lead.”

“Tina, the decision to leave I know is a hard one I will see us to safety and you in my sisters loving arms again.”

“And her warm body pressed against mines a desire greatly missed, “she says smiling knowing her words would cause her to cringe.

“I see you plan on spoiling my dinner early.”

“As only I could.”

“You two ravaging each other like wild beast is an image I want far removed from thought.”

“Apologies, “she says still smirking.

“You are not.”

“No, I am not.”

“Come, I can’t stomach hearing any more stories of you and my sister.”

“Kit?”

“Yes.”

“In what direction are we headed, “she says riding alongside her.”

“North.”

“What’s North?”

“Nephelé and an old family friend.”

“Bette knows of her?”

“Yes.”

“Have I ever met her?”

“Have you ever been to Nephelé?”

“I have not.”

“Then you have never met Ascara, come we must make great distance before sunrise.”

Through a secret tunnel beneath the castle Queen Avile was able to escape. Although seriously injured she along with her trusted pygmy confidant and friend Koi managed to walk the 9 mile journey to safety. Once they saw daylight they emerged and quickly covered the end entrance with loose leaves and dirt. Collapsing against a nearby tree she holds her left arm while Koi assisted to the gaping wound on her left thigh. The tightly applied tourniquet slowed the blood flow gushing from the wound. Jennicus receiving word where her confines lay focused her attack on that area of the castle. Finally, able to penetrate the castles defenses using iron balls she was able to create a massive hole in the wall. As the wall fell part of the thick brick fell on top of her pinning her to ground. Luckily, Koi was able to remove the brick in time and see them both through the tunnel.

“Your majesty the wound must be attended to if not I fear you will bleed to death.”

“My health is the least of my concerns as the safety of my people occupy my thoughts, “trying to sit up she grimaces in pain, “The blood of the innocent stains the ground as queen I could do nothing to stop it.”