Into the Abyss

“Well, sitting in an uncomfortable wagon is better than sitting on one of Exador’s swords,” quipped Rupert, more sprightly than his usual want. Jenn gave him a disapproving stare as Chass gasped and clasped himself even tighter. “Now don’t worry, its only for a week and then we’ll reach Freehold. You can put up with it for a little while, can’t you?”

“I suppose,” Sydney said, looking sourly at Rupert, who was almost acting joyful for once. At this point Master Trisfelt returned from his mission carrying a large sack over his shoulder.

“And what have we here?” inquired Jenn of Master Trisfelt playfully, knowing very well what he had.

“Ah my dear, lesson number three hundred and seventy six-never enter the wilderness without proper provisioning. There were a few sweets left over from dinner last night, and I thought the children might enjoy them.” He smiled graciously down at the children, all of whose ears had perked up at the mention of sweets.

“And perhaps a bit of refreshment for their protector also?” she asked mock archly of him.

“Well, my dear girl, one can hardly expect a man of my accomplishments to ride in this wagon with young students, without fair compensation,” Trisfelt said jovially as he patted a large wineskin hanging by a rope over his shoulder.

“I suppose, we must make some allowances,” conceded Jenn with assumed despair. “Very well then, I’m afraid I must make my way back to my wagon. I’m riding with the Lady herself.”

Trisfelt’s smile abruptly turned to a mock frown of concern, “Oh my, then I’m afraid you may need this skin more than I, if you are to survive this trip.” Jenn laughed at this, and waving turned and made her way back to Jehenna’s wagon, feeling better than she had in days.

As she reached her wagon, she found Jehenna seated and ready to go. “I trust you are finally ready?”

“Yes, ma’am, just checking on the children.” Suddenly Jenn felt the change in the air around her, the wards had been shifted to allow them to leave the castle.

“Very well then, get up here.” Jehenna pointed to the seat beside her, the driver’s seat. Naturally someone of Jehenna’s position could not be seen driving a wagon. “I shall give the signal.” Quickly, she sketched a symbol in the air, murmured a few words, and blew gently through her lips. Trumpets seemed to blare throughout the cavern. Reverberating to the beginning of the line and up the tunnel to the courtyard where Lenamare stood ready to cast illusions of a replacement garrison, changing posts with the current guards.

Slowly at first, the lead wagons began to move up the escape tunnel. The long train of wagons and horses moved slowly at first gathering some speed as the line was allowed to spread out a little. As the main escape tunnel went on, branchings occurred every so often. These were different routes out of the castle. As the column moved along, different groups would split off and go up individual tunnels according to a well-orchestrated plan devised by Lenamare many years ago. Lenamare prided himself on providing for every possible contingency. His escape tunnels, dug secretly by his own demons who had been sworn never to reveal their existence to anyone, went for miles underground, each going to a well-placed strategic escape location. As a further precaution he had wisely planted explosive spells to seal the tunnels and destroy the castle from this end, to prevent pursuit through the tunnels. Their very lives and their escape was all to be due to Lenamare’s incredible genius, as he had informed everyone at a meeting the other night to outline the evacuation.

It had been only two days since the major attempt on the shields. The wards were beginning to weaken fast without the proper support, so in that short time Lenamare directed the preparation for the escape of his people. Unselfishly, he Lenamare, would stay behind to hold Exador at bay and seal the tunnel behind the escapees. If necessary, as was very likely, he informed them, he would give up his own life for his people.

Actually anyone that really knew Lenamare, such as the masters and the senior students, as well as the Captain of the Guard, knew he was not completely forthcoming. They knew full well he wouldn’t be doing this if he didn’t feel he could get out looking like a hero, with very little risk to himself. However, out of respect for, and perhaps, fear of, their Head Master, no one said anything