for slayfiveus

[sockjockey]

The small kingdom of Cinnosea was supposed to be unconquerable. That is the story that she and her people had always believed. Hidden deep in an ancient forest, protected by arcane magics, the people of Cinnosea had always believed that their gods protected them, that the trees themselves shaded them from all that was wrong with the world outside their forest home.

The grand spires of the castle had been woven into the largest trees of the capitol, stone and wood merging and twining with magic to form the most intricate dance. And that had always been the way of Cinnosea- balance. Natural harmony between themselves and the woods around them, almost ignorant of the outside world and its struggles. Certainly, they had archers, they had rangers and soldiers, men who guarded the kingdom from would be invaders that got past the initial magical wards that kept the place so untouched for centuries.

But they were not prepared for this.

Blood stains the wooden steps, the flagstones of the keep painted red with the vangard of her father's keeper's. She cannot see him- and knows that he is more than likely dead with all the rest.
"This way, my lady-" Cyrenia handmaiden tries to direct her, trying to move her to one of the hidden passages in the walls. There are footsteps approaching, and the handmaid shoves the princess into the passage, sealing it behind her. The screams that come after ring in her ears as she keeps up her rough pace.

Perhaps there is still enough time. If she can get down to the royal vault, if she can reach the artifact that has supposedly kept her people safe in times of need- She trips down the stairs, stumbling over her dress, and lands with a muffled cry as she tries to ignore the sudden throb of pain in her ankle.

Just a little farther. Just a little farther until she reaches the royal vault. She needs to get there before the invaders, or all hope is lost.