As Starr followed Henry into the night, she was dying to ask how they were going to get out, but she knew the moment she said something it would all be over for them.
They didn't carry a lantern with them. Starr strained in the dark to see Henry's features, to get a hint of where they were going. It was already hard seeing him in the sliver of moonlight they had to guide them.
Ever since the King had changed a few months ago, the security in the castle was increased. The entire castle and gardens were surrounded by a stone wall and you could never escape the sight of a watch tower.
Moonlight stopped suddenly. Starr shook out of her thoughts and looked ahead at Henry.
He was gazing around the land, then looked back at her. The moonlight on his face showed his cheeks wrinkling up in a smile. Starr cocked her head to the side in confusion.
Henry's shoulders shook and he drew his horse backwards to Starr's side.
"Do you see those two posts right there?" He whispered, pointing to two towers a small distance from them.
"The stone wall was built so quickly, they didn't dig the mountain underneath it."
Starr starred a Henry, confused.
Henry smiled. "What I mean was, is that before the wall was there, there was a giant hill. In order to save supplies and time, they didn't dig the hill out until it was straight like the rest of the castle grounds. And they saved supplies by just building up until they reached the height of the other walls."
Starr nodded.
"There are two guards in each tower. But they won't be a problem."
Starr looked at Henry, once again confused.
"Because I gave each tower a box of strong brandy that the chef guaranteed can put any grown man to sleep for hours. I simply told them they were left over from your huge party celebrating your leaving." Henry grinned at her. "I guess that party was useful for something."
Starr was going to ask what that was supposed to mean, but then remembered that she had to keep her mouth shut.
"When I was cleaning the stable today, I found an old metal roof that must've resurfaced when people were preparing for your leave tomorrow. But I have it set up, along with being covered in hay, against the wall that our horses will be able to walk across it. Once we reach the top of the wall, our horses will be able to jump safely to the other side thanks to the slight incline."
Starr grinned. This might actually work!
Henry beamed back. He kicked his horse into a quiet walk as they approached the wall.
As they got closer, Starr could see the pile of hay, where the metal roof must be somewhere inside.
Henry stretched his hand to the pile, beckoning Starr to go first.
Bitting her lip, Starr led Moonlight forward.
Starr looked back as Henry fell behind her, watching the grounds carefully.
Moonlight placed a hoof on the pile of hay slowly. Starr could feel how aware she was that they plan had to work.
Moonlight took another step. And another. And another.
Soon, Moonlight was walking up the ramp.
Starr smiled. It was working!
Moonlight's hoof scraped the metal briefly though, causing a screech to echo through the kingdom.
Starr's eyes widened as she searched the towers for any sign of life. Starr's heart pounded against her chest for what seemed like hours, scanning the darkness.
Moonlight continued her slow progress until she reach the top of the wall. Starr stretched her neck to watch Henry coming.
His horse came up without making any noises Starr and Henry shared a relieved smile.
Henry looked over the edge to freedom. He held his horse tightly and let it to leap over the edge.
Starr looked into the direction Henry went, hoping he landed safely.
Starr bit her lip again and backed up. Then, giving Moonlight the word without opening her mouth, the two leaped off the wall and into darkness.
It was hardly a second or two before Moonlight came in contact with the sloped hill and cantered to the bottom of the hill.
At the bottom, Starr saw Henry watching her coming down.
"We made it Starr!" He whispered, happiness covering his voice.
Starr smiled. "Yeah." She whispered.
Henry continued smiling until his face dropped.
Starr cocked her head her eyebrows furrowed, until she realized.
She had said something that the king could track.
Tears started blurring her vision and her lips quivered.
They had less than a few minutes before the King and his soldiers would show up.
