Suddenly the leathery wings of bats were flying at her, hitting her face. She screamed and fell to the floor, her arms covering her face. The sound of the flapping wings echoed around her, but no more touched her. Then all was quiet. She wondered if the bats had all left, or if they were back on the ceiling where she was sure they had been when she had entered the cave.
"Alexis! Come out from where ever you hide! I must find you! I must…" the voice faded, but Alexis knew that he was not gone. He would find her. Eventually.
"Alexis! Oh I hope I didn't scare the poor girl. She scared enough as it is… Ooo. She's scared, lost, and being stalked by some horrible voice." It was the high squeaky voice again. From the way it sounded, she figured that the squeaky voice was friendly.
"Hello," she whispered, half afraid that the sound of her voice would draw in her stalker. It didn't and she breathed a sigh of relief. "Who's there?"
Then she felt the claws. She screamed again.
"Shh! I'm here to help you. I'm Walnut. The wind sent me to help you. I'm to escort you to The Kingdom of No Love. The Kingdom of Hate. After all, that's the only place where you can be safe. We hope."
Alexis dug around in her pack and found a candle and flint. She lit the candle and took her first look at the mysterious Walnut. She was unimpressed. "Why did the wind send me a chipmunk? How is a chipmunk supposed to protect me?"
The little brown creature seemed to shrug. "I don't know. All I know is that I'm supposed to… Do have any nuts in your bag? I'm starved!"
Alexis sighed and dug out a small hand full of dried fruit and nuts. She offered them to the chipmunk. His tiny paws snatched at the walnuts and almonds. She laughed and picked out the nuts he wanted for him. She was growing attached to the small chipmunk.
She took some of the fruit out of her bag, leaving the meat for later. She could always find more fruit and nuts if necessary, especially with the help of Walnut. The meat was a different story. She found that she saved it for last. It was like a treat.
"How long am I allowed to stay in the cave for?" she asked Walnut after they had finished eating the sparse meal.
"Until dawn. The cave will no longer be safe after dawn," he replied.
Alexis sighed. She hated even thinking about leaving her safe-haven. It had been so nice to feel safe again. For two long weeks she hadn't felt safe, and now she did. She loved it.
"We'd better get some rest. Who knows ho long we'll have to keep moving for," Walnut squeaked. Alexis nodded. And wondered how the little rodent could even speak to her. She thought about asking, but then had a terrible thought. If she asked how it was possible, would the ability to understand him disappear? She didn't want to risk it so she remained silent.
She lay down on the earthen floor and was soon asleep. After all, she better take advantage of the safe feeling of sleep while she could. Feeling safe would help her sleep better than she had for a long time. Soon, the stalked princess fell fast asleep in the company of a little brown chipmunk.
