The sun had barely se2 when Ceilidh awakened from her sleep and the group arrived at the gates of Marmoreal. Even in the dark The White Queen's castle still looked amazingly beautiful. Fires were lit all along the walls, illuminating the castle in their orange glow. Ceilidh beamed with pride when she remembered her father telling her that his Father, Sir Arthur Calder, invented this method to warn invaders that there were look outs and to make it quicker for lighting flaming arrows.
"Hold it, who goes there? State your name and business!" A knight atop the battlements shouted down from above the gates. Valenciant handed Ceilidh to Greer and traded places with Masako to the head of the company.
"I am Cariad Valenciant, the personal guard for the High-Princess Masako of Asa. We have business to attend to with the White Queen and a little one to return to her family."
The Guard recognized the name and began shouting at several others and the gates were opened. Valenciant led the group in just as a tall muscular man came running to them. He smiled broadly and clasped hands with Valenciant.
"Welcome back to Marmoreal High Commander Valenciant, it's been a while since we last saw you here." He said with great enthusiasm. Valenciant offered him a small smile and a nod. "And your High-Princess is here too!" He exclaimed, "We're honored to have you here once more." He said and bowed.
Masako bowed her head humbly to him, "I thank you. But while I am here I am no Royal. These are not my lands and I'd rather leave them to Mirana."
Just then, as if choreographed, the White Queen, Alice, the Hatter, and several members of the Queen's court came rushing out of the castle. The Hatter and Alice picked up their pace when they saw Ceilidh in Greer's arms. Tarrant took her and hugged her tightly, chanting, "Grazas," to Greer.
"Queriamos só para axudar, ela ten un destino moi por diante dela," She replied, shocking the two Outlanders that she knew their language.
Tarrant recovered quickly and returned his attentions to the little girl. "Ceilidh, what has happened Princesa? Where are your parents, what are you doing here?" The little girl hugged her uncle tightly, her small body racking with sobs.
"Her family has been taken by Narcissa. We have come to warn you, you have two days to evacuate Marmoreal. As soon as her beloved Montgomery is raised once more, she will attack Marmoreal to get the throne of Underland." Masako said to Mirana.
Mirana's eyes widened and her mouth dropped, her court released a blast of gasps. "Can we fight her off? Can we barricade the doors and wait her out?" She said desperately, hoping to avoid a fight.
Masako shook her head sadly, "I'm afraid not, she's too strong even for us. She will not be weak enough to kill and permanently destroy for at least another fourteen years. But there is only one whom will be strong enough to kill her." Her eyes drifted to Ceilidh and the rest of the crowd followed her gaze.
Masako walked over to Ceilidh and caressed the back of her head. "This special child has been greatly affected by Narcissa. When she is old enough, she will be the one to slay Narcissa." Her gaze lifted to the Hatter. "Take her away from here. Hide her and raise her diligently. Train and educate her to the best of your abilities. In fourteen years my companions and I shall return, this time with four more to aid her. Her mother still has enough will to fight Narcissa and in fourteen years' time, she will at last be weak enough for she and her Montgomery to be killed." She said sadly.
Tarrant gaped at Masako, but then nodded mutely. "Gather your things together and leave. Leave the borders of Underland. Go to England with Alice. Raise her there. Go, quickly they will be here by midday tomorrow." She said urgently. Tarrant and Alice gave each other a small glance and ran back to the castle.
The White Queen began shouting orders for the castle to be abandoned, telling everyone to gather their families and return to the villages they came from.
There was however a group that would be going with her that was not family. Fifty-seven Calders would be accompanying the queen where ever she left and within the hour, the castle was void of all life.
Rain fell heavily as Alice and Tarrant ran through the Tulgey wood as quickly as they could, losing their footing every few steps and slipping in the mud, but managing to remain on their feet. Ceilidh was wrapped in a blanket and was being held tightly by Alice. At last they reached the door in the woods.
Tarrant glanced around them nervously; he'd never been above before. Alice placed a hand on his shoulder and offered him a smile, her wet hair framed her hair and straightened and flattened her wild curls. Tarrant placed his hand over her's and squeezed then reached for the door and had a sudden second thought. He leaned in close to Alice and kissed her lips before at last opening the door and allowing them to step through to the world above, finding safety in the dull world of above.