The next morning, Alexis was woken by the sharp claws of Walnut. "Get up! Get up! Get up!" he squeaked in her ear. "It's almost dawn! Your safety will vanish at dawn! You have to be ready to run!"
Alexis couldn't help but laugh. Walnut was running around in circles on her chest. He reminded her of her lapdog Pookie. Pookie had just as much energy as Walnut and was just as likely to run around in circles when she got excited. Just like the over-excited chipmunk on her chest.
She sighed as she realized how much she missed her puppy. And thinking of her dog made her think about her mother and father. Certainly they were worried sick about her. But she had no time to dwell on it. Not now, and probably not any time soon. She couldn't forget about the voice.
Alexis picked the over-excited chipmunk up by his middle and said, "Call down, Walnut. If we're going to be ready to run at dawn, we need to be ready. We should start by eating a nutritious breakfast."
She put Walnut down and he began running in circles again and jumping around. "Yeah! Yeah, yeah, yeah! Let's eat! Do you have anymore nuts? Huh? Huh? Huh? Do you? Do you? I'm starving!" Alexis sat a handful of nuts in front of the chipmunk. "Nu-uts! Yum!" And he stopped running and jumping and sat down to eat his breakfast.
Alexis shook her had fondly and picked up and handful of dried fruit for herself. The time was running short. She knew that, but she wished she could enjoy her safe-haven longer. It was a nice feeling, being safe. She hadn't been safe in two long weeks.
She yawned and fished out a hunk of dry traveling bread from her bag. It was the last of it, but she needed strength. She ate it in three bites.
"Is there anywhere where I can fill up my water-skin? It's basically empty and I'm going to need water today."
Walnut nodded and pointed to the back of the little cave. "There's a spring back there. Fill it up quickly. We're almost out of time."
Alexis nodded and hurried to the back of the cave. There was a cold, clear spring. She didn't doubt the little creature, but she was pleased that he had told her the truth. She quickly filled the skin and went back to Walnut.
"Five minutes until dawn," he muttered. "Re-pack your bag and put it on. Make sure your skin is in a place you can reach without stopping." He looked up at her. "Can I ride on your shoulder?"
She nodded and strapped her water-skin across her chest. She put her bag on her back and bent down to pick up the chipmunk. She placed him on her shoulder and went to the front of the cave.
The sun rose. It was dawn.
"Nature Spirits, give me strength," the princess muttered, before beginning her long run.