The exit of the tunnel was rather small than Anna had anticipated and it was under the bark of the tree which was concealed by the leaves.
The quiet forest perfectly masked the hidden tunnel from the sight of the people and no one would have thought there would be a tunnel here since this place was far from the big city.
There was nothing noteworthy in this forest except for a few mushrooms and animals that continued to sustain the lives of the locals. Thus, nobody would go here without any explanation.
The cool wind of the night and the old shabby cabin waited for them in the pitch-black woods as the duo reached the door.
Squak*
The squelching sound of the door woke up nearby creatures from their slumbers as they hissed with their annoyance.
" There must be a candle near the door. Found it!"
The knight lit up the candle with flint, illuminating the whole room with warm light. He then went to the bed-like thing, kneeling on the ground to pull something under it.
Puuh*
The old dusty chest was pulled out from under of the bed and he opened it to check the contents.
" Thankfully everything is in their places. We can make it to the town with these supplies and I will get the gold from the river. Please wait for me, Saintess. I will fetch it and guide you to the head nun."
The knight quickly left the house, leaving Anna in silence which helped her to clear her mind. She pulled out a cross from her chest, kneeling before the bed while looking at the ceiling to pray upon the lost ones.
" Oh, lord above. Please guide the lost lambs to their peace and welcome them to your heaven. May your mercy guide me."
Her eyes flickered in the darkness, possibly thinking about the future that waited for her. Perhaps she would face more ordeal than now but all she had to do was to believe in herself and overcome them like her predecessors. She was a saintess of the people and she wouldn't let herself become a puppet of the emperor.
Squak*
The knight opened the door with a serious face, showing a sack of gold to Anna. He then proceeded to divide the money between himself and her since they both needed to travel and going incognito was highly difficult for them due to their unique attire.
" Saintess, you must not trust anyone except from our church. The outside world is a cruel world where people try to rob you and sell you. Not only you are equivalent to the high-ranking noble, but you are also beautiful. Many men will try to soil you so be mindful of them. By the way, my name is Peter."
Peter finally introduced himself to her while gesturing for her to follow him. The duo walked across the forest in silence as the sound of river water reached their ears. Although they wanted to talk about a few things before reaching the town, the two couldn't find a reason for it.
" Do you think Sir Farcandus managed to get out there?"
Anna hung her head lowly, hiding her eyes with her bangs while Peter didn't dare to mention his name since he believed he would have perished. That man wasn't a coward, he would face the end with his fearless face, so the chance of his survival was next to none.
" I am afraid not, Saintess. He would leave the castle after everyone escaped from there. I am sorry."
The silence fell into their conversation once again as Anna clenched her fists. She didn't hate anyone during her life but this time it was different. She was disgusted by the move of the emperor who blindly pursued power instead of peace.
" I see. God will definitely punish them."
She didn't say anymore, looking in the direction of the church silently.
Meanwhile in the church.
" Sir Sera, we found the entrance to the tunnel."
One of the knights reported the whereabouts of the tunnel as Sera looked at the map silently. He believed the saintess would be near since they got nothing from here and it wouldn't be so difficult to find them.
" Release the hounds and track them down."
Hence he was willing to chase them immediately.