Anna knew once Freddie was better that they both should go. She decided against telling her mother. She was shocked but certain her mother had gone off the deep end and tried to murder Freddie and accidentally made her daughter ill in the process. How else do you explain the antidote vial with the words on it in her mother's handwriting on the floor of her room?

     She stuffed what she could inside a suitcase. She put the fluffy pillow inside a bag and added her jewelry box. Time to go, she thought.

   Freddie followed her downstairs and out the back entrance. The two arrived at a small house. They took shelter there for the moment. They could not stay long. It was only a matter of time before her mother came looking for her. Her mother wanted her to marry some nobleman she had never met. She could not marry him. She did not wish to do it.

      That night, Freddie slept on the floor beside Anna. Anna spoke in her sleep, "Freddie, we have to we must not let her catch us. I don't know what she will do to you if she finds out the soup did not do its trick."  Freddie was shocked. What did she mean her?   He felt sorry for the young lady. The one he called princess. It was true she was troubled.

     The next morning, Freddie and Anna left with the suitcase and bag. They entered the next village unscathed.  Anna was dressed rather peculiarly. She had on baggy pants and an ugly old shirt. Her hair was up and covered by a hat. To complete the outfit she donned ugly boots.  Her sandals were tucked away in the suitcase along with her dresses, etc.

       Freddie did not say anything to the others who passed them by and remained hidden from their view. He only spoke to Anna. He did not want anyone else to know he could talk. He feared if they knew they would try to sell him. He had not even spoken to Anna's mother.  Anna was different so he trusted her to keep his secret.

      Anna's mother discovered her daughter was gone and put up a poster. She did not expect much to come of it but posted it anyway.

        Anna and Freddie traveled while it was dark. It was easier to keep prying eyes from seeing the frog or trying to bring trouble to Anna. Anna wore a mask that covered her face. Not many paid her attention due to the ugly mask she wore. 

         Soon they were a far way off.  There were no more posters displayed here.  Anna was glad. This way she could get rid of the disguise. She removed the strange get-up and wore a nice black dress, with sandals. Her necklace stayed hidden under her clothes.  Her hair she let fall to her shoulders. She kept the crown in her bag. She did not want anyone to be alarmed. Here strangers did not take highly to royals.  

           They stayed here for four nights. Then traveled, and traveled. They stayed, in the next few places one night each. Finally, they came to a quiet place. They decided to make this home. 

      Freddie slept on the pillow again and Anna on the sleeping bag. She dared not move from that spot. Soon everyone forgot all about the runaway princess.

   The next day, Anna kissed him. Neither of them noticed the light that surrounded them.

*Author's note: Where did the mysterious light come from?

  Find out more in Chapter 7

Until then,

bye-bye,

little owlets!

Summer out!