Rosalind thanked Alf and trotted gaily along the dirt path which was the highway. When she reached Yonder Field, she began picking the wildflowers that grew as thick as if it were grass. Lilies, marigolds, cockles, chamomile, cornflowers, golden tickseed, poppies, sunflowers, verbena, and many others she couldn't name.

Rosalind wished she could give the flowers to her mother, even if she was running away. The thought of her exodus reminded her of the food she had brought, which made her hungry. Setting down her bouquet, Rosalind took some bread and cheese out of her basket. She had never had bread without butter, and never tasted cheese as plain as it was. But it was best for travelling not to eat elaborate food that might make one sick, and Rosalind had chosen her food with care. Furnas, the cook, had somewhat reluctantly and suspiciously given her the three loaves of common bread and the four ordinary cheeses and a sack of apples meant for the townspeople.

"Picnic" was how Rosalind convinced him at all.

After eating a small portion of her food, Rosalind turned to the castle. Squinting to see further, she located each of the guards and noted which ones were looking in her direction. Well, even if they did see her, the only one who knew who she was was Alf. And he was looking right at her. Rosalind bit her lip, gathering up her flowers. How was she ever going to get away now? She supposed she would have to wait for someone else to come along and occupy him.

While she waited, she picked more flowers, twisting them into chains and tucking them behind her ears, but always keeping one eye on Alf. Finally another guard came up to speak to him, and Rosalind took her chance. She swiftly slipped into the forest and began running as fast as she could. She tripped and snagged her dress and within ten minutes she was completely lost.

She sat down with her back to a stout tree to catch her breath. Many scratches had gathered on her legs and arms and face and her dress was torn in at least three places. Chest heaving, she rifled through her pack and brought out her water flask. She was carefully not to spill any, and sighed when she saw that it had taken half of her water to quench her thirst. She would have to be much more careful from now on.

She trudged on further now, hoping she was heading in the right direction. She paused suddenly, cocking her ear. She was certain she heard running water.