5. ep

The clash of steel on steel echoed through the room as Benjamin and Alexander fought. Lily watched in awe as Benjamin's sword flashed in the dim light, his movements swift and deadly.

Alexander was a skilled swordsman, but Benjamin was determined to save Lily. He fought with a ferocity that Lily had never seen before.

As they fought, Lily saw her chance. She slipped past Alexander and made a run for the door.

"Benjamin, come on!" she cried.

Benjamin saw her escape and followed, his sword still clashing with Alexander's.

They burst through the door and sprinted down the hallway, Alexander's angry shouts echoing behind them.

They reached the castle gates and found horses waiting for them. Benjamin swung Lily up onto one horse and mounted the other.

As they galloped away from the castle, Lily looked back and saw Alexander standing in the gates, his eyes blazing with fury.

"We'll never be able to go back," Benjamin said, his voice grim.

Lily nodded. "I don't care," she said. "As long as we're together."

As they rode, the landscape changed from dense forest to rolling hills and, finally, to a bustling town. They tied their horses to a post outside a small inn and went inside, hand in hand.

The innkeeper looked up as they entered, a warm smile on his face. "Welcome, young lovers," he said. "What can I get for you?"

Benjamin smiled. "Food and shelter," he said. "We've had a long journey."

The innkeeper nodded. "You've come to the right place," he said. "My wife's cooking is the best in town."

As they ate and rested, Lily couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness she'd never known before. She was finally free from Alexander's grasp, and she was with the man she loved.

But as they finished their meal and prepared to leave, a commotion outside caught their attention. A group of guardsmen had arrived, looking for someone.

Lily's heart skipped a beat as she realized they were looking for her and Benjamin.

"Quickly," Benjamin whispered. "We have to get out of here."

They slipped out the back door into a narrow alleyway. Benjamin pulled Lily close, his eyes scanning the rooftops.

"We need a place to hide," he whispered.

And then, he saw it. A small window left open. He boosted Lily up, and she climbed inside.

Benjamin followed, his heart pounding in his chest. They found themselves in a cramped attic filled with dusty trunks and old clothes.

But they were safe, for the moment. They huddled together, listening to the guardsmen search for them below.

And they knew they would face whatever came next, as long as they were together.

Benjamin smiled and reached out, taking her hand.

Together, they rode off into the sunset, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As they caught their breath, Lily whispered, "Where are we?"

Benjamin looked around, trying to get his bearings. "I think we're in an old storage room," he said. "Maybe part of the inn's attic."

Lily nodded, her eyes adjusting to the dim light. "We need to find a way out of here," she said. "Those guards won't give up easily."

Benjamin nodded, his mind racing. "I saw a door on the other side of the room," he said. "Maybe it leads to a staircase or a hidden passage."

Lily's eyes sparkled with determination. "Let's go," she said.

They crept across the room, trying not to make a sound. Benjamin reached the door and slowly turned the handle.

To their surprise, it swung open easily, revealing a narrow staircase that led down into darkness.

"Ready?" Benjamin whispered.

Lily nodded, her heart pounding with excitement.

They descended the stairs, finding themselves in a hidden passageway. It twisted and turned, leading them deeper into the heart of the town.

Finally, they saw a glimmer of light ahead. A small door, slightly ajar.

Benjamin pushed it open, revealing a bustling market square. People milled about, going about their daily business.

Lily's eyes widened. "We did it," she whispered. "We're free."

Benjamin smiled, his eyes shining with love. "We're together," he said. "That's all that matters."

And with that, they stepped out into the sunlight, ready to face whatever lay ahead, as long as they were together.

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