If there were no guards then it meant something had happened to make the guards disappear or run away. The thought that there might be something out there mean enough to scare the guards away made her hot blood run cold with fear. The cowardly part of her wanted to suggest that they just stay right where they were until the situation clarified but she knew that wasn't going to happen.<br/><br/>She straightened her posture and lifted her chin in stubborn defiance, calling on every ounce of her father's blood to get her through this. She pictured his face in her mind, smiling and kind. She felt her fear fade as she thought of his quiet strength and proud determination. When she spoke her voice was calm and collected.<br/><br/>"We have no choice, we have to get out of this place. What ever is going on right now won't be nearly as bad as whatever they have planned for us. We'd better get started." She took a step toward the bed. "It will go faster if we do this together as quickly as possible."