It took a moment for the cultists to react, but as the ritual was winding down one of them looked up to notice the now-flaming tree.  Her sudden shriek made the other cultist and the old man look up in surprise.  "The ritual's done anyway, start packing up and let's get out of here before someone else comes to investigate," he called out as he started grabbing his magical supplies.<br/><br/>In the confusion, it was easy for Lycoris's servant to come in and grab the ring without anyone noticing.  Once their supplies were packed and one of the cultists cut the ropes holding Alinia, they rushed off into the forest with the princess, leaving the former bodyguard to follow or leave if she wished... and giving the servant plenty of time to give her the ring.