81 The third attempt to flee

Loud bells pealed from the centre of the kingdom, and upon hearing them, the other towers swiftly pulled their ropes, ringing their bells in response, calling for attention. The echoes of the bells reverberated throughout the area, putting everyone on high alert. 

"Is the kingdom under attack?!" questioned one of the men rushing through the streets, making haste towards his house. "What's happening?" 

"Something bad must have happened!" 

As one of the men turned his gaze towards the kingdom's entrance, he shouted, "The gates are not being closed! Maybe it isn't an attack!" But the people who turned to look in that direction noticed the guards assuming defensive positions as if to block the path.