Abdication

On turn 1, don't run towards the crystal of knowledge; instead, go where the artifact is (in my case, someone was guarding a bow) and past the mercury mine towards the warmongers. Without red boots, you won't make it; you need green boots + logistics 3 – don't jump into the portal. If you go towards the crystal, they will catch up. On turn 2, jump into the portal and go to the Sanctuary.