by Sarah Coley
Chapter 14
Eleanor could clearly say that she'd never been in a worse situation in her life. This beat the time she'd lost her bikini top in high school whilst swimming, and the spaghetti mess she'd found several bodies in a few years previous.
As she looked around the dank cell the three of them now called home, she couldn't think of anyway they'd be able to escape.
Eleanor’s instincts had told her not to listen to Astel, and not to be persuaded into following her on some fools errand. She should have taken the opportunity to leave Rogardium the night they'd first arrived and ignored Owen's enthusiasm. Instead, she was pretty sure that some time soon, they'd all be dead and their deaths would be for nothing.
The cell was what Eleanor considered to be a typical medieval dungeon should look like. It had solid, grey stone bricks from floor to ceiling with one small bared window facing the outside world on one wall, and large bars on the opposite wall facing the rest of the dungeon. The floor was covered in a thin layer of straw, and there was a small bucket in one corner which Eleanor presumed was their built in toilet facilities. The smell of dried blood and stale urine filled the room, and Eleanor wondered how many unsuspecting souls had met their demise in this dank pit of despair.
They were constantly checked on by passing guards, some she suspected of taking the opportunity of catching a glimpse of Brennus the famous outlaw and his band of rebels, and some that were actually doing their jobs.
Just out of view where the barracks that the guards stayed in when they were on duty. The occasional raised voice and shadow cast by guards catching a five minute break were often heard, and Eleanor knew that the entrance was never unattended.
“So, have you come up with a plan yet or are you planning on wearing a dint in the floor?” Eleanor asked Brennus whilst watching him impatiently pacing the cell back and forth.
“I'm thinking on it,” he replied without looking at anyone in particular.
“You said that the last time I asked you.”
“Then maybe you need to stop asking me and allow me time to think something up!” Brennus snapped in exasperation. “Anyway, I thought you were the smart one in all this.”
Eleanor let out a big sigh. “Well, thanks to your notoriety and charming persona, there are guards passing this stinking hole every five minutes to get a good look at you. We've been deliberately placed near to the barracks to prevent any form of escape through the main castle courtyard, and unless you can bend bars, there's no way of breaking out the window or doorway in time to avoid unwanted attention. I think that covers everything. Have I left anything out Owen?”
“Nope, I think you've covered everything."
Brennus rolled his eyes. “Well Astel's not going to do anything. She's too loyal to betray her King and it's too risky to attempt a break out when she needs the Kings aid to get her Prince back. We're on our own with this one. I should have known better than to trust her."
Owen carried on starring at the same spot he'd been absent mindfully fixed to since they'd arrived. The shock of what was happening mixed with the blatant fear of his impending mortality was etched on his face.
“Astel wouldn't just leave us here, and besides, we're too valuable to her to leave to die,” Owen added almost to himself.
“How do you figure that one out boy?” Brennus jested. “The only reason she brought the two of you along was because of some deranged idea that you were the answer to all our prayers. If the King doesn't support that notion then you’re nothing but a hindrance to her. As for me, she'd be better off with me dead and out of the picture.”
"Thanks for the positivity Brennus," Owen interjected.
“Maybe we should wait for nightfall. There'll be less guards hopefully, and it's easier under the cover of darkness. We just need a distraction. Judging by the suns orientation through that window, it can't be more that an hour away,” Eleanor replied, with a hint of fake enthusiasm. She hated seeing Owen this way and knew she needed to lift his spirits if he was going to think clearly.
“Exactly my thoughts. I'm thinking the boy and I get into a fight and get the guards in. Then you knock them out,” Brennus said.
Eleanor turned to Brennus in disgust. “ How is it you've survived this long with half cocked ideas like that. You two start fighting, there'll be three, four guard come busting through that door, and despite my ninja girl powers I can't take that many out on my own, plus it won't keep them distracted for long and will possibly result in you two getting unnecessarily beaten. Got that?"
“Mostly, a part from one thing,” Brennus replied.
“What's that?” Eleanor asked.
“What is a ninja?”
“Never mind,” Eleanor turned her attention back to her apprentice.
“Have you still got that annoying piece of stained glass you found at the site in Glastonbury?”
“The one you told me to get rid of? Yes,” Owen half smiled at her. “Let me guess, you want me to use the glass to create a concentrated point of heat that should set this hay on fire, thus creating a lengthily distraction?”
“Perfect Owen. I've taught you well but don't disobey my instructions again,” Eleanor responded with pride.
Brennus stood up with vigor. “ That's brilliant. Plus the smoke from the fire should give us some cover providing we don't breath it in.”
Eleanor looked up at Brennus with a straight face. "I'm glad you like it Brennus. Now, sit down before the next guard comes past and gets suspicious!”
It turned out that the hay was more moist than they'd first suspected, and it takes more practice to start a fire through this method than any of them had anticipated, especially when the window that provided light was so small and the sun was so low in the sky. Just when they'd all but given up hope of their plan working, tiny embers began to flicker in the pile of hay Owen had collected.
At first, they were so delicate, they flickered and moved, almost dancing in a retort, but within seconds the embers spread and smoke began to billow out of the tiny fire. Owen quickly threw more hay on to help it catch light whilst Brennus and Eleanor knelt down below the smoke level both to protect themselves and to prepare for the fight ahead.
Once lit Owen ran to the bars of the cell and yelled "FIRE FIRE!"
Within moments two guards appeared at the door, one impatiently fumbling with his keys trying to find the right one to get in, whilst the second was drawing his sword ready for any attack. They finally succeeded and barged in, deliberately knocking Owen over to prevent him from escape.
"What the hell happened?" The first guard accused whilst stamping on the quickly spreading flames.
"Dunno. It just caught and went up,” exclaimed Owen who was helping to douse the flames in an attempt to keep both guards full attention. Just as Eleanor was ready to pounce from the shadows, the second guard seemed to regain his senses.
"Hey. Where the other two go?"
Before either of the guards had a chance to react any further, Brennus and Eleanor pounced from their hiding places, each taking on a separate guard.
Brennus leapt onto the first guard, throwing him to the floor before bashing his head into the hard ground, knocking him senseless. Eleanor kicked the second guard in the back of his knee, throwing him to the ground before placing her knee on his neck, gradually cutting of his air supply. The fight was over in seconds.
"What now?" Owen asked over his shoulder whilst quickly putting the last of the fire out.
"Grab their uniforms, and you two put them on,” Eleanor replied,"You're going to escort me to the main castle by the Kings orders. Brennus, do you know a way out from here?"
"I've never been to this keep before. Outlaws tend to avoid Rogard as a general rule, but I've seen the inside of a dungeon enough times so it shouldn't be too hard to figure out."
"Why am I not filled with enthusiasm Brennus?" Owen retorted.
"Beats me. You should be grateful you've got such a celebrity for company,” Brennus replied
with a mocking smile.
"Will you two shut it and get changed. I need to dress these guards up in your clothes to make it look like we're still here,” Eleanor interrupted whilst dragging an unconscious guard across the floor by his foot.
It didn't take long before Brennus, Eleanor and Owen were racing down dark winding corridors, trying to find their escape. They'd passed the barracks without incident and now hastily traveled from one dark tunnel to another.
Everything from the floor to the ceiling was made of solid stone, with an occasional torch illuminating the claustrophobic darkness. Eleanor wondered how many people had been held down here and left to die. The horrors this place had seen must have seeped into the very fabric of this underground world, and the smell of rotting flesh mixed with human excrement was enough to make anyone throw up. It was easy to get lost and Eleanor began to wonder how vast the dungeons of Rogard were.
After what seemed like an eternity, they finally started to head upwards out of darkness. The floor began to slope towards the ground floor again, and Eleanor could smell the outside air. They just rounded a particularly sharp bend in the corridor when they heard the distinct sound of footsteps up ahead.
Chapter 15
"Get out of the light!" Brennus barked as a whisper whilst dragging Owen by the scruff of his neck into the safety of a nearby darkened alcove.
The sound of the foot steps, which had been distant to start with, were definitely growing louder. Whoever was approaching was near to them now. Within moments they would pass where the three of them now precariously hid, and Eleanor only hoped that they wouldn't look in their direction. Even in disguise, they didn't want to run into anyone for fear of being found out. They were severally outnumbered and wouldn't stand a chance against the knights of Rogard.
Whilst they waited in the dark, deciding how to act, no one dare speak for fear of being found, and Eleanor actually found herself holding her breath in anticipation. Shadows began to form on the opposite wall, dancing and flickering in the candlelight. There appeared to be only one person approaching, which the three of them could easily take if necessary, and with little chance of it alerting the rest of the keep.
Eleanor wasn't sure where her and Owen would go if the survived this. The thought of returning to Glastonbury, to her old life seemed somewhat distant and uninviting. Despite the dangers they had faced, for the first time in her life Eleanor felt alive, like she had meaning, but she decided to put these thoughts aside and focus on the situation at hand. The future was something she would worry about at a later date.
Brennus turned to look at both Owen and Eleanor before nodding and signaling them to walk ahead. Although no words had been spoken, the joint consensus was keeping the facade that they were guards escorting a prisoner. With any luck, the lone individual ahead wouldn't question their motives.
As they moved into the light of the next torch, Eleanor couldn't believe her eyes. From a small crevice in the side of one wall the imposing shadow emerged as Astel. Looking a bit disheveled and dusty, she was carrying a map in one hand and her glowing staff in the other. It was a relief to realise that the lone shadow they'd so feared had turned out to be a friendly face. She looked up, and for a second panic etched her face evolved into recognition as relief took its place.
"By the gods, how on earth did you get out of that cell? I'm so relieved to see you!" She was smiling as she hugged both Owen and Eleanor, ignoring Brennus completely.
"What are you doing here Astel?" Owen responded.1 "You could be caught. Please don't tell me you'd risk a rescue on your own?”
"More likely she's come to give her farewells before returning to her old life. Just few more lives in the pursuit of an insane king’s wishes. Isn't that right mage?" Brennus responded angrily.
"Actually Brennus, despite what you think of my intentions, I came to help you escape. You are in this situation because of me and I had to make it right. Plus, with Elian gone, the King has descended into unreasonable madness. He would have followed through with his threat of execution, and I would have been the next one to the scaffold once I was of no longer use to him. The King can no longer help us. We must proceed in finding the Prince on our own if Rogard is to stand a fighting chance."
Brennus rolled his eyes and had a look of murder on his face as he spoke. " Look witch. I only agreed to follow you in your little endeavor with the promise of payment, but all this has managed to achieve is getting us three arrested by a bastard of a mad King. I can't speak for these two, but once we get out of this hell hole, we're done!" It was clear that Brennus was venting his own anxiety and fear out on Astel, and Owen quickly leapt to the defense.
"Now wait a minute Brennus. That's hardy fair. Astel didn't know that the Prince had been captured when we went into that throne room or she would've reconsidered what she reported to him, and clearly had no idea that the king would react in such a brutal manner. Whatever has happened, we can't just abandon this now. If what she says is true, Rogardium needs Prince Elian to lead the people and give them hope. We need to help her get him back."
"The people of Rogard don't need a King to help us defend our land. We do it everyday because this is our home. The Prince is probably dead anyway if the Goblins decimated his camp. She deserves nothing from you. Nothing. If you choose to follow her then that's your own fault, but the high societies of this world look out for themselves and won't thank you for dying on some fools mission."
Eleanor was acutely aware that she would have to intervene quickly before the sound of four people arguing reverberated down the corridors and alerted the guards who by now must have seen the smoke from the fire and be searching for them.
"Look, whatever we may think of the situation, this is not the time to debate this. We're still stuck in Rogard with the danger of being caught and possibly killed at any minute. Now Astel clearly has a way of getting us out of here without having to go through the main keep, which I'd rather avoid, so I say we take it and discuss the morals of this whole thing later when we haven't got half the army of Rogard hunting for ours arses."
"Crudely put dear Eleanor but you are correct,” Astel half smiled whilst raising the map in her hand, "I found this map ages ago in the city archives and always though it might come in handy. It shows all the passages to and from the main keep. I found a hidden, forgotten passage just to the right behind the alcove just here which should bring us out on the far side of the city moat away from the guards watch. We have to hurry though. It will be dawn before long, and we don't want to still be around here debating what to do when the guards change over."
"Good,” Eleanor sighed with relief. It was the best news she'd had all night. "Are we ok with that boys? Brennus?"
"Well it doesn't look like I've got much of an option does it,” Brennus replied in a sulk.
"Thank you Eleanor,” Owen spouted, "I knew you'd agree with me."
"I'm not agreeing with anyone Owen. Astel told us she'd get us to Rogard to talk to the Prince. The Prince isn't here, and we're clearly not wanted, so as far as I can see there's no reason to stay. Once we're out of here and safe, we can all make our decisions of what to do next, but not a moment before. Astel, once out the city, where can we go?"
"The exit for this tunnel should bring us out beyond the sight of the city guards. It was used as an emergency exit in the early days of Rogardium. From there, we can head North, through the farmlands and the Northern forest a small clearing amongst the hills to the North, near the town of Brackon. We should be safe there. The town is well fortified to protect it against invasion from the North, and it's far enough away from Rogard that our faces won't arouse suspicion. The journey will take about a week if we stop at night only,” Astel rolled her map back up.
"Brackon, I know it well,” Brennus replied. “It’s near to where I grew up. It's a good place to head for. We can avoid the main roads easily, and there's plenty of safe places to camp on the way."
"Good, then we need to head out.” Eleanor fe
lt good being back in charge with a clear plan of action. "Astel, you take the lead. Brennus, you bring up the rear. Owen you're behind me and don't even think about arguing with me Owen!"
"And who made you the boss sweet Eleanor?" Brennus mocked.
"I've learnt it best not to argue with her,” Owen whispered in reply.
"Exactly right Owen. Now let's go!"
Getting from the tunnel to the outskirts of Rogard had proven easier than they’d expected. It clearly hadn't been used for a long time as they frequently had to clear thick cobwebs and fallen debris to make any progress. Despite this, they'd moved quickly in the dark, fearful of being heard from the streets above, and emerged just before noon the next day on a grass verge that was sheltered from view by thick trees on the far side of Rogards great moat.
From there they made their way steadily North towards the town of Brackon. Eleanor was constantly looking over her shoulder for fear of being caught. It wouldn't have taken long for their escape to be discovered, and no doubt there were guards searching for them right now, but the group kept mainly off the main roads, preferring the rugged landscape of firstly farm land, and then forested hills.
They made quick progress, staying away from civilized areas, and camping in remote corners of the countryside at night. As they traveled, Eleanor began to notice quite quickly that when they did have to use the roads, anyone they came across was heading South away from the Northern outposts. They never saw or met a single soul that was traveling North.
On the third day of their journey from Rogard, they skirted around the outskirts of what looked like a recently deserted village. Most possessions had been left, and their seemed to have been a hurried evacuation from the scattered farming tools and half open doors. Eleanor decided to encroach the subject with Astel after they'd camped that evening in a small clearing.
"Astel, I've not seen a single soul going North as we've been traveling towards Brackon, and then the village back there was completely deserted. You mentioned there was a growing threat from the Goblins of the North, but the people we've seen are desperate, carrying only what they need and moving quickly towards the South. If this was our Earth, I'd say war had not only threatened but broken out. What haven't you told us?"