“On our way from Vernonia, I felt this powerful draw coming from the forest. I called a break, so I could find out what it was. I followed it and found the staff.”
“Was there anything with it?”
“I don’t think so, Ilena. I had to reach into some bushes to pull it out.”
“How did you know it was there?”
“I saw a light. When I reached in, the top was glowing. It dimmed once I pulled it free. I think it helped amplify and focus my power the last night. I’ve never felt such power even when using the Druid’s Egg or the bracelet you gave me.”
“I believe it simply enhances the power you possess. I felt it when we first met and it has only grown stronger.”
A high whistle sounded. Neither of us reacted in time. By the time I’d thrown up a shield, an arrow had sunk into Ilena.
“No!”
Instinctively, I caught Ilena’s sinking body with my left arm as I used the wand in my right to direct a bolt of energy at our assailant. Fury and fear coursed from me through the wand’s murky red light streaming from the head of the staff. An agonized scream sounded as I sent the flame zigzagging through the forest.
Two more screams sounded before I was satisfied all threats were silenced and drew the power back. I dropped the staff to hold Ilena with both arms as I eased her down and onto my lap. She was unconscious with a shiny black arrow protruding from her left side below her ribs.
A chill swept over me, seeing Ilena bleeding and so pale. I was afraid to cause more damage by removing the projectile. Carefully, I slipped my right arm under her knees, maneuvered to grab the staff and slowly stood. Cradling Ilena close to me, I walked as quickly as I could to court. Blood dripped…
*****************************************************
The squeal of a prison door opening sounded from the hall outside my cell. I heard a hoarse cry and the sound of a man being dragged into the hall. A guard yelled and the sound of a thump silenced the man. Heavy footsteps and dragging moved past my door. I waited until all was quiet.
“Andy, are you still there?” I asked my invisible audience. “Andy?”
The lack of response told me Andy had been taken. Absently, I scratched at the lice in my oily hair. The bracelet slid down my arm. Suddenly, I got angry.
I wasn’t going to sit here like a whipped dog, waiting to be slaughter by the queen. I used my anger to focus my power through the bracelet. The sigils shown brighter than it had earlier.
I pulled as much power as I could access and focused on the chains holding me. Beads of sweat popped across my forehead and my back. Black dots swam across my vision as I struggled to break my chains.
Finally, a sharp snap and the cuff on my right hand opened and dropped to my lap. Closing my eyes, I dug deep and heard the second hand restraint open. I shook it loose. With both hands freed, the power flowed easier and I soon broke the leg shackles.
I burned the ruins in each shackle while contemplating what to do next. I’d wanted to take Andy with me but prisoners often didn’t return after being taken. I couldn’t risk my chance hoping he’d be returned.
Slowly, I approached the cell door and reached out to ensure the hall was empty. Silvesto had taught me how to pick locks, so I used that knowledge to manipulate and open it with magic. I didn’t want my escape to be quickly discovered. Before leaving my prison, I weaved an illusion so it appeared I was sitting on the ledge with my head dropped in my hands.
I wove an illusion around myself before slowly opening the heavy door and stepping out. Closing the door, I turned right; the direction the guards always came from. My boots had been taken and the stone floor was cold, but my bare feet enabled me to walk noiselessly and quickly.
The hall opened into an empty central chamber. Empty shackles hung from the walls and dark stained table stood against one wall. Two more halls radiated out. I paused before taking the far right one.
I’d been almost unconscious when they’d drug me in, but felt sure that’s how I’d been brought in. I felt encouraged when I saw there were no cells along the wide hall but an open door almost at the end. I approached carefully and ducked low before peeking in. It appeared to be a storage room with plain wood wardrobes and a table bearing an ewer and cups.
I entered, closed and bolted the door. Quickly, I searched the wardrobes for clothes. I found cleans shirt and a hat. Removing my filthy shirt, I started to dip one of the clean shirts in the ewer, but paused. I filled the two cups, then dipped the shirt in and scrubbed the dirt off as best I could. Bending over, I poured the rest of the water over my head and tried to clean my hair.
I shook my head. I used another shirt to dry myself off before donning the new shirt. Searching through the other closets, I was surprised to find my boots and, more importantly, my wand. I’d figured some guard was wearing my boots.
After pulling my boots on, I searched but didn’t find my amulet. At least, I had my staff back. I drank both cups of water before shrugging into a long leather coat and pushing the hat down over my damp head.
I lay a hand flat on the door but didn’t sense anyone past it. Slowly, I opened it and left it open as I’d found it. It was harder to walk quietly with my boots but I hoped the guard’s coat and hat, along with a quick glamour I cast over myself would help me pass unchallenged.
I walked quickly to the closed door at the end of the hall. To my relief, it opened to the outside. I had to stop and greedily take deep gulps of the first fresh air I’d had in weeks.
That brief pause invigorated me as I surveyed the large open courtyard. Taking another invigorating deep breath, I walked quickly around the closest corner and straight into two guards!
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The Sigil of Sobek: Book 2 The Chronicles of Conran Page 26