Kiss of Death

Part 2

My plan is simple. Find a way into the castle and get Keegan and get back out. Execution might be a bit more complicated than I thought.

It doesn't take me long to get to the town surrounding the palace. When I got there I used what little money I had to rent an inn. The innkeeper looks at me with a strange grin.

I head up to my room and look around. There is a small cot in the corner of the dimly lit room. The smell of cigarettes and mold is in the air. The air is wet and cold, adding to the unpleasant aura of the room. I set my bag that contains two changes of clothes and a map of the castle on the nightstand by the door. I head over to the small window and open it. From the window i can see the palace.

After a few hours of reviewing the map I come up with a plan. Tonight I'll sneak out of the window and study the guard shift. I'll be back before the sun rises. 

I sneak out of the window and scale down the building. I find a tree to stake out in and scale it. I sit there for hours with my notebook taking note of the guard shifts and when the best time to sneak in would be. I see the sun begin to peak over the horizon and hurry back to my room.

I quietly crawl into my window and stand up and sigh. I didn't realize how tired I was.

"Well hello there." In the darkness of the room I make out the silhouettes of six men. 

"Who are you?" I call into the darkness trying to make my voice sound not as scared as I am.

A lantern is lit and the room is flooded with light. I see five men dressed in the official guard uniform. One of them is holding my maps of the castle. I know I'm done for. They'll take me in like they did with Keegan and my mom and sisters will starve. I chew the inside of my cheek awaiting punishment. The innkeeper stands in the doorway grinning.

"So, what's this map?" The guard with the map looks at me with questioning eyes.

"I came here to study the structure of the castle. I'm very interested in architecture." My mind races to come up with excuses.

"Well why are you sneaking in through your window?" He's smart. I don't like this.

"I was out for a walk and the innkeeper made me feel uncomfortable so I avoided him." I can't keep this up much longer.

"What's the notebook for?" Damn it, I knew I should've hid it somewhere.

"It's my sketchbook." I can see the plot holes forming in this. 

"So you went out in the middle of the night to sketch?" He knows I'm lying.

"Yes." I won't give up my act until absolutely necessary.

"Give me the book." He walks up to me and snatches the book. He towers over me and I sheepishly grin. 

He looks through the notebook, reading through my plan to rescue my brother. 

"Nice sketches." He shuts the notebook and turns around while giving his guards an order.

They rush towards me and handcuff me. I thrash and kick trying to free myself. The next thing I know the world is black.