The Black and Red Dragon

Chapter 6: Escaping Volantis

As I made my way to the back exit I carefully watch the area for any guards or passersby. As expected, the streets are fairly empty. The ceremony in honor of the Lord of Light did attract a lot of the people it seems.

Moving from shadow to shadow I slowly made my way to the door. I borrowed a small knife from Martin, it was mainly used for cutting ropes or other things that needed to be cut on a ship. It probably wouldn't be much use in a fight. Even so, it would make less noise than Blackfyre.

After a few nerve-wracking minutes, I finally arrived at the door and took the keys out. It took several tries to find the correct one but eventually, I got the door open. I slowly opened the door and peeked inside the room. The room was very large, on the left side there are many supplies, mainly food and decorations for the brothel, next to the supplies was a more closed-off area with clothing and mirrors. I think that is used by the slaves and whores to get ready for a "workday". The right side had a staircase going down to the lower floors. There is also a door at the far end but it looks to be closed for the moment.

I waited for a few seconds to see if any guards would enter or pass by, but I saw none. I enter the room and closed the door behind. I made sure the door was still open so I can easily get out with Martin's daughter, Ellisif.

The room is not well lit, only moonlight came into the room through the few windows that decorated the room. Going down the stairs was even more nerve-wracking because it made a creaking sound every time I placed my foot on it. I can only hope no one was near the stairs.

When I was far enough down the stairs I could see more of the floor where Ellisif is supposed to be. It is not a very large floor, only a corridor connected the stairs to several doors. Under the stairs was a small space, most likely used as a storage space. At each side of the corridor are three doors where the slaves must be kept and Ellisif should be in one of them. I hope so at least, she could be taken somewhere else entirely for all I know. The corridor was only lit with one torch near a guard that was sleeping and snoring. "Lucky break," I whisper to myself.

The guard at the end of the corridor could become a problem if not dealt with. The only thing I could think of is knocking him out. I don't want to kill him just because he was doing his job. Slowly I get in position and ready the knife. As I get in position I quickly struck him on the head with enough force to knock him out. The pommel connected with his head and he made a small grunt before collapsing in his chair. One problem dealt with, now to find Ellisif.

I walk to the nearest door. It was made of thick dark wood that would be hard to break. The lock looked like a standard lock but without a key, I could not get it open. Taking the keys out again I try the keys on the lock, but none of them fitted. I cursed mentally as I try to think of a solution. The first thing that comes to mind is picking the lock but even if I had the tools I don't know how to use them. I could try to find the key but I have no clue where it is. As I was pondering  on what to do, I heard voices coming through the floor from above. I cursed again. I try to find a hiding place in case they come down the stairs, and the only thing I could find was the small space under the stairs. Just enough space for one or two persons.

As I made my way to the hiding place, I remembered the unconscious guard at the table. I quickly turn around and dragged the guard with me towards the hiding place. I thanked all the gods that he wasn't wearing heavy armor. Although it was still strenuous to carry him all the way to the hiding space.
The voices grew louder and louder, and I heard the familiar creaking sound coming from the stairs. I prayed to all the gods that they won't find me.

After a few seconds, I see them walking down the stairs as I peered through the wooden steps. One had familiar clothing as the guard I knocked out. The other one looked like more of a businessperson. The owner most likely. I also noticed that the guard was carrying someone, unconscious most likely. It was hard to see who it might be.

"Curse this festival. If it wasn't for that she could have started tomorrow and finally make money for me." The businessperson said with an irritated voice. "Yes, Master Raz," the accompanying guard says. "She only needs the tattoo and then she won't be able to escape. At least not alive anyway," Master Raz says. They finally stopped facing the corridor. They had their backs towards me. I held my breath and watch them nervously. "Please, don't turn around" I mentally repeated to myself.

"Where is the guard?" Master Raz says while pointing towards the chair. "I don't know, master Raz. There should be one on duty now," the guard says while holding the unconscious girl in his arms. "I know that idiot, but where is he?!" Master Raz spit to the guard. "I don't know. I can look for him. If you want, Master Raz," the guard said. "Do that and bring him to me. Apparently, he needs another lesson before it can perform its duty. Put the girl in one of the rooms and then find that stupid guard and bring him to my... office." Master Raz says through gritted teeth. "Right away, Master Raz," the guard said.

"Shit... poor man" I mentally say while looking at the guard slumped against the wall. Master Raz angrily makes his way back up the stairs. The guard that came with him makes his way to one of the doors and started to unlock it. After unlocking it, he made his way inside with the girl.
While he was inside I quietly made my way to the open door and stand next to it. I readied the knife again to knock him out when he came back.

A few seconds later, I could hear him walking back to the corridor. As soon I saw his head I lunged at him with the pommel. He made a small noise in surprise when saw the knife coming towards him, but couldn't do much against it. With a small grunt, he fell to the floor unconscious. I quickly grabbed his keys and looked inside the open room.

The room was small and dirty. I see three girls looking in fear at me. The unconscious girl lay against a wall near the three girls. She looked like how Martin described Ellisif. I quickly walk towards her and pick her up. I turn to the three girls. "Look I can get you out of here. Just be as quiet as you can and follow my orders alright?" The three girls looked at me with a surprised look. All three nodded without hesitation.

I peeked out of the room to see if anything was coming towards us, but nothing was out of the ordinary. Well except for the unconscious guards. I was in front carrying Ellisif and the three girls followed close behind me. The room upstairs was unoccupied, thank the gods. I quickly walked towardsf the back door and it was, luckily, as I left it.

When outside I motioned to the girls to follow me towards the offloading point. I saw Martin nervously pacing in his boat. When he saw me, he quickly prepared the ship for take-off. I lay Ellisif comfortably on one of the benches and helped the three other girls into the boat. They were not dressed warmly. In order to give them some warmth, I put a large piece of canvas around them. At least I hope it does.

Martin looked at me with a puzzled expression when he saw the three other girls. I said that I will explain it later. Martin guided the boat out of Volantis towards the open sea. I sat in front of the ship and felt exhausted, but also very happy about the fact I saved some people from slavery.