A Tale Of Two Tieflings

Chapter 9 - A Second Chance

(... In which Valakas falls back on unhelpful vices, and begins a journey to truly become the man he wishes so much to be...)

There were other people in the neighbouring cells, I could hear them occasionally mumbling and shifting about, but I refused to interact with them. I didn't fancy being ridiculed by anyone who might know me as Valakas 'The Uncatchable' when they found out I had, in fact, been caught at last. I'd been here for a while, though I couldn't tell how long.

Footsteps approached, and I heard them stop outside my cell as I sat on the bedroll facing the corner, knees up and leaning against the wall with my eyes closed. I didn't open them to see who it was, those were not Elluin's recognisable light, clicking boots on the stone floor and I couldn't care any less as to who else it could be. They stood unmoving for a short time in the position where they had come to a stop, likely waiting for me to acknowledge whoever they were, but I remained still against the cold stone wall. Whoever it was didn't matter, it wouldn't change anything.

After hearing nothing for a while, there was a distinct metal click, a light tink sound against the stone floor, and a gentle rustle of paper, before I heard the footsteps then move away back down the hallway.

Things fell quiet again, and eventually I lifted my shoulder off of the wall, and turned to look at the door. It was open, and I could see a small scroll of papers on the floor tied with a blue satin ribbon.

Wait... My cell is unlocked?

I got to my feet slowly, still clutching the small box in my hand as I had done since it was thrown towards me, walking over to investigate the situation. The padlock was hanging loose, the barred iron door was slightly ajar, and as I moved closer I could see by the scroll a small iron key. That must have been the sound as it dropped to the floor, and I carefully pushed my cell open, stepping out and taking hold of the papers.

Upon undoing the ribbon, I realised with a quick skim that these were papers that lawfully verified the existence of Lord Archibald Montgomery VII, and I looked around. The person had already left though I had a fairly strong indication of who it had been.

Quickly, taking this as my second chance, I re-tied the papers together, tucked them under my arm, and began to make my way up the spiralling stone stairs out of the dungeon, listening carefully for any guards and keeping my barefooted steps as quiet as possible.

Upon reaching the top, the gate into the main barracks was also ajar, and I saw nobody in the room ahead. Did all the guards just disappear?

I heard laughter and singing in a room to my left, and as I crept stealthily across to the large desk stationed across from the exit, I glanced in to see what seemed to be all of the guards enjoying a draught of ale, while a familiar figure danced upon the table they were gathered around, drawing their eyes towards her.

Annie caught my gaze briefly and winked, making a dance move to indicate with her hands that I should keep moving, and keeping them all captivated as she sang her own rhythm to dance to.

Confused, but understanding that this was likely to be my one and only chance of escape, I continued on and exited the building, to find Harrowford standing outside.

"What... What is going on?"

He handed me my rucksack, along with a set of fine but practical clothing, which I slipped into immediately, glad to be in something so clean and comfortable. "I suggest you leave this city entirely." He spoke calmly, walking with me as we then left the barracks behind and moved away from the royal district, using side paths and shadowed building edges to avoid being seen by anyone. Harrowford clearly knew his way around. "It won't take them long after your friend Annie's kindly scheduled entertainment event comes to an end for them to realise you are gone. Those papers there should ensure you have proof of identity if ever questioned, and going forward I would recommend you find a reasonable and legal way to gain income on your travels."