Fleas - Songs of the Gnolls I

SHATTERED TIES 6.10

"Are you all going?"

"Yes, it is a matter of utmost importance, all the high-ranking knights, advisors, nobles, and others will attend. That's why I want you to stay, with so many nobles it would be difficult for me to defend you if the empress attacks you again."

Dannke left in a hurry, leaving the bag with the magic shell behind. Fleas hesitated whether he should steal it or even break it, but if he did, his master would be very angry with him.

He waited a few moments for the sound of footsteps to stop. He stuck his head out and sniffed in all directions. There was no sign of the humans. It must be true that most of them would go to that council. Then this was his chance. He took one of Dannke's cloaks, the darker one, and covered himself with it. In his belt he still carried the knife he had been given, and in his paws he had implanted the ability to make no sound. He slipped carefully through the corridors, descending deeper and deeper until he found the entrance to the dungeon. He put his ear to the door. Behind it was a guard. He heard it as he sat down, the sound of his weight on the damp wood. The door was outlined, slowly he opened it, always paying attention to the human. He still remembered the adjoining room, it was square, with four supporting pillars. To the right of the entrance were the guards, to the left were the keys. The darkness was his ally, for his senses were sharper than the human's. He watched the guard: he was alone, leaning back in his chair and drinking a bottle of some alcoholic beverage. He could wait for him to fall asleep, but he didn't know how long the meeting would last. If only he could sing... He decided to walk crouched and very carefully, moving only when the torchlight danced in the light breeze. He reached the first pillar and took cover behind it. The keys reflected the torchlight, as if inviting him to steal them. He walked calmly to the second pillar and hid. There were six rats in the room. Three of them lurked near the remains the guards had left behind. Two others were hiding in the gaps between the stone blocks. But the last one came closer and closer. Fleas couldn't stop it from squealing and fleeing at the sight of him, causing a commotion that even the most unsuspecting of humans would have heard. The guard rose, drew his sword, and approached slowly, insulting the rats for believing them guilty. Fleas' hands shook, he breathed with his mouth as wide open as possible to muffle the panting, and he fought with all his might not to urinate on himself. He could feel his bladder aching for sweet relief. As he passed between the two columns, he moved to the side and circled around the guard. He understood that there was no way he could escape him, even if he managed to find the keys. He drew the knife and completed the circle to get behind him.

"Meh, it ran away," he concluded, sheathing the sword.

He would turn around any moment! Fleas jumped at him and plunged the knife into his neck. It wasn't deep enough. The guard grabbed his arm and threw him aside, brought his hand to the wound, noticed the blood and stared at him, still in shock. His face grew angry, his hand reaching for the handle. It had to be now. He leapt forward, as if hunting a rabbit, and drove the knife hard into the eye. The guard screamed. Fleas stabbed at his neck again, harder this time. He could no longer scream, only gurgle. He fell backwards and rolled over a bit before dying. Fleas' heart couldn't fit between his ribs. He was salivating. The sticky blood between his fingers had awakened the wild part that had been dormant since he had crossed the Great Wall. He came to, grabbed the keys and opened the door to the cells and ran to the gnome. The slave jumped to the bars.

"It was you, I can't believe it! Hurry!"

Fleas tried two keys without success. His nerves made his hands shake. The third time he heard the click. The gnome came out and hugged him with what little strength he had left.

"Let's go, now!" Plead Fleas.

They flew up the stairs. The gnome had almost no energy left, but he drew the bit he needed in that hellish race against time. They reached the entrance to the gardens.

"Wait, Fleas. I can sneak out from here."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, don't worry. I know this castle very well. I was a servant here for a while, just before I was sold to a family of low nobility in the center of town. Near the well, there is a small opening covered by some bushes that leads to the old city sewers. From there, I can move about at will. Won't they suspect you?"

Fleas smiled.

-They think all I do is pee, have no fear. Besides, there's nothing to incriminate me."

"Before I go, tell me why."

"Well, I want to paint something that's real. I thought it was flowers, but now I know there's nothing more real than regaining freedom. I draw the beings I meet, and I didn't want to paint gray lines on your warm face."

"Then make sure no one sees it. By the way, my name is Pli. If we ever meet again, show me that painting."

Fleas ran back and entered the room, his hands still stained with blood. Before he could wipe himself, Dannke came in. He looked excited. Would he know what he had done?

"What's that?" He pointed at his hands.

"Oh, paint. I thought the flowers would look better red, but I was wrong."

He continued to wipe himself while asking Dannke what had happened.

"Madness. That's what happened. The gnome prisoner you befriended turned out to be a rebel leader. They have decided to prevent an uprising by killing all non-human slaves, starting with him. Your fur is bristly. Do not be afraid, go with Bekwin, he will protect you."

What had he done?