''We should unlock their cells, too.'' I say to Aster, who immediately nods and walks towards the cell furthest in the back.
This creature has been here even longer than me. Centuries have passed since.
When I try the keys, they don't fit. Even Tuebor seems to tense. There is strange and old magic here, keeping this creature in.
The creature isn't visible. It seems to wear darkness like a cloak. I can only make out vague shapes in the shadows.
I raise my hand with Tuebor back and slam it into the lock. The lock's magic greedily gets sucked up by the dagger.
The door swings open, and the shadows move slowly towards the exit.
Aster stands slightly behind me, and I can feel its eyes flash to him. I take a step forward, shielding him from the strange shadow.
Maybe some creatures aren't meant to roam free. However, they should not be locked up either.
I can more feel it move than actually see it as the creature bows to us. A dark and cold wind spreads through the underground cells. I can only hope it will return from wherever it came from long ago, before causing the death of civilisation.
The shadows turn and move towards the big closed metal doors. It seems like it just passes through the door and disappears.
Aster lets out a breath and I relax a little more, too.
When we unleash the second prisoner, a phoenix that seems to have lost its splendid color in its feathers. It sweeps through the hall, slams open the doors, and vanishes as well.
When we release the third unknown creature with the keys, it doesn't follow the others to the exit, but walks over to my old cell where Chief now resides.
It stands in front of the vines and I'm not sure what it does, but something shifts in the air.
As the creature returns to walk past us, it says with a mischievous tone, ''They can never cut through those vines now.''
I grin as the third and last creature takes its leave.
Aster has remained quiet and observing with wide eyes the whole time. I turn to him and ask, ''You alright?''
His eyes find mine and he says with a smile, ''Let's get out of here already.''
I return the smile, and we walk through the exit. I'm not sure who disposed of the guards, but they all lie limp on the ground.
I kneel down and check their pulse. Weak, but beating.
''Just unconscious.'' I tell Aster as I stand up again.
I gesture for him to go up the dark stairs first. I look behind me to the cell where I have spent years rotting away.
As I turn to follow Aster up the stairs, a small smile appears on my lips.
I'm finally leaving. We're finally getting out of here.
YOU ARE READING
The Forest Behind Bars
FantasyAvery has been locked up for a long time now. Hurting both mentally and physically. But the arrival of a new prisoner gives her a chance at hope. Hope for escaping and a future. A chance at returning to her beloved forest.
