Firefew Island: Unstable Atmosphere

Chapter Seven

It had gone wrong. Terribly wrong. He'd lost Altostratus; been disowned by his father; and now chained in a lonely prison; he had given up hope; he had lost. Carloa sat against the wall; his head buried in his hands as he sat alone. If I had killed her; I wouldn't have been in this mess. If I didn't; I never would've been able to see the bright side; Dragons aren't what we think they are. Carloa knew this wasn't his dragons fault. But he couldn't help but blame her; the inner turmoil was splitting his heart in half; shattering it into millions of pieces. Sorrow gripped his soul with a fierce grip; one he couldn't shake off. I need to find a way. I can't let her down again. The others might not be able to see the truth; but I can. Carloa balled his fists; standing up; and looking through the crack in the ceiling. The stone surrounding it seemed old and eroded; if he could find a weak point; perhaps he could break through? He couldn't get his hopes up; it would take ages to break through. And Altostratus didn't have ages. He had faith; faith in his companion. And faith was all he needed. he stuck his hand through the wall; gripping the stone; and heaved; his feet sliding backward as he pulled at the stone; his muscles complaining as he strained. He let go; tumbling back against the floor. Fail. Again. He caught his breath; trying again; this time planting his feet firmly against the wall; and pulled. Nothing. The stone wouldn't budge. He was to weak. Now would be the time that muscles would come in handy, gods! He complained; pulling harder. The corner crumpled; skittering across the floor as if it was attempting to escape itself. I suppose that's progress? Carloa was breathing heavily; letting go. His hands were screaming with pain and he examined them. Cuts; bruises; and splinters of rock covered his hands; and he spent a while picking the splinters of rock from his skin. He had to keep trying. If not for his own sake; then for Altostratus's. She wouldn't let him down. If this was going to work; he would have to meet her in the middle. Footsteps clanked towards his cell; and he quickly scooted over to conceal the hole; hands behind his back. The guard narrowed his gaze; his bushy beard twitching as he coughed. Look away...Go back! After a long moment; the guard snorted; turning his back; before returning to whence he came. Thank Thor! He knew it had been close; but the guard wasn't too bright. I can get her back. I have to get her back. He had to try. He owed it to her.