After the beating, Alastor closed his eyes, his mouth is moving as if he’s counting, the blood from his cheek stream down onto his jaw. He gasped for air and did widely expelling of air. The door opened and the elf carries tattered clothes that were fashioned into a bag. He scanned her and can’t see his sword. The wrinkles on her forehead form as his brows arched.

“I don’t see my sword. Where is it?”

“I don’t know, someone must’ve kept it.”

“That’s alright. All I need is a knife.”

“I have one here.”

“Good. Now, I want you to do something for me.”

“What is it?”

“I want you to use your magic to untie these chains.”

“What?”

“You’re not good at lying. I know you can use magic. Don’t ask. The other guard will come back here. He's gonna tell the others if he finds out.”

“Fine.”

She kneeled and place her hands on the chains. The chains began to chain their color and return to normal.

“What did you do?” Alastor asked.

“My spell will be in effect for a few minutes.”

Alastor gave her a confused look.

“You don’t want him to see you unshackled, now, don’t we?”

She hides the knife behind him.

“Wait, I forgot to tell you. This haven I’ve told you – is very far; you might need help. I know a guy, his name is Henrick. He’s stationed in Anargond, he will help you, just tell him the passcode, ‘Lie’ nest d’falcot.”

She nodded and hide the bag at the corner where the door can conceal it. Taking the stairs up outside the dungeon she was greeted by the lustful grin of the guard.

“What are you doing here?” He asked.

“I came because I was ordered to check his wounds.”

“He’s gonna be fine. However, I am not.”

“I guess we can treat that wound after you hear what will the prisoner say.”

“I’m afraid, his time has passed.”

“He’s now willing to comply. After all, the bearing and effort to make him talk, you’re just gonna stop now?”

“Alright. I’ll hear him. After that, let’s get on to business.”

She replied with a smile and proceeded outside. The guard head back to Alastor’s keep, he glowered at him and lashes. He walks to the desk and drank.

“The girl said that you’re gonna talk. I thought you’re gonna stick with that punk attitude. I guess you too have a limit.”

“I’m gonna lash your mouth from ear to ear.”

His cold voice sends a mocking chill to his back. He turned around and with his foot stead on the ground he earnestly observed him.

“Do you believe in god, boy?”

“I am afraid not, I don’t believe in any religion's gods, but I do believe that there is one. I am not a religious person.”

“Interesting. Well, you better pray. You might meet him soon enough.”

He came closer to him. His right hand grabbed the knife on his back as he kneels.

“Can you send my regards to him?”

“I don’t think heaven is my place.”

“Is that you admitting that you deny God?”

“No, what I’m saying is that I’m sinful.”

“Hm.” He chuckles. “Good for you.”

The knife unsheathed and swung it down to Alastor. As quick as a lightning, he shielded himself with the use of the chains that were unshackled, before he could react, Alastor pick up the knife bash it on top of his head down to his jaw. The blood slowly crept out to his lifeless body on the ground.

He didn’t waste time and wear his clothes that were left by that elf. He smelled it and it does not stink, or maybe it was just his mind playing on him.

And now, he has two knives playing in his hand. He casually walks out of the chamber and glances to the left and right. He chose to take the right path and when he finally caught a glimpse of light, he already knew it was the exit.

A shadow of a man outlines as Alastor approaches. Still, he nonchalantly dares to march forward, he didn’t even bother to hide his presence by silently walking and the guard was startled by it.

“Ish- someone there?” He babbly said.

He walks sluggishly as he turns and head lifted it was met by a knife flying inconceivably in the dark. His body falls onto the ground with a loud thump. He pulled the knife and carry the lifeless body to the empty chamber.

He can feel it, a sensation he long wanted to touch his skin. The cold wind brushes off his hair, his face graciously looked up to the moon as he walks outside. Just like what she said, there’s a lot of them. Their number is greater than he anticipated which is also based on the number of tents out there.

He turns his attention from the entrance to the upper part of the dungeon. It was the elf along with the children and Sherry. The chains that once shackled her leave a mark all over her body. Alastor beckoned to follow him discreetly on the bush.

They squat, hiding behind the tall bushes, and became wary of the surroundings.

“It seems that you’re right. They are having revelry.” Alastor prompted.

“It seems that they’re busy. Let’s go.” The elf said. She sounds impatient.

Alastor stopped her, “We can’t go out. There are monsters out there.”

“So, what will it be?” she gritted her teeth, “If we stay here which eventually and inevitably, they will be found us out and if we go out there with no weapon, we are still dead.”

“You need to be patient.”

“I am trying.”

Alastor looked at Sherry.

“Can you move?”

“Yes.” Sherry nodded.

“Good. Elf, do you know where they hide their weapon?”

“I know it’s one of their tents. I didn’t hear which one though.”

He looked at the surroundings, scanning if there’s an enemy. When he concludes that the perimeter is clear he decides to head out.

“Just wait here. I’m gonna head out.”

“Wait.” The elf stopped him. “I’ll help."

Even if he doesn’t want her help, there’s no time to argue. Sherry had noticed it and raised her voice.

“I’ll help. You’ve done enough for us. Let us do it.”

They exchange glances and Alastor nodded, agreeing.

“Be careful, okay.”