The Scribe (2)

I wasn't sure if they meant for me to hear, but as their whispers pierced through the thin walls, I listened.

"There is a limit to what Verity can do Elder Ellyn, after all she is only a girl," Kjorn said, her voice a low hum.

Pickets of ash fell on my shoulder, and dissolved. The small thing wrapped around my neck, and crawled down my unbalanced body.

"Can't you help me or something," I whispered.

'I could,' he said, as it made a nest out of my head.

I sighed, before sweeping my head back to catch a glimpse of the chains. In the dark, I couldn't tell if the wires were actually loose or if my eyes were playing a trick on me. I reckon I would know for sure if I rattled the chains, but the last thing I needed was to alert the two women outside.

"No, there shouldn't be anyone who can disrupt her readings, not even a User," Ellyn said, "that thing is eating at The Crown's time and resources."

I paused.

"The Gilden have books now. They could've found methods—"

"That's enough Kjorn. They need you in Kelden."

She paced, and her voice was traded for the sound of boots. Instinctively I leaned in closer.

"…this could give us what we need to change the tides, to have full command again. I just need time."

Ellyn sniffled angrily. "Isn't that what we've given you. For weeks you've left the frontlines without a general Kjorn, for this rotten thing—a…a defect."

"It's not a defect Elder."

"I don't care what it is. My Authority is denied. I want you out of this swamp by sunrise..."

The sound of their footsteps grew fainter with each passing moment, but I couldn't afford to let my guard down, not yet.

I crouched low to the ground, pressing my back against the cold, hard wall. My heart was pounding in my chest, my breaths coming in short gasps as I prepared to make my move.

With all the strength I could muster, I raised my foot and brought it crashing down against the chain. A muffled thud echoed in the room, I listened for any sign that they'd heard me. When there was nothing I repeated the motion again and again, desperation fueling my movements.

Finally, with a metallic snap, the chain gave way.

I was free.

'See, you could do it all on your own.'

My heart is still pounding in my ears, and my head pulses. I have to go, they'll be back.

I imagine the hallways are dark and gloomy, the wood charred and burnt the same way. But before I get to it, before I can see, the door bursts open.

"Where's Mageldon, why isn't there anyone on watch?" Kjorn said.

I stepped back, tripping over the broken chain and falling to the ground. She followed, her sword held high and ready to strike.

In no time, there was a room of soldiers.

"Get her down to the dungeon with the other heathens."

"Please," I begged, "Just let me go. I'm not Gilden, I swear."

I could see the muscles in her arm tense. "The Elder seems to think so as well," she chuckled darkly. "But you see, I'm not convinced, they don't know what they're doing sending you to the ropes."

"The ropes?"

Her eyes like chips of ice, for the briefest moment flickered, and just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone.

But I knew what I had seen. Pity.