Hello readers! A new chapter for you all! Hope you enjoyed the last chapter. Originally, this chapter was going to be part of the last one but I decided to split it. Special thanks to Waves-Of-Writing who has been commenting throughout my writing. I really appreciate suggestions and other ideas.
Chpt 5:Sophie paced in her small cell. She always knew Fintan was horrible, but torturing a child?! That was a new low for him. She continued pacing until she felt someone slip into her mind.
Are you alright? Fitz transmitted to her. She jumped in surprise.
How are you transmitting? I've been trying but something stops me. Sophie asked Fitz.
Really? I don't feel anything. Anyway, I thought we could try to escape. First I need to tell you and my dad what my plan is. You with me?
Yes, but you should tell Alden first. He'll need to know what we're planning as well. Sophie told Fitz.
Already on it. So, I was thinking that we could do the same thing Raven did with that hatch. If you put too much energy in the doors, they'll blow up just like the hatch did. Sophie, do you think you can do a read of the guard's minds to find out where the exit is? Because then we could sneak out. Fitz relayed his plans to Sophie and Alden. My dad says he thinks it'll work, what about you Sophie? He asked.
We should try to find Raven as well, I'm not leaving her here for the Neverseen to torture. Sophie added, Plus then she could help us escape. I bet she knows the exit too.
I don't know, my dad says it's a good idea but I'm still doubtful. Fitz transmitted.
How could you be doubtful?! Fintan threatened to burn her face if she didn't cooperate! Sophie was getting a little tired of Fitz's judging.
I know, but she's hiding something. I can tell. But we can bring her with us. Fitz agreed.
Great, shall we start now? Sophie asked.
Just try to be quiet. Fitz answered back. She crept up closer to the door and tried to listen for anything outside. Nothing. She backed up, took a deep breath, and concentrated.
She went for a brain push and focused until she could feel the energy building up. When she couldn't hold onto it any longer, she transferred the energy to the door.
The door cracked and collapsed, leaving her face to face with an astonished Neverseen guard. She lunged at the guard and clamped a hand over his mouth before he could call for help. Sophie dragged the guard into her cell and tied him up with some left-over rope. How ironic, that the Neverseen was tied up with his own rope by the prisoner he guarded.
Once she left the room, she tried to transmit again. She was surprised when she was able to with ease. It seemed that whatever had prevented her from transmitting before was only in her cell.
Fitz? Alden? Have either of you finished opening your cells? Sophie called out with her mind.
Yes, and I knocked out the guard as well. I'm just going to drag him in my cell and then I can help either of you if you're not done. Fitz replied, Can you read one of the guards minds and find out where Raven is? Or are you able to track her. I already tried but I don't feel anything.
I can't find anything either. It's like she's disappeared. Sophie frowned. 'Maybe it was possible that Raven couldn't be tracked like other elves? Was she even an elf?' Sophie pondered until a voice filled her head.
The exit is behind you, three rights and a left. Go quickly. They will find your friends soon if you don't leave. Raven's voice filled her head.
Where are you? I'm not leaving you here! Sophie asked.
There's no hope for me now. Get your friends and leave. I am at Fintan's mercy now. Raven replied, devoid of any hope of escape. Trust me, this isn't the first time I've angered him and it won't be the last.
No! I am not leaving you here with them. Just tell me where you are. Sophie pleaded.
Alright, fine. If it'll make you go faster. Straight ahead, two lefts, fifth door down at the dead end. But hurry, they've already gotten suspicious of something. Raven would've mentally sighed if she could.
Sophie hurried up and found Alden and Fitz. I know where Raven and the exit are. Follow me. Use only transmitting so we don't make as much noise. Fitz and Alden nodded.
Sophie followed her instructions, dodging guards when necessary. When she reached Raven's cell. She heard shouts and heavy footfalls. The trio ducked into the nearest room as a group of Neverseen ran by.
It looks like we've been discovered. Come on. Sophie scrambled across the hallway when the coast was clear.
"Raven?" Sophie called out quietly.
I'm in here. You'll have to destroy the door. Fintan has the keys to my cell now. I can try to help from in here. Raven's voice rang in her mind.
Sophie backed up and concentrated. The door cracked a little faster this time and Fitz removed the pieces. Raven was seated on a small military style cot. Her hands were bound in shackles.
"Raven, are you alright?" Alden approached her slowly. "We're going to get you out of here, do you know where the exit is?" Raven nodded and pointed to a wall.
It's on that side of the hideout. But first I need to get these shackles off, they'll make too much noise. Raven got off the cot and lifted the mattress off the ground. I made a hole in the cement once. I stashed the keys to my shackles there. I haven't tried to escape because then I would lose the only advantage I had. Raven pulled a key from under the mattress. She unlocked the shackles and stood up. Ok let's go. The exit is this way.
Raven crept out the door and looked out. She motioned for the rest to follow her. We'll need to go past the sleeping quarters so stay quiet. I'll fight for you if it comes to it. I've learned how to attack quietly as you well know. Raven's face was apologetic when she mentioned the attack. Sophie nodded and padded silently behind her.
They soon fell into routine; whenever a Neverseen saw them Raven would knock them out in a matter of seconds, Fitz and Alden would hide them while Sophie kept a lookout. Raven had just attacked another Neverseen when she transmitted.
We're getting close to the Neverseen's sleeping chambers. Most of them will be asleep, but be careful and stay quiet. The Neverseen know by now that you've escaped and will by more paranoid than usual. I'll make a distraction while you guys escape and then I'll follow you. Do you understand? Raven explained the plan and the others nodded. Alright, wait for my signal before you run for it. The exit is at the other end of this hall, you'll need a password to open the door. It changes every week and they never allow me to know it. Read the mind of the Neverseen at the exit. He's the one who opened the door last time so he should know it now.
With that, Raven ran out into the middle of the hallway, and signed frantically at the Neverseen gathering by sleeping chambers.
Raven's POV:
Raven signed at the Neverseen, 'I know where the prisoners are hiding. They asked me to go with them so I tricked them into thinking that I wanted to go. I told them to hide in the arena while I dealt with you. We need to go now while they're still in the arena.
Raven hoped her little distraction would prove enough for Alden, Fitz, and Sophie to get out. The Neverseen glared at her suspiciously before deciding that it would be best to take a look. He called some of the others to come with him to the arena. He nodded to Raven and she led the group of six away. This left the exit guarded by only three guards. Perfect.
She led them a little farther on so the fight wouldn't reach Sophie and the other two. Then she lunged at the first two behind her, they were to startled to react and were easily dealt with.
"It's a trap!" Yelled one of the Neverseen. The other three Neverseen quickly got over their shock and charged Raven. She punched the guy in the solar plexus and he collapsed. The others tried restraining her but she flared out her wings and they toppled backwards. She knocked them out while they were still on the ground in quick succession.
Since the hall wasn't wide enough for her to fly, she had to run back to the exit. The three Neverseen guards were unconscious sprawled on the floor. Sophie was typing in the code as Fitz and Alden protected her. Raven rushed over just as the door opened. Sophie quickly ran through, followed by Fitz. Alden motioned for her to go and she shot out like a cannon.
Hurry, they'll follow us. Sophie, if your abilities are like mine can you teleport yourselves somewhere safe? Sophie looked surprised that Raven knew that she could teleport but she nodded while running.
"We'll need to be somewhere high up though" Sophie told Raven.
There are some cliffs nearby. You'll be able to get away there. I can't go with you because the Neverseen can track me through my collar. Raven said, fully thinking she would stay behind.
"No, I'm not leaving you here. You can come with us, we'll find a way to get the collar off" Alden pleaded, he ducked under some branches and pulled them behind a tree.
There's no way to get the collar off. Its barbed on the inside. Raven explained.
"WHAT!?" Sophie, Fitz, and Alden looked horrified and appalled.
"That doesn't change the fact that you're still coming with us. It doesn't matter if they can track you. We're going to protect you" Sophie stated determinedly. She took Raven's hands. "Which way to the cliffs?" Sophie asked. Raven pointed east, the same way they had been running. They started running again, picking up their pace when they heard shouts behind them. The cliffs were soon visible up ahead.
"Prepare to jump!" Sophie shouted and dragged the four of them off the side of the cliff. She opened the portal and Raven was flooded with the familiar darkness of the ether. They appeared in front of a massive crystal castle.
"I sent us all to Everglen, it was the best place for now" Sophie commented. Raven just stared in awe at the gleaming structure. She was finally free! Alden was hugging Fitz and Sophie tightly. Raven smiled in what felt like the first time in months.
Sudden pain burst in waves from her collar. Raven let out a silent cry as she stumbled and collapsed. Fitz grabbed her arm to steady her but she barely felt it. Black spots danced across her vision. She couldn't breath. Raven recalled what one of the Neverseen had said to her before her mission. We can track you with the collar or poison you if necessary. There is no point in escape.
Poison, Raven was able to think before the darkness claimed her.