Chapter Six: The Escape
The two caravans moved on determined pace along the rocky ground. They were heading north to meet Nimros. It would be a week's worth of journey for all of them under the heat.
Reckan flipped the reins of his horse again when he noticed that the steeds were lagging behind from the first caravan.
Cantering beside him was Novan. He turned with curiosity. "You seldom ride with the caravan, Novan." Reckan openly observed.
"Aye, but this time it's different. I must deliver news personally to Nimros." Answered Novan as he took a sip of water from a goatskin water receptacle.
"You have seen him before?" Reckan have been wondering what Nimros looked like for none seemed to know or if they knew, they would not say of any description.
"Yes, I have." Novan caught his breath slightly as he stared ahead then eyed the other man in a sidelong glance. "And I suggest that you should not pursue any more of this little quest of finding his identity." Novan warned and soon trotted ahead to the first caravan. He left Reckan alone, only to make his own curiosity grew a little deeper. Reckan soon resolved in finding out more about Nimros and why he dealt with so many captives. It looked like that Nimros was building a kingdom of some sort. Quarrying at least was usually the known work over the plains.
When dusk arrived, the two caravans were arranged facing across the other and at the middle was a campfire for the captives and while several yards away was another campfire for the slave traders.
The prisoners again were led out from their wagon cages and liked before the main chain link was driven to the ground secured by the peg. They ate their scraps of food in silence while several of them that did not easily accept their situation; began devising a plan of escape. Leader of such mass departure is Vanmeare, Avalenne's younger brother, who will not stand just to be sold like senseless pigs in a market without a fight. With his fiery heart and mind, he managed to convince the other men.
Soon, ten able bodied men were ready when the time for escape drew near. Now, that they were out from the cages Vanmeare's problem of not being able to pass the word to the other captives was solved. The captives spoke in very low tones among themselves. Unknown to them, Brindor, a fellow captive has ideas to alert Reckan of Vanmeare's escape plans.
"Now, that we have told the others that we have plans to escape," said Gildon, a captive from Bree. "How are we going to achieved it?" lifting the thick chain that ran through the metal ring attached to the shackles that bounded his hands and continued to another metal ring found attached to his leg irons. This manner proves to limit all the captive's movements save for a few steps of walking. The leg space afforded by the irons was not wide enough for an individual to run.
"The only thing I can think of is to overpower Dollem," nodding towards the man sitting near the other campfire. "He keeps all the keys. We get him, we can unlock these chains."
Gildon looked at him in disbelief. "Vanmeare, you must have thought that there are many keys in Dollem's possession. How are we supposed to find the right keys for those ten locks? By the time we know one, we will be dead." He said in aghast.
Vanmeare gravely nodded as he saw his point. This was the part that he knew might fail but it was better to do something than nothing at all.
"If you have a better plan. Then we are willing to hear it.' Vanmeare invited kindly. "I know it does sound foolhardy, but it is only I can think off in such a short time. The way I see, we no longer have the chance to study our captors, to seek more ways of escaping from these dire straits we find ourselves in. I fear that as the journey lengthens our spirit will soon be broken." He told them in an even low tone. Silence surrounded them as they consider his words. Nearly half of them were already spent from the travel and more might expire before the journey was completed. Vanmeare glanced to his left and he noticed Lonielle shivered from the cold. She was not that much older than he was and she came from Lake Town, which lay east of the Misty Mountains.
"How are we going to make Dollem come over here?" Gildon's question brought him back to the task. The other man clearly wanted to know although he could see his uncertainty in his eyes and on the faces before him. Still, they were willing to take the chance if it worked.
Vanmeare was about to respond to Gildon's question when they heard Reckan call Dollem. The prisoners went silent and furtively glanced at the two slave drivers sitting several yards away of the campfire.
Reckan glanced from where he was sitting near the campfire and noticed the huddled position of the captives. This made him uneasy.
"Dollem," He called the man to his side. "Check the prisoners." Reckan nodded towards the captives. "I do not like it when they huddle very close." He said and the other man walked away.
"SIT APART!" Dollem yelled as he approached the prisoners. His hand readies at the hilt of his sword.
The prisoners looked up and glanced towards his direction with weary eyes.
"Sit apart, now!" Dollom voice rang out again.
Brindor, who was in the first caravan of prisoners, was about to stand up to call out Reckan's attention only managing a muffled offf when a prisoner hit him with a rock on the base of his head.
"That should silence you for a while Brindor," muttered the man. "We do not care for your kind, sly tongue." He spits the ground beside Brindor.
"Now, Vanmeare has nothing to worry about." The man said and caught a grateful nod from Avalenne who waited for the sign of the escape. She also told everyone ready.
Across them, the prisoners from the second caravan obediently moved away from each other while their faces carry one knowing look.
"What were you doing huddle close to one another?" He demanded as he leaned forward peering hard at the blank faces before him.
Vanmeare stilled his breath as he noticed Dollem's neck just inches above him. An idea came to him in a flash and set to work. He hoped Gildon thinks on his feet too.
"Gildon was merely showing us a magic trick he learned in Bree whence he came before getting captured." He sarcastically answered the man.
Gildon looked at him in shock but gave his best to remain unaffected by the statement.
Although Vanmeare's response prompted Dollem to kick him at the back that made the young man arched his body to the side. This was the distraction he needed and readied his chain.
"A magic trick?" Dollem repeated, curious. "Show me a magic trick" he told the man sitting across Vanmeare and leaned further so as not to miss it. Then Vanmeare made his move.
He threw the chains around Dollem's neck and pulled him over-forward before the man had the chance to react. Still clutching the chains as hard as he could, he cut the air by tightening the chains around Dollem's neck until he squirmed no longer.
"Gildon," Vanmeare rasped. " Quickly on your feet and pretend to be Dollem!"
"What!" The other man nearly shouted in shock.
"Stand up, Gildon now. Before our trick is gone." He desperately told the man.
Gildon followed and stood up facing the campfire! Vanmeare threw the master keys to Sirman, the first in the link and the other prisoner began working on his locks.
"No, not towards the campfire!" Vanmeare told him when he glanced up again.
Gildon quickly swiveled and breathed hard in panic. "For how long do I have to stand out here?" Worry etched in his voice. He did not want to be out in the open.
"We when get all our locks to open." Vanmeare said as a tinge of exasperation lined his voice as he finally unlocks his shackles and leg irons.
Reckan glanced over his shoulder, saw Dollem standing near the prisoners, and went back to talk to one of his men.
Five more shackles were unlocked with still more to go. Vanmeare adopted the plan, was when Sirman got hold of the keys; he would use one key first. When it unlocks his own shackles and the leg irons, he then pass the other keys to the next prisoners. If that key failed, he still has to pass it for the others to use until the rightful key and lock was a match. The process is continued until the all of them escape. Passing the key to the next group proved to be difficult since they were working in very poor lighting and if the one who receives the key was not keen enough then it will not bode well for them. Fortunately, Benthorb had sharp eyes. So now, the two groups steadily worked on unlocking their individual shackles and leg irons as fast as they could and as silent as they can.
Another click and Gildon's own fetters fell from his hands and feet.
"I am free?" He asked almost stupefied tone unbelieving that the harsh bonds were all gone.
"Yes, you are free." Vanmeare repeated to his friend as he smiled. He saw him wearing a delighted smile on his face. Three more fetters to unlock and it has become unnerving at most.
Vanmeare glanced at the other group and saw Avalenne's head bobbing in expectation for his signal. His sister held out both of her hands to count that there were ten more still bounded.
He could not explain it but he was half expecting Reckan to recall Dollem back any moment and then their escape would be for naught. He came close to even hearing Reckan's own footsteps approaching them. However, he stole another look over his shoulder and found that Reckan was deep in conversation with another man. He prayed to the deities watching over them to keep their captors occupied before they could be set free.
"Let's go," urged a free captive from Vanmeare's group.
"No, not yet," Vanmeare said firmly. "We have to wait. Ten more unlock fetters." He glared at the person who for a while has been challenging his decision.
"The longer we wait the chances for us to escape will be slim." The other rebutted.
"Listen to me," Vanmeare's tone was hard as he tried to restrain his anger. "My sister," grabbing him by his tattered tunic, "is in the other group and she has not freed herself and nine more from their group. We will leave together." With that, he let go of the man. He looked over Avalenne's group and this time she gave a signal that all of them were free.
This was the difficult part of the plan. He had not wished to be separated from his sister but it could not be help. Keeping a leveled gazed at his sister and she of him. Vanmeare gave the signal. The ground shook from the numerous feet fleeing away from the camp. Vanmeare ran towards his sister and caught her by the waist as the undulating force of three-dozen prisoners wanting only freedom swept them. All the captives sprang to their feet as if some hidden strength has been awakened.
The low rumble woke Reckan and several of his men up. Apparently, they all had dozed off and with the low light cast by the campfire; it gave their site a starker appearance than the previous hours ago.
Horses neighing and sounds of hooves beating the ground, took a while for Reckan's mind to register what was happening. Novan's clear angry voice jolted him to his feet.
"The prisoners! They are escaping!" He shouted so loud that his voice rang out several yards away.
Immediately, the other men ran after the prisoners under the light of the stars while others took out their bolas and hurled it to unsuspecting prisoners. They subsequently fell to the ground as the weapon entangled themselves to his feet.
Vanmeare and his sister frantically ran to a horse that was grazing near a tree but slowed to a walk this time. They had a chance to ride on a different horse a while ago had it not bolted away from them.
This time Vanmeare was trying not to loose this one. It had no saddle on but they had no choice but to try to ride the animal bareback, if it let them.
"Easy, friend." Vanmeare approached the horse while trying to gain the trust of the animal. When it remained munching the grass, he continued his approach and this time stroked the neck of the horse. "We would be honored if you will let us ride you." Vanmeare said in a way of asking permission to the horse. He had great respect for the horses for he and his sister were born of Rohan, the horse-country. Nevertheless, unlike the horses of that great region, this animal was slight than he would like though still looked sturdy and young on its own. The horse snorted in agreement, as he eyed his new master.
"Thank you, friend." Vanmeare whispered and vaulted on the horse's back. "Come," Vanmeare's voice was filled with urgency. "He will bear us," and bent low so that his sister could fully grab his arm. He hoisted her up and she sat behind him.
"We have no reins, Vanmeare," his sister said pausing to note this. "Nor saddle?"
"Aye, yet, we can still ride him. He is not skittish. Hold tight now," and when he felt his sister's hold around his waist tightened, he clutched lightly on the horse's mane and with a command the horse galloped with sheer power that was inherent in the animal.
"Do you know where you are going, Vanmeare?" Avalenne asked from behind after they have ridden in silence.
"I am following the stars home, sister." Vanmeare answered her. "But if it will calm your nerves, we will stop as soon we have put some distance away from our captors."
"I hope all them fared well." Avalenne whispered after a little while and Vanmeare knew whom she spoke of. He too hoped that the other prisoners escaped.
Back to the camp, five of the two-dozen captives were re-captured. Most of Reckan's horses seemed to have fled or were ridden away although, a good number of their animals returned to their former masters.
Novan took eight of his men to search for the wandering prisoners. Armed with torches which they help aloft they flanked each other for several yards. However, since the night has already deepened they could only searched for an hour at best before returning to their site. By the time they came back, they herded five more into the camp.
"Put them back to the cage," Novan ordered and scowled at the ten re- captured prisoners. "If it were left to me, I would have you starved for your insolence!" He pointed a wagging finger at them.
"As soon as day break arrives, we ride." Novan told his men.
The two caravans moved on determined pace along the rocky ground. They were heading north to meet Nimros. It would be a week's worth of journey for all of them under the heat.
Reckan flipped the reins of his horse again when he noticed that the steeds were lagging behind from the first caravan.
Cantering beside him was Novan. He turned with curiosity. "You seldom ride with the caravan, Novan." Reckan openly observed.
"Aye, but this time it's different. I must deliver news personally to Nimros." Answered Novan as he took a sip of water from a goatskin water receptacle.
"You have seen him before?" Reckan have been wondering what Nimros looked like for none seemed to know or if they knew, they would not say of any description.
"Yes, I have." Novan caught his breath slightly as he stared ahead then eyed the other man in a sidelong glance. "And I suggest that you should not pursue any more of this little quest of finding his identity." Novan warned and soon trotted ahead to the first caravan. He left Reckan alone, only to make his own curiosity grew a little deeper. Reckan soon resolved in finding out more about Nimros and why he dealt with so many captives. It looked like that Nimros was building a kingdom of some sort. Quarrying at least was usually the known work over the plains.
When dusk arrived, the two caravans were arranged facing across the other and at the middle was a campfire for the captives and while several yards away was another campfire for the slave traders.
The prisoners again were led out from their wagon cages and liked before the main chain link was driven to the ground secured by the peg. They ate their scraps of food in silence while several of them that did not easily accept their situation; began devising a plan of escape. Leader of such mass departure is Vanmeare, Avalenne's younger brother, who will not stand just to be sold like senseless pigs in a market without a fight. With his fiery heart and mind, he managed to convince the other men.
Soon, ten able bodied men were ready when the time for escape drew near. Now, that they were out from the cages Vanmeare's problem of not being able to pass the word to the other captives was solved. The captives spoke in very low tones among themselves. Unknown to them, Brindor, a fellow captive has ideas to alert Reckan of Vanmeare's escape plans.
"Now, that we have told the others that we have plans to escape," said Gildon, a captive from Bree. "How are we going to achieved it?" lifting the thick chain that ran through the metal ring attached to the shackles that bounded his hands and continued to another metal ring found attached to his leg irons. This manner proves to limit all the captive's movements save for a few steps of walking. The leg space afforded by the irons was not wide enough for an individual to run.
"The only thing I can think of is to overpower Dollem," nodding towards the man sitting near the other campfire. "He keeps all the keys. We get him, we can unlock these chains."
Gildon looked at him in disbelief. "Vanmeare, you must have thought that there are many keys in Dollem's possession. How are we supposed to find the right keys for those ten locks? By the time we know one, we will be dead." He said in aghast.
Vanmeare gravely nodded as he saw his point. This was the part that he knew might fail but it was better to do something than nothing at all.
"If you have a better plan. Then we are willing to hear it.' Vanmeare invited kindly. "I know it does sound foolhardy, but it is only I can think off in such a short time. The way I see, we no longer have the chance to study our captors, to seek more ways of escaping from these dire straits we find ourselves in. I fear that as the journey lengthens our spirit will soon be broken." He told them in an even low tone. Silence surrounded them as they consider his words. Nearly half of them were already spent from the travel and more might expire before the journey was completed. Vanmeare glanced to his left and he noticed Lonielle shivered from the cold. She was not that much older than he was and she came from Lake Town, which lay east of the Misty Mountains.
"How are we going to make Dollem come over here?" Gildon's question brought him back to the task. The other man clearly wanted to know although he could see his uncertainty in his eyes and on the faces before him. Still, they were willing to take the chance if it worked.
Vanmeare was about to respond to Gildon's question when they heard Reckan call Dollem. The prisoners went silent and furtively glanced at the two slave drivers sitting several yards away of the campfire.
Reckan glanced from where he was sitting near the campfire and noticed the huddled position of the captives. This made him uneasy.
"Dollem," He called the man to his side. "Check the prisoners." Reckan nodded towards the captives. "I do not like it when they huddle very close." He said and the other man walked away.
"SIT APART!" Dollem yelled as he approached the prisoners. His hand readies at the hilt of his sword.
The prisoners looked up and glanced towards his direction with weary eyes.
"Sit apart, now!" Dollom voice rang out again.
Brindor, who was in the first caravan of prisoners, was about to stand up to call out Reckan's attention only managing a muffled offf when a prisoner hit him with a rock on the base of his head.
"That should silence you for a while Brindor," muttered the man. "We do not care for your kind, sly tongue." He spits the ground beside Brindor.
"Now, Vanmeare has nothing to worry about." The man said and caught a grateful nod from Avalenne who waited for the sign of the escape. She also told everyone ready.
Across them, the prisoners from the second caravan obediently moved away from each other while their faces carry one knowing look.
"What were you doing huddle close to one another?" He demanded as he leaned forward peering hard at the blank faces before him.
Vanmeare stilled his breath as he noticed Dollem's neck just inches above him. An idea came to him in a flash and set to work. He hoped Gildon thinks on his feet too.
"Gildon was merely showing us a magic trick he learned in Bree whence he came before getting captured." He sarcastically answered the man.
Gildon looked at him in shock but gave his best to remain unaffected by the statement.
Although Vanmeare's response prompted Dollem to kick him at the back that made the young man arched his body to the side. This was the distraction he needed and readied his chain.
"A magic trick?" Dollem repeated, curious. "Show me a magic trick" he told the man sitting across Vanmeare and leaned further so as not to miss it. Then Vanmeare made his move.
He threw the chains around Dollem's neck and pulled him over-forward before the man had the chance to react. Still clutching the chains as hard as he could, he cut the air by tightening the chains around Dollem's neck until he squirmed no longer.
"Gildon," Vanmeare rasped. " Quickly on your feet and pretend to be Dollem!"
"What!" The other man nearly shouted in shock.
"Stand up, Gildon now. Before our trick is gone." He desperately told the man.
Gildon followed and stood up facing the campfire! Vanmeare threw the master keys to Sirman, the first in the link and the other prisoner began working on his locks.
"No, not towards the campfire!" Vanmeare told him when he glanced up again.
Gildon quickly swiveled and breathed hard in panic. "For how long do I have to stand out here?" Worry etched in his voice. He did not want to be out in the open.
"We when get all our locks to open." Vanmeare said as a tinge of exasperation lined his voice as he finally unlocks his shackles and leg irons.
Reckan glanced over his shoulder, saw Dollem standing near the prisoners, and went back to talk to one of his men.
Five more shackles were unlocked with still more to go. Vanmeare adopted the plan, was when Sirman got hold of the keys; he would use one key first. When it unlocks his own shackles and the leg irons, he then pass the other keys to the next prisoners. If that key failed, he still has to pass it for the others to use until the rightful key and lock was a match. The process is continued until the all of them escape. Passing the key to the next group proved to be difficult since they were working in very poor lighting and if the one who receives the key was not keen enough then it will not bode well for them. Fortunately, Benthorb had sharp eyes. So now, the two groups steadily worked on unlocking their individual shackles and leg irons as fast as they could and as silent as they can.
Another click and Gildon's own fetters fell from his hands and feet.
"I am free?" He asked almost stupefied tone unbelieving that the harsh bonds were all gone.
"Yes, you are free." Vanmeare repeated to his friend as he smiled. He saw him wearing a delighted smile on his face. Three more fetters to unlock and it has become unnerving at most.
Vanmeare glanced at the other group and saw Avalenne's head bobbing in expectation for his signal. His sister held out both of her hands to count that there were ten more still bounded.
He could not explain it but he was half expecting Reckan to recall Dollem back any moment and then their escape would be for naught. He came close to even hearing Reckan's own footsteps approaching them. However, he stole another look over his shoulder and found that Reckan was deep in conversation with another man. He prayed to the deities watching over them to keep their captors occupied before they could be set free.
"Let's go," urged a free captive from Vanmeare's group.
"No, not yet," Vanmeare said firmly. "We have to wait. Ten more unlock fetters." He glared at the person who for a while has been challenging his decision.
"The longer we wait the chances for us to escape will be slim." The other rebutted.
"Listen to me," Vanmeare's tone was hard as he tried to restrain his anger. "My sister," grabbing him by his tattered tunic, "is in the other group and she has not freed herself and nine more from their group. We will leave together." With that, he let go of the man. He looked over Avalenne's group and this time she gave a signal that all of them were free.
This was the difficult part of the plan. He had not wished to be separated from his sister but it could not be help. Keeping a leveled gazed at his sister and she of him. Vanmeare gave the signal. The ground shook from the numerous feet fleeing away from the camp. Vanmeare ran towards his sister and caught her by the waist as the undulating force of three-dozen prisoners wanting only freedom swept them. All the captives sprang to their feet as if some hidden strength has been awakened.
The low rumble woke Reckan and several of his men up. Apparently, they all had dozed off and with the low light cast by the campfire; it gave their site a starker appearance than the previous hours ago.
Horses neighing and sounds of hooves beating the ground, took a while for Reckan's mind to register what was happening. Novan's clear angry voice jolted him to his feet.
"The prisoners! They are escaping!" He shouted so loud that his voice rang out several yards away.
Immediately, the other men ran after the prisoners under the light of the stars while others took out their bolas and hurled it to unsuspecting prisoners. They subsequently fell to the ground as the weapon entangled themselves to his feet.
Vanmeare and his sister frantically ran to a horse that was grazing near a tree but slowed to a walk this time. They had a chance to ride on a different horse a while ago had it not bolted away from them.
This time Vanmeare was trying not to loose this one. It had no saddle on but they had no choice but to try to ride the animal bareback, if it let them.
"Easy, friend." Vanmeare approached the horse while trying to gain the trust of the animal. When it remained munching the grass, he continued his approach and this time stroked the neck of the horse. "We would be honored if you will let us ride you." Vanmeare said in a way of asking permission to the horse. He had great respect for the horses for he and his sister were born of Rohan, the horse-country. Nevertheless, unlike the horses of that great region, this animal was slight than he would like though still looked sturdy and young on its own. The horse snorted in agreement, as he eyed his new master.
"Thank you, friend." Vanmeare whispered and vaulted on the horse's back. "Come," Vanmeare's voice was filled with urgency. "He will bear us," and bent low so that his sister could fully grab his arm. He hoisted her up and she sat behind him.
"We have no reins, Vanmeare," his sister said pausing to note this. "Nor saddle?"
"Aye, yet, we can still ride him. He is not skittish. Hold tight now," and when he felt his sister's hold around his waist tightened, he clutched lightly on the horse's mane and with a command the horse galloped with sheer power that was inherent in the animal.
"Do you know where you are going, Vanmeare?" Avalenne asked from behind after they have ridden in silence.
"I am following the stars home, sister." Vanmeare answered her. "But if it will calm your nerves, we will stop as soon we have put some distance away from our captors."
"I hope all them fared well." Avalenne whispered after a little while and Vanmeare knew whom she spoke of. He too hoped that the other prisoners escaped.
Back to the camp, five of the two-dozen captives were re-captured. Most of Reckan's horses seemed to have fled or were ridden away although, a good number of their animals returned to their former masters.
Novan took eight of his men to search for the wandering prisoners. Armed with torches which they help aloft they flanked each other for several yards. However, since the night has already deepened they could only searched for an hour at best before returning to their site. By the time they came back, they herded five more into the camp.
"Put them back to the cage," Novan ordered and scowled at the ten re- captured prisoners. "If it were left to me, I would have you starved for your insolence!" He pointed a wagging finger at them.
"As soon as day break arrives, we ride." Novan told his men.