Well, is everyone ready for Christmas? I am!! Here's the next chapter.
Chapter 47--Dwarven Loyalties
Jaisia was awoken by something clattering in the lock and stood-- watching. The door swung silently open. "What are you doing here?" she asked startled.
"No time for questions now. King Sarrin intends to have you both killed then blame it on Queen Jacinth. You have to get out now," Garian snapped. He handed Jaisia she and Legolas' packs and weapons. "Hurry before this stuff is discovered missing."
Jaisia took the packs and started to follow the Dwarf. Her hooves clattered loudly against the stone floor.
Garian stopped. "Wait here," he said. He went back into the room and came out with a blanket then tore off large pieces and wrapped Jaisia's hooves in them. "That should do it, the racket your hooves were making was going to draw attention. Let us go get the elf."
Jaisia followed the Dwarf to another room and waited while he picked the lock. The noise awoke Legolas as well. He was waiting when the door opened.
"Come on, there is no time to waste, we are all dead if we are caught," Garian said impatiently.
Jaisia handed Legolas his gear and explained what was going on as they followed the Dwarf through the hall.
"Centaur, can you handle stairs?" Garian asked.
"Yes if I go slowly," Jaisia said.
"Good then we can use the escape route I all ready had planned out," Garian said.
"Why are you doing this? Do you not owe loyalty to King Sarrin?" Legolas asked.
Garian stopped and caught Legolas' right hand then turned it over to reveal the Elf's scarred palm. "My first loyalty is to this and an axe brother who is in need of help," he said. He released his hand. "Now follow me and be as silent as you can be."
They moved through the halls silently. They had to duck into side halls several times to avoid patrolling guards, but they managed to remain unseen. Finally they came to a stairway leading down. "This leads into the cellar. It is the best way for you to escape, come on," Garian said, leading the way.
It was dark in the cellar and smelled foul. "Over here," Garian said. He went over to a back wall and pushed a rock. There was a soft click and a part of the wall swung open. "Go through here, you will emerge west of the city. Flee as fast as possible, they will start looking for you the minute they discover you are gone," he said.
"Thank you, but will you be safe?" Legolas asked.
"Yes, axe brother, Sarrin would not dare lay a hand on me or there would be trouble. He needs my people's crafts to outfit his soldiers," Garian said. "Do not leave without this. I took it from the audience chamber after Sarrin left." He handed Legolas the circlet. "This is yours-- given by your sworn brother and he had no right to it."
Legolas took it with a nod of thanks and followed Jaisia into the tunnel. There was a soft click as the secret door was closed tightly behind them.
There were torches lining the tunnel wall. Jaisia took one down and after some difficultly Legolas managed to light it. They headed slowly down the tunnel, hoping for the best.
"Are you going to be all right down here, little brother?" Jaisia asked. She knew how much Legolas hated to be underground.
"I will be better off down here then in that castle. Let us get out of here as fast as possible," Legolas said. He carefully rewrapped the circlet and returned it to his pack then slung it over his shoulder.
Jaisia nodded and increased her pace as much as possible. "We will be out of here very soon," she vowed.
"Luck be with you, axe brother," Garian muttered then left the cellar…..
Free at last!!! Want to see more of Garian? Let me know!! This will be the last update until after Christmas so happy Holidays everyone!!! R/R please!!!!!