Chapter Thirteen
Hidden Under Steel
By the time Sir Kaden ventured down to the chamber where they had chained up Davion, the beast had changed back into a man again. Kaden had to wonder if the term "man" applied to Davion now.
He decided that it did not.
He had been down to that cavern himself. He had seen the corpses.
Slyrak had been there.
At first, Kaden had been disappointed. He had wanted to face Slyrak himself and make him pay for what he had done. Even if he had migrated to another avatar, it would have been worth it.
But Kaden had realised that something was wrong as soon as he had approached the cold body of the Eldwurm.
Upon his return to Weiß Wache, Kaden had spent hours in the archives searching for answers to his questions. He had found some obscure texts, so thick with dust they could have suffocated him. They had provided more questions than answers, but they had hinted at something. Something disturbing.
Then he had gone out and slain the ruby-scaled dragon, and then he had heard the news from Haupstadt.
He had realised the truth in that moment. Somehow, Slyrak had welded his soul to Davion's.
He was not sure why. When an Eldwurm's physical body died, its soul would travel into another suitable body. But the truth was that Kaden did not really care why this had happened.
He was going to put an end to it. That was all that mattered.
His arms held up by heavy chains, Davion knelt on the floor, partially suspended. They had also wrapped a length of chain around his legs. They had not bothered to clothe him, but his wounds had fused themselves shut after they had removed the barbed chains. That had been before he had reverted to human form, but the chains they were using were not made of just ordinary steel. These chains had been imbued with magic long ago, and their power was still potent. Even if he changed again, Davion would remain bound and helpless.
Kaden dragged a stool across the cold stones, placed it in front of Davion and sat down. His armour clanked and rustled as he moved. He looked into Davion's face, frowning.
Davion's eyes had returned to their normal dark brown hue. There was no trace of the elliptical dragon pupils he had possessed in his draconic form. He looked human, but Kaden knew that the dragon lurked within, waiting to attack, waiting to kill.
It would always be a part of Davion now, until the end of his days.
Kaden sighed. 'I am sorry that it has come to this.'
Davion grimaced. 'That makes two of us.' He groaned and screwed his eyes shut for a moment. 'What did you do with Marci and Mirana?'
'They're locked up in a cell.'
'They had nothing to do with... with whatever happened to me—whatever made me into this.'
'Apparently they witnessed your transformation outside of Haupstadt and went to the trouble of saving you. They both leapt to your defence when you changed in the hall.' Kaden shook his head. 'Admirable, but foolish. Despite everything, you know how to wrap women around your fingers, Davion.'
'It's not like that.' Davion muttered. 'What are you going to do with them?'
Kaden did not say anything for a long moment. 'Aren't you wondering what will happen to you?'
'I'd figured that out for myself.'
'You must understand, Davion. You cannot be allowed to exist.'
Davion sighed. 'I know, Kaden.'
'Do you?'
'When he took over again, I remembered who he was: Slyrak. The Eldwurm of fire. He's... inside me.'
'And you know what he did?'
'No. I could see bits and pieces—memories, I guess—but it wasn't clear.'
Kaden lifted a flask from his belt and briefly drank from it. 'When I was younger, I was sent with a battalion of Dragon Knights to a city far from here. We were sent there to defeat a dragon, one of the biggest ever seen.
It was glorious, Davion. I wish you could have seen it. There were men of races beyond counting among us. Our blades shone in the sunlight, flickering like flames of justice. The people of the city cheered when they saw us, threw bouquets of flowers at our feet, their bards began to compose songs for us even then, we were hailed as heroes. We were their saviours, Davion. They thought that they were saved.
And then he came: Slyrak. He destroyed everything. A city of thousands, a militia of hundreds, a battalion of Dragon Knights, none of it could stop him. Every time I close my eyes, I can see them burning. I can see the stones softening, steel melting and fusing into skin, bones turning to dust. In my dreams, I can still hear them screaming.'
Kaden paused to take a longer draw from his flask. 'Slyrak killed them all and destroyed the entire city. I was the only one to walk away. I'm sure you can imagine what I swore that day.'
'Yeah.' Davion spoke heavily. 'And now here I am, with his soul inside me. What are you waiting for, Kaden?'
'It's not as simple as that.'
'Ah. I get it. If you kill me, Slyrak moves on to another host.'
'No. He can't. A dragon is an empty vessel, a human is not.' Kaden frowned. 'You've studied Eldwurms, Davion. How often have they bonded their souls to a human's?' He did not wait for an answer. 'You're something new, Davion. We have to understand what has happened to you, so that it cannot happen again. You are an abomination.'
'I'm flattered.' Davion muttered. 'Listen, could you at least get me something to wear, Kaden? It's cold in here and...' He glanced down at himself. 'Well, I have a reputation to worry about.'
'I think that's the least of your problems.' Kaden held out the flask. Davion nodded and Kaden let him drink a little of the alcohol. 'We're going to have to examine you. You understand?'
'I think I need another drink.'
Kaden obliged before continuing. 'The scholars are preparing their tools as we speak. Vivisection.'
Davion sighed heavily and shook his head. 'Really? I know that I'm an abomination, Kaden, I know that. But couldn't you at least put me out of my misery before you cut me open?'
Kaden drank from the flask again. 'That would be fair, I suppose. You were a brother once, and a fine Dragon Knight.'
'And what about Marci and Mirana? They're not part of this. Will you let them go?'
'No.'
'What?'
Kaden reached into a pouch and drew out the eye-shaped amulet Marci had been wearing. 'Do you recognise this?'
Davion shook his head, the movement made his chains rattle. 'Should I?'
'Maybe.' Kaden held it up and peered at it. 'You know what's strange about them, Davion? They're wearing the colours of the Dark Moon Order. They have a night-beast. The older of the two, the one you called Mirana, has a bow blessed with the power of Selemene. But this amulet is not from the Nightsilver Woods. Do you know where it was made?'
Davion shook his head again.
'The Helio Imperium.'
Davion raised his eyebrows. 'Really?' He thought hard, his brow furrowing with intensity. 'I don't remember Marci wearing it when we first met. She must have picked it up in Haupstadt. Maybe she just liked it. It looks good on her.'
'It's no mere trinket. There is magic bound in this amulet. But I suspect you already knew that.'
'It glows in the dark. So does my shard.'
'Amulets such as these were worn by the members of a cult. A cult which apparently worshipped dragons.' Kaden let that sink in before he continued. 'And I saw what your friend is capable of. Even before that, rumours from Haupstadt spoke of a woman with inhuman strength—a woman who answers to the description of your friend.'
'Kaden, you know that there are people out there with unique powers. Apparently there's a woman from Misrule who can set fire to things on a whim. Mirana has magic of some kind. She can use her bow to make a rain of arrows fall from the sky. Maybe Marci just has some sort of latent power too.'
'I think there's more to it than that. Why does she not speak?'
'She just doesn't. She's mute.' Davion sighed. 'I've seen some scars on her throat, old ones. Maybe she had an accident, or got attacked when she was younger. I don't know much about her past.' He lifted his head and, despite his position, glared at Kaden fiercely. 'Let them leave, Kaden. Let them go. They were just trying to help me. If you must know, I saved Marci's life on the way here. That's why she tried to defend me.'
'And her friend?'
'They're very close.'
Kaden stowed the amulet and his flask. 'I need to question them at the very least. I have no desire to hurt them, you know that. But I need answers.' He stood and moved to the heavy iron-studded door, taking the stool and leaving it against the wall. 'I am sorry, Brother. We will try to make it quick.'
Davion slumped as the door slammed behind Kaden. Dying did not bother him now. Perhaps it would be a relief not to have to worry about losing control again.
But he may have just robbed Marci and Mirana of their lives.
Marci was wondering about trying to break the lock on the door of her cell when he arrived. She jumped to her feet and glared at Kaden as he clanked into the room.
Kaden's bushy brows lifted minutely. 'I've been told that you are mute.'
Marci simply glowered at him.
Kaden glanced at Mirana, who he'd had locked in a separate cell. 'You're her friend. How do you communicate?'
'She doesn't want to talk to you.' Mirana stated flatly. 'Marci can be pretty stubborn, Sir Kaden. If she doesn't want to speak, I can't force her to. Nor do I want to.'
Kaden pulled Marci's amulet from his belt and held it up. 'Where did you get this?'
Marci kept her narrowed eyes fixed on his. If looks could inflict harm, Kaden would have been howling with pain.
'If you answer my questions, I will consider letting you go.'
Nothing but the same hostile glare.
Kaden sighed and looked to Mirana again. 'Do you know what this is?'
'It's just an amulet. We picked it up in Haupstadt. It acts like a compass.'
'A compass leading to what?'
Mirana's eyes flicked over to Marci, then she sighed. 'We are members of the Dark Moon Order.'
'Yes, I can tell from your clothing. But for all I know you might have stolen those clothes. They might be a disguise.'
'All I can tell you is that Selemene has charged us with a sacred duty. We were told that the amulet would guide us.'
Marci whistled to get her attention, then made a few signs.
'Now she speaks!' Kaden remarked. 'If that is how she speaks.'
'She wants to know what you're going to do with Davion.'
Kaden sighed and looked Marci in the eye. 'I'm sorry, but he cannot be allowed to live.'
Marci stepped forwards and placed her hands on the bars, her gaze more fierce than ever.
'I am sorry, truly.' Kaden stepped away, his face grave. 'Gaoler! Keep an eye on them. I will be back later.'
The gaoler nodded, keeping his beady eyes on his charges until Kaden left the chamber, slamming the door behind him. He was no Dragon Knight, and Marci couldn't help but wonder why they employed the pudgy man as a gaoler. These cells had no hope of holding a dragon.
Then again, she had seen Davion drink after slaying the earth dragon outside Barreltown. She supposed that some of his fellows could not hold their liquor as well as he could. These cells were likely used to house drunken Knights and insubordinate squires.
The gaoler chuckled at Marci. 'You don't talk much, do you?'
Marci fixed the gaoler with the same narrow glare she had inflicted on Kaden. She was wondering if she could draw him in closer, close enough to grab him and slam his head against the bars of the cell.
'What? Admiring me? Like what you see?' He ran his hands down his flabby sides and waggled his eyebrows.
No, she did not like what she saw. He had nothing on Davion. She snorted derisively, still trying to provoke a reaction.
'I think your friend is much better looking anyway.'
Marci sneered, lifted her hand and extended her middle finger.
Annoyed, the gaoler snatched a club from the table and stomped over. Marci braced herself. If he entered the cell, this would be much easier.
But at the last moment, the guard mastered his impulse. He had not seen Marci in action, but he had been warned that she was dangerous. He was under strict orders not to approach her.
He gave her a nasty leer. 'Nice try, little she-bitch. But I'm not that stupid. You'll get what's coming to you, mark my words.' He sauntered along towards Mirana's cell. 'I hope you're not planning anything, my dear.'
Mirana stepped forwards and leaned against the bars. Marci noticed how she angled her torso. Mirana was well aware of how appealing men found her, and she knew when to use that as an advantage. 'What would be the point? You're much too clever for us.'
Where Marci's insults had failed, Mirana's charm worked. The man was an idiot, just not in the way Marci had expected.
He moved in close to Mirana's cell. Unfortunately, he was out of Marci's reach.
'You're not too cold, are you, my dear?'
'No, no,' Mirana was managing to be charming whilst appearing subdued and fearful. 'What's going to happen to us?' She now put on a doe-eyed look which seemed to work wonders on their captor's lustful nature.
'Well,' the gaoler leaned on the bars adjacent to her. 'Sir Kaden wants to ask you some more questions later, that's all I know. After that, he'll probably send you on your way. Unless... you'd like to stay for a little while?'
'If we don't get locked up again, maybe.'
'Hmm. You'd be more than welcome to, far as I'm concerned.' He glanced over at Marci. 'Not so sure about your friend, though.' He cleared his throat. 'Sorry, my dear. Nature calls.' He turned away and made for a door further down.
Marci waited until it had closed, then counted ten seconds before making her move. The bars were thick and anchored into the stone, reinforced by three horizontal beams spaced between the floor and ceiling.
Bending them would be difficult, even for her. She had a full stomach, she was recovered and rested. Still, bending the bars would be a tall order.
She'd have better luck with the door.
Marci took up the narrow bench and positioned it against the door, with the legs between the bars, under one of the horizontal beams. If she got this right, she would be able to pop the hinges free and the door would fall away. Not subtle, but it seemed like the best option.
If she was wrong, she would break the bench. Not subtle either, but it was worth a try.
Mirana stopped her by jangling the keys she had lifted from the gaoler's belt. 'As impressive as that would be, I think that for this situation the simplest solution is the best solution.' She went through a couple of the keys without success before finding the right one. She unlocked her cell, then quickly released Marci.
Marci picked up the club from the table and weighed it in her hand. She had been counting, working within a rough estimate. He was later than she had expected, but he would be back soon.
When he returned, the gaoler did not even have time to see that his prisoners had escaped. Marci whacked him over the head before he could blink. She dragged him into one of the cells, tied him up, gagged him and locked the door.
Now came the tricky part: convincing Mirana to help her save Davion.
Marci whistled softly to get Mirana's attention. Mirana paused in examining the knife she had found. Marci trilled Davion's name and was about to explain her intent, but Mirana stopped her.
'I know.' Mirana told her. 'We're not leaving him behind.'
Marci was both surprised and grateful. She smiled at Mirana in response.
'This won't be easy, Marci. I hope you have a plan besides punching everything in our way.'
Marci shrugged. That had pretty much been her plan.
Mirana chortled quietly. 'I thought as much. Come on. We'll figure it out on the way.'
Luck was on their side for once. The next chamber they crept into was an armoury, and there was only one guard.
Since Marci knew that Davion would not want his fellow Knights slain, she decided not to kill him. She caught the man in a choke-hold and waited only until he was unconscious. They tied him up, knowing the risk. There was every chance he would awaken sooner than expected and somehow raise the alarm. But he was not really an enemy.
Mirana found a pair of Dragon Knight gambesons. Hers fit her well enough, Marci's was a little large. They also found some baggy breeches and pulled them over their leggings. The draconic components of a Dragon Knight's armour were unique to each Knight, but they still used plate and mail. Working together, the two of them tied and buckled various pieces of plate to the padded jackets.
Neither of them had ever worn full plate before, and were surprised at how much mobility it allowed. Nevertheless, the weight would slow Mirana down. For Marci, the problem was size. The stolen armour was much too large for her. It did not fit Mirana properly either. At the very least, it would hide the obvious unless somebody looked closely. Hopefully anybody who noticed Marci would assume she was a squire getting used to moving about in armour.
At least it was easier to bear than they had expected. Unlike a mail shirt, the burden of which bore down almost entirely on the shoulders, the weight of the plate armour was distributed across the body, making it easier to manage.
Like Mirana, Marci had buckled an arming sword about her waist. She did not need it, but it would help them to blend in. Mirana glanced warily at the gauntlets Marci was wearing, no doubt imagining how much damage she could do with steel plated fists.
Marci disliked the gauntlets though. She liked her hands to be free, her fingers more flexible. The gauntlets were, like the rest of the stolen plate, a poor fit. She liked the bracers though, and wondered if she should keep them.
Clanking awkwardly, the ill-fitting armour slapping against their bodies, they made their way through the armoury, putting down their visors as they went. This was also a first for them, and Marci managed to walk into a rack of swords almost immediately.
Davion might have been used to moving and fighting with his vision restricted to a narrow slit, Marci was not. She made a mental note to ditch the helmet if they ran into trouble.
She heard Mirana curse—something extremely rare for the Princess—and saw her briefly lift the visor. 'How did the legionnaires ever get anything done?'
Marci shrugged, her loose spaulders flapping.
There were fewer Knights in the hall now. Most of the people clearing away the remains of the feast and ambush were squires, too busy with their task to notice Marci and Mirana.
The two of them stuck to the side of the hall, remaining in the shadows and trying to move quietly.
'Why are we sneaking?' Mirana whispered. 'They can probably hear us miles away.'
Marci shrugged again. She had a point. Their armour was so loose it clanked with each movement. Even if it had been a proper fit, it still would have been noisy. Trying to sneak around would only attract attention.
They straightened their backs and moved quickly, trying to appear confident. They had no idea where they were going though.
Marci made the sign for going down. She thought that the safest place to hold Davion would be somewhere below the main hall. Mirana nodded in agreement, causing her visor to bounce. Marci reached over and tapped it, locking the pin into place.
It was strange having their heads encased like this. Apart from the slit in the visor, everything was dark and grim inside. The smell of metal filled their nostrils and their hearing was muffled by the thick arming caps between their heads and the steel.
The first door was a bust: it led to the kitchen. Mirana knew that Marci was concerned about Davion because she did not even attempt to pinch some food. They passed through barracks, training rooms, archives, all without any luck.
Marci sighed. Where hadn't they looked?
Mirana tapped her shoulder and indicated something with her head. Through the narrow visor, Marci saw a young man with unruly blond hair walking dejectedly but purposefully.
Davion's squire, Bram.
The two of them kept their distance as they followed him, hoping that he would lead them in the right direction. They moved carefully at first, trying to be stealthy, before remembering that trying to be subtle in plate was utterly pointless. They simply resorted to following him, hoping that he would not turn around.
Bram was so preoccupied that he failed to notice them at first, but even with his heavy heart he could not help but notice it: the persistent clanking of two heavily armoured people following him.
At least he had the good grace to wait until they entered an empty training room before confronting them.
When he turned, he first wondered why two Dragon Knights were following him. Then he wondered why their armour was such a bad fit.
Marci did not let him get any further. As Mirana closed and bolted the door, she grabbed Bram and shoved him against the wall. Though shocked, he still remained confused.
Bram stared at her, futilely trying to pull her arm away. It was then that he recognised the pale brown eyes looking out through the slit in the visor. 'You!'
Marci lifted her visor, her face drawn with determination. She did not need to say anything.
'You're trying to save Davi... that thing, aren't you?'
Marci scowled and nodded. She had to restrain herself from hitting him. How dare he call Davion a "thing"?
Bram looked into her eyes. She would not kill him, he knew that. At the same time, he could not help but continue to remember Davion as he had been. He had always been kind to Bram. Although Bram was just a mere squire, Davion had always treated him like an equal. He had been a friend. They had drunk together, and gone through a number of hangovers together too. Davion had patiently taught him how to wield a sword. He'd even gone to the trouble of giving Bram tips on how to impress women. He hadn't wanted him to feel left out.
No matter what Davion had become, he would still be a friend to Bram.
Bram sighed. 'Go out through the door at the end of this room. Go past the first four doors, take the next one on the left. It leads down to where they're keeping him. It won't be easy to free him. He's well guarded.'
Marci released him and, still giving him a reproachful glare, put a finger to her lips.
Bram nodded. He could not help them any further, but nor would he hinder them.
As they left him there, Marci spared him a grateful nod before lowering her visor once more. Following his directions, they avoided another patrol by pretending to inspect their swords, then descended into the bowels of the fortress. The air was becoming colder with every step.
It was as Marci had expected. Kaden had made a smart move.
If Davion had somehow broken out, it would have been hard for him to fight his way upwards through his fellow Knights. The narrow corridors would have made his transformation more of a hindrance than a help.
Marci knew that their escape was going to be difficult, but they had to try.
She owed Davion that much at least. Mirana was of the same mind. His efforts in saving Marci meant that she too was in his debt.
As Bram had warned them, there were two armoured guards standing guard outside Davion's prison.
But the advantage still remained with the two women. The guards were bored, cold and not expecting an attack from outside the cell. They did not even have their weapons in hand. Both were girded with swords, but one of them had left his halberd propped against the wall, the other had done the same with his shield. Both were muttering to each other.
'Now what?' Mirana whispered.
Marci stepped out of sight of the guards. She drew her stolen sword, then removed her helm.
'Oh.' Mirana understood at once. She drew her own sword. 'I'll keep watch.'
As soon as Marci rounded the corner, she lifted the helm. The guards noticed the movement and stopped talking. Their confusion did not last long, not when they realised that the person approaching clad in Dragon Knight plate was a woman.
The closest guard went for the halberd. Marci dealt with him first.
She hurled the helmet at him. It struck him in his armoured forehead, knocking him back into the wall. He slumped and slid down the wall, out cold. He would wake with a concussion and a terrible headache, but he would live.
The second guard wasted vital seconds trying to grab the shield. He should have drawn his sword instead. Marci ran at him, deliberately flanking rather than attacking head-on. She rammed the heel of her foot into the unprotected back of his knee, causing him to stumble and fall to his knees. Marci rendered him unconscious by slamming the pommel of her stolen sword into his helm. It was a good thing she was so strong, otherwise none of this would have worked.
Mirana backed around the corner when Marci whistled, still clutching the sword. 'That was quick.'
Marci wasted no time in snatching the key from one of the Knights. Quickly, she unlocked the door and wrenched it open.
Davion had heard the odd clangs and rustlings outside the cell, but nothing else had penetrated the thick oaken door. It therefore came as a shock when two people in poorly sized plate entered the frigid chamber. Two women.
Marci saw him and froze, eyes wide with shock. As his own heart soared at the sight of her, he also felt a little amusement as her cheeks reddened.
Davion mustered a smile. 'I did tell Kaden that it's cold in here.'
Mirana took in the sight and shook her head. 'Davion, how come you are always naked when we rescue you?'
'That's what's bothering you right now?'
Mirana noticed how Marci was gawping at him and nudged her. 'Marci! You can admire him later.'
Marci shook herself out of her daze, removed her gauntlets and approached Davion. She examined the chains and ran a hand over the links around his wrist. Despite everything he felt his pulse quicken as her warm fingers touched his skin.
'The chains are magical, Marci.' he told her. 'I can't break them, even if I change.'
'What about the key?' Mirana asked.
'No. The key you have just unlocks the door. Kaden's probably the only one who can release these chains.'
Davion was on his knees, making it easier for Marci to reach the chains. Could she break them? She was incredibly strong, and she was well fed now. But even these thick, enchanted chains were likely beyond her.
Marci frowned at the chains, then drew her stolen sword. She chose a spot, then swung the blade. It glanced off the chain with a shower of sparks. Davion heard a metallic tinkling and saw half of the blade come to rest against the wall. Marci stared at what remained of the sword, then dropped it, grimacing.
She paced for a few seconds, then made her decision. She took hold of one of the chains with both hands and began to pull. She was trying to tear it apart.
Though she made no sound, Davion could see her straining and could almost hear the effort she was making. Her teeth were gritted and her eyes screwed shut. If her knuckles had not been covered by yellowing bruises, they would have gone white by now.
'Marci! Stop!' Davion ordered. 'You can't break them! You're just going to hurt yourself!'
Marci was too stubborn for that, and too determined to save him. She continued to pull.
Davion opened his mouth to speak again, to tell her to leave him and save herself and Mirana.
Marci gasped, her arms trembling, her hands holding the chain. Two pieces of it.
Marci had managed to tear the magical chain apart. Davion and Mirana stared at her, eyes wide with amazement. Even Marci was startled.
Marci released the chain and approached the other one. This one took less time to break. Marci let the crushed links fall from her hands. Davion expected to see cuts on her palms. But her hands were undamaged, just lightly calloused as usual.
She darted behind him and he felt the chain about his legs unwinding. When Marci moved back into sight, he reached up and took her hand. 'Marci... thank you.'
Marci smiled, and he felt his spirits lift with that pretty smile.
He also noticed something new: tiny motes of golden light in her amber eyes. Even as he saw them, they faded away and her eyes returned to their usual pale brown hue.
Davion put it out of his mind. Maybe he was hallucinating. He had not drunk anything for hours.
Marci went away to help Mirana haul the unconscious guards into the cell. Davion stood with difficulty, his legs rubbery and numb. His shoulders ached from having his arms held up for so long. He shook his legs to try and regain the feeling. He could not afford to be dead weight. Marci could have carried him, but she would need her hands free if they had to fight.
Marci yanked a wineskin from the belt of one of the guards and took it to Davion. He smiled thankfully at her and drank, the flat wine working wonders on his dry throat.
'I think this man's armour might fit you, Davion.' Mirana announced. 'If we can avoid fighting, we might have a chance. All we have to do is reach Sagan and open the gates.'
'It won't be as simple as that.' Davion told her.
Marci put a hand on his arm and gazed into his eyes. He knew what she was telling him. We have to try.
Davion nodded. 'If we make it out of this, I will help you both. I will help you to finish your mission, whatever it may be. I swear it.'
'We'd be honoured, Davion. And with luck, the sage we're seeking will be of more help to you than Kaden.' Mirana set about removing the armour of one of the insensate Knights. 'But first, we need to get out of here. Marci, keep watch. Davion, give me a hand. Marci might be enjoying it, but for me the sight of you unclothed is becoming tedious.'
Davion chuckled gamely and set about helping her, not minding that Marci kept sneaking glances at him out of the corner of her eye. He had nothing left to hide from her, and in truth he did not want to hide anything from her either.
Getting out of the keep was going to be a challenge. He knew that. But whatever it took, he was going to make sure that his friends made it out in one piece. Even if it cost him his life.
My thanks to ShinigameNoKitsune209 for sending the idea of somebody trying to sneak around in plate armour my way, it's much appreciated, and funny to imagine.
