Dun dun dunnnn...
THE FAERIES' RUIN…chapter 8
Setting: Hanso's chillin' in his dungeon cell.
Brynn: *runs in holding a book* Hanso! I think I've found something!
Hanso: The key to this cell, I hope. Ba-dum-cha!
Brynn: No, you idiot. I found a book!
Hanso: Who would've thought you'd find one of those in the Brightvale library?
Brynn: If you weren't behind those bars I'd smack you so hard with it you—*grumbles* Anyway, this book has a picture of the artifact you stole on it. See?
Hanso: *examines the book* That's not the artifact I st—er, liberated from Xandra. This thing is much bigger, much like my ego. Though I guess there's a resemblance? Can it reverse the spell?
Brynn: GEE HANSO, I DON'T KNOW. DO I LOOK LIKE THE RESIDENT ARTIFACT EXPERT TO YOU?
Hanso: I sense irritation in your voice, but I could be wrong.
Brynn: *snatches the book back* I don't know, you dummy. The text is unclear.
Hanso: So essentially Faerieland is just as doomed as it was before? Leave it to a woman to muck things up.
Brynn: At least I'm trying and not being a smartass!
Hanso: Hey! It's an endearing character trait!
Brynn: Ugh! So I think that artifact you sold to Nox might be part of this one, somehow. Maybe Xandra would know for sure. I should go find her—
*rude interruption of loud noises outside*
CHING KLANG CHING KLANG KLANG
Hanso: What's that?
Brynn: It sounds like an attack…
Hanso: In Brightvale? The land of books and stained glass? NO WAI.
Brynn: Honestly, I'm just as surprised as you are. o.o
Hanso: We fight now? :D
Brynn: There is no 'we,' Hanso. I need to go see what's happening. You stay here.
Hanso: But it's dangerous out there. Let me go with you and watch your back! …and your front. ;D
Brynn: I can take care of myself just fine, thanks. Stay here and guard the book. It's all you're really competent of at this point.
Hanso: Oh, I see how it is. I SEE HOW IT IS. Fine! Go! Just be careful, will you? No crazy heroics or something.
Brynn: Same to you.
Hanso: You know I'm no hero. I'm just a thief, remember? That's why I'm behind these bars.
Dungeon Cell: You know you like it.
Hanso: Better leave, Brynn, before it becomes any more apparent that I'm meant to be your obvious love interest.
Brynn: Eww, boys have cooties. *runs off to go battle*
Hanso: Well, looks like it's time to escape. 8D
(Six entire panels devoted to him making a makeshift lasso out of his belt, using it to retrieve his arm warmer, unrolling it to reveal a set of tools, and picking the lock. Awesome.)
Hanso: *hides behind a wall and yells out* Help! Guards!
Guards: Dur? *walk into the dungeon*
Hanso: *wedged between the ceiling rafters above them* SPIIIIIIIDER HANSO! *leaps down and clunks the guards' heads together*
Guards: *unsurprisingly knocked unconscious*
Hanso: Please understand, I hold you in the highest respe—wait huh?
Guards: *bear a striking resemblance to Guard #1 and #2 from previous chapters*
Hanso: Um…k nvm. *escapes to his freedom*
Chapter 8, end