With sure movements the shorter man reached up and, using what looked to Sherlock's tired eyes like a hairpin, picked the locks on the manacles.

"Don't speak, there'll be time later." A soft voice whispered in his ear, and a hand rested on the side of his head. "Can you walk?"

Sherlock nodded, just as his knees gave way under him. A strong arm caught him and there was a short pause while Sherlock found his feet, then the soft voice asked again

"Can you walk?"

Straightening up and taking a tentative step, he looked down into the unseeing blue eyes, and feeling the hand once more on his head nodded, this time certain of his answer. A gleam of white teeth flashed in the gloom as his rescuer smiled and beckoned for him to follow.

Moving swiftly and silently the smaller man slipped away, Sherlock close on his heels, keeping close to the shadows by the walls. More than once Sherlock cursed his lack of a shirt or jacket as he grazed his arm and shoulder against jutting stonework.

He felt rather than saw his companion stop and press himself against the wall, and followed suit without question.

As the sound of patrolling thugs faded to the distance the voice whispered once more.

"Close your eyes, the sun's very bright."