Chapter 3 - Escape

The Duke of Durren sat at a heavy oak desk. Candlelight jumped across his scarred face. He rolled a goblet of dark wine in one hand, the rings on his fingers clinking against the wood.

“The girl should be executed,” he said flat. “A traitor’s no use to me.”

Standing opposite him was a tall dark-elf woman. The same woman who had struck Alina. Her silver hair was tied back in a high ponytail. Her robes were neat and plain, not showy — but they had a cold kind of quality to them. She dipped her head slightly, a small smile at the corner of her mouth.

“My lord,” she said, voice smooth, “that’s a waste. Alina messed up, sure, but she’s not worthless. You can break and reshape people. Pressure does things.”

The Duke looked at her. “You think you can make something of her?”

Vaerina’s eyes were flat and clear. “Yes. If handled right. She’s worth more alive and remade than dead in the dirt.”

The Duke gave a short, humorless chuckle and set his goblet down. “You sound like you’ve already decided.”

“I’m offering options,” Vaerina said. “Keep her. I’ll make her serve.”

The Duke was silent for a long moment, then waved a hand. “Fine. Keep your apprentice. But one more failure and her blood will be on this floor — and on yours.”

Vaerina inclined her head. The smile didn’t leave her face.

***

“Hey, you!” a voice called out from behind them.

They turned. An armed guard was approaching, hand on the hilt of his sword.

His blade isn’t drawn. I can cover the distance if I move fast.

“Help me!” Alina rushed to the guard. “He forced me to come with him. He was going to make me a slave!”

She pressed her hands against his breastplate, voice trembling. “Please, help me!”

With an attractive woman unexpectedly clinging to him, the guard was thrown off for a moment. Alina seized the opportunity.

In that instant, Alina tugged at the hilt of his sword, pulling it halfway free before letting it clatter to the ground behind her.

“Hey!” The guard’s eyes widened in surprise. She dodged aside and crouched with hands covering her head.

Renji closed the distance in two strides and slammed a hand into the guard’s throat. The man gagged, doubling over — and Renji’s knee drove into his midsection, knocking the wind from him.

Renji slipped behind, arm locking tight around his throat. After a brief struggle, the guard went limp.

Renji eased him down, breathing steady.

Bloody hell, this woman… she’s dangerous in her own way.

Renji picked up the sword and crouched at the corner. His eyes fixed on a door further down the corridor.

“What are you doing?” Alina whispered as she got up from the crouch.

“Making sure he doesn’t have friends nearby that heard us. We’ll have to deal with anyone that comes out of that room to investigate.”

“I see,” she said in a low voice.

After several seconds with no sign of movement, Renji stood.

“You’re a dangerous woman.”

“I barely did anything,” Alina said, feigning innocence.

“Exactly,” Renji muttered.

“Never underestimate a woman’s cunning.” She winked and raised her index finger with a smirk.

“You are surprisingly cheerful for someone breaking out of prison.”

“Hmm… I wonder why. Maybe because I don’t feel so helpless with you here.” Her tone was thoughtful, a finger resting on her chin.

He removed a small bag filled with coins and a ring of keys from the guard.

“I am assuming this is money?” Renji showed Alina the bag.

“Yes, it is.” Alina nodded.

“That was pretty convincing, the acting earlier.”

She grinned sheepishly. “Wanted you to think I was useful. Didn’t want to be left behind.”

Renji exhaled as he pocketed the coin bag and keys. No map. No clue where I am. Just keep moving.

“We shouldn’t leave him here.” Renji dragged the guard around the corner towards the door he was watching earlier. He set him down next to the door.

Renji tried the door. Locked.

With the keys he got from the guard, he tried them one at a time. Success on the third key.

Sword in hand, Renji eased the door open and then swung it wide suddenly.

Empty. A storage room.

“Ah, there it is!” Alina exclaimed, rushing to a wooden staff topped with a gem-set hollow.

“That’s yours?” Renji asked, recalling the dark elf striking her.

“Yes. A gift from my teacher.” Relief softened her expression.

If her staff is here, maybe my gear too…

Renji searched the chests. In the third, he found it—his tactical kit, intact.

“I’m surprised they kept it all together,” he muttered.

“They probably had no idea what any of it was,” Alina said.

Renji pulled on his vest, fastening straps with practiced ease. Alina watched curiously, poking at clips and pouches.

He checked everything — good condition. He slid the guard’s sword and scabbard into his belt as well.

Alina handed him a cloak. “This will help us stay unnoticed.” She slipped one on herself.

Renji dragged the guard inside the room before gagging and tying him up with rope he found in the storage room. He’d wake eventually, but by then they’d be long gone.

They left the room and locked the door.

He looked at Alina. “Let’s get out of here.”

***

Alina led him through the estate.

At ground level she pointed. “That side door leads out. Past the lawn there’s a gate, then forest. If we reach the trees, we’ll be safe.”

Renji clicked his tongue. Daylight escape wasn’t ideal.

Sunlight streamed through high windows, telling him more time had passed than he’d realised.

They crept past a pair of servants and reached the door. Renji eased it open. The yard beyond was empty, though two guards stood at the fence, backs turned.

Renji raised his carbine, then hesitated. Too easy. Should I keep killing before I even understand where I am?

“Renji?” Alina whispered.

He exhaled, shaking the thought. “Stay close.”

They moved in a half-crouch across the lawn. Halfway to the gate, one of the guards turned. Renji fired twice, dropping him. The second guard shouted, stumbling back as rounds kicked up dirt at his feet. He bolted toward the mansion, alarm on his lips.

A bell clanged from within the estate.

“Move!” Renji grabbed Alina’s arm.

Arrows rained down from the rooftop. Renji dropped to a knee, firing short bursts. The return fire shattered stone near the parapets, forcing archers to duck back.

Alina raised her staff. A glowing circle formed, and a massive icicle blasted forth, slamming into the gate and shattering it in a spray of frost.

Renji froze for a heartbeat. Magic. Real magic.

Another arrow struck the dirt close by, snapping him back.

“Run!”

They sprinted for the wreckage. Renji turned long enough to fire covering shots, sending archers scrambling for cover.

Then Alina cried out and collapsed, an arrow piercing her calf.

“Damn it!” Renji cursed, scooping her into his arms. He carried her through the gate at a full sprint.

“Sorry… and thank you,” she gasped.

“No apology needed. Thank me after we’re safe and away.” With Alina in his arms, he kept moving.

They didn’t stop running until the forest swallowed them. Renji carried Alina as far as his legs would allow before the burning in his lungs forced him to slow. When he finally set her down beneath a tree, her face was pale, sweat clinging to her brow.

Too many questions unanswered. Given the surroundings, did I get thrown back in time? Is that even possible? Just need to focus on survival. One step at a time, for now.