Breaking Free (Plot 2.0)

[Lark]

Needless to say, their plans hadn't gone exactly to plan. He had had the key, he had been so ready, but almost instantly within the time that he had first tried to get the lock off, well it had proven to not work out so well. Not because it hadn't been the right set of keys, oh no it had been. However, the dimglow people that Tiberax had working for him had made too much noise checking out the cellars where the weapons were kept and the Weyr had doubled security, and apparently their efforts at finding him and Sayurith.

Which, unfortunately meant that Tiberax had done the same down wherever he was keeping A'mir and the Silverlight dragonet. So far they had been allowed to stay together though, and by count, and some carefully crafted "friendships" with a few sympathizing guards who were nice enough to answer a question here and there, the boy was able to understand it had been quite a while since they had first disappeared. To be exact, Sayurith was now about four and a half months, she had been much younger to start off with when they were first imprisoned...much younger.

The dragonet had been growing as well, which was part of the reason A'mir was aloud to stay with her. Was she stunted a bit due to not getting a lot to eat? Yes, and she was skinny to top it off, but she was fed well enough to keep her stomach from doing terrible things to itself. Her hide needed oiling constantly though, and A'mir was there to do his normal job as a weyrling, just Faranth knew how many feet under the earth. Currently the Silverlight was curled up in a corner of the larger cell they had placed them in, her slow breaths showing that she was asleep to anyone else besides the one bonded to her.

No, she wasn't asleep, A'mir knew that for definite. Sayurith hardly ever slept anymore except when exhaustion made her. Reaching out to run a gentle hand over her faintly glowing hide, the candlemarks sending light off of the contours of her body, A'mir took in a deep breath and nodded to himself. It's time, the guard hasn't come back in a while, and they haven't been so frequent for a long time. Taking the key from its hiding place among the cracks in the wall, A'mir slowly undid the latch that kept the chain around Sayurith's neck, having done his first.

Stretching out even more slowly, the dragonet tested the new freedom she had, coiling and uncoiling her body as she flicked open a wing. Crooning she put some weight on her healing leg. Yes, that had been the other major reason for them putting off their escape. After Tiberax and the others had come back after their failed mission, A'mir had been characteristically cocky, something that Tiberax hadn't taken well to. Sayurith had tried to defend Hers and ended up getting hurt instead. In the time the wound had healed alright, but there would be a scar there, and it was still painful to walk on.

I will be fine. Let's go...now.

Looking out the now unlocked cell door, A'mir breathed in a sigh of relief and beckoned for his lifemate to follow. Just be quiet, alright girl. The hiss from her wasn't what he expected though, and he turned around and widened his eyes in utter surprise. "K..Keira? ....and....what are you all....."

Keira looked back at the young rider she had befriended, shaking her head when she couldn't form any words. Hedara had called for her earlier in the day, finding out that the Midnightrider had been growing close to the weyrling before he disappeared. The meeting had been certain about one thing, she wasn't leaving the room where she had been called until she told everything she had to say. In the end she ended up spilling everything she did know, including where Tiberax was holding A'mir. She had felt aweful about it all, but what was she to do? Who could she have tried to tell when nothing was certain about how was for and against the Silverlights and those that sympathized with them?

Looking at the weyrling now though, the black haired girl could only fight back the guilty tears that threatened to spill over her lashes. "We're here to get you out....." That's all she could offer in way of trying to mend their broken bond, the despair written all over her face as she looked to the rest of the rescue group for further instruction. What else was she to do but just wait and see what was to happen? After all, they all needed to get out of here first, and then they could talk somewhere more comfortable. Somewhere with sunlight and food for the dragonet that looked like between warmed over.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

Rallisk did not like the light from the glows, but there wasn’t much, and she could smell and see another human, besides those that had left with her and Hers. “Rroooo,” she said, extending her neck to smell the new human and dragon, by way of greeting.

“Rallisk, leave them alone.”

Reluctantly, Rallisk pulled her head away and turned to regard Hers, who was standing to one side, looking around with an alert gaze that belied the relaxing light mellowness of his voice.

Despite having called Rallisk off, Rallin thought that, on the whole, the wher had saved them some time. Now she would recognize the rescuees as part of the group. In fact…

“Rallisk, guard,” Rallin said, still in his normal, mellow voice. Thinking back through the passageways they had taken to get down to where they were, he glanced at Sayurith again. “Is there another way out of here?” he asked Keira. They could probably get Sayurith through the passageways, but he wasn’t certain about one or two of them, and it would be better if they had larger passageways for taking the injured dragonet through.

Rallisk immediately moved closer to the new human, whom Hers wished her to guard. She tilted her head around, her huge, light-sensitive eyes whirling slowly as she looked for danger.

[Shoki]

Hedara's swept the area for danger first, but the hazel eyes finally settled on A'mir and Sayurith. Her shoulders lowered slightly, her features softening just a touch. Finally. She could not rest yet, they were not safe yet. However, since they were finally within reach she felt relieved. Now about keeping them safe. She was no healer but certainly there had been ill effects from their imprisonment. She wanted to get them back, quickly. Hedara was very conscious of the blade that rested on her left hip, but it remained there, untouched unless she was holding it steady and in control. She would get them back to the Weyr. The black watch-wher was a relief to have along, along with her handler. Still, she would be much more at ease when they were out of here.

"It would be well if we continue quickly. Remaining in one area for long will bring trouble." Hedara's words were even more roundabout then usual, and took a moment more thought then they usually did. She had consciously dropped the "s" sound from her words. Hissing on a word with an "s" sound was a great way to be overheard. She hardly expected that it would make any great difference, either they noticed them trying to get out with the Silverlight or they didn't. Still, her parent's lessons did not so easily fade for her. She was focused on the goal, even if there was a small ball of worry in the back of her brain.

Temperanth was really, really trying to not be worried. Hedara was around others and they would all protect Sayurith and hers. Nothing would go wrong. Nothing. She'd tell people this history turns from now, maybe with a little embellishment, despite Hedara. The Ice was away, no tunnel would fit her but those that her dragon ancestors had used as shelter in the north. So for now, she couldn't do anything but trust that hers could handle it. Temperanth grasped at her inner calm, and waited.

[Void]

He stood back a little ways from the weyrling and his dragon not wanting to add yet another person in the huddle around them. Besides he could better listen back through the hallway behind them that they had gone down. It was dark, and damp, and cold. The fact they had been stuck down here for months angered him even if he didn't personally know the boy it didn't matter to him. There were prices that had to be payed because of this.

Mine don't think so hard about that now. You need to pay attention. Veriths logic once again reminded him to put all his effort into watching and listening. He was good at it being a Watch for so long. Verith was with Temperanth watching from the outside and guarding the Queen should anything happen.

He focused on the dark walkway in front of him only paying attention to the weyrling and his dragon to make sure they were ok. Their condition just deepened the anger inside of him. He felt the bow he carried strung taught and read for use and a dagger on his hip, should everything go wrong.

[darkwanderer]

These hallways are like a maze Epsilith, are you sure they all came this way?
I am certain Se'KtMine, the other dragons have told me so
Se'Kt traced the gloomy passageways towards the cells without even a glow to guide him. It wouldn't do to be spotted by unfriendly eyes now, not when he had come so far. The young Weyrling and the Silverlight Dragonet were being held unfairly and by what he had discovered, severely mistreated. No, this sort of thing just would not do. A whisper of air carried the barest trace of a voice and Se'Kt froze to the spot. Before him lay three tunnels,
Se'KtMine, I believe you need the left tunnel offered Epsilith calmly,
Thank you
Se'Kt turned and headed down the left tunnel, trusting implicitly his Dragon's instincts. The whispers ahead grew louder, but Se'Kt misjudged just how close he was to the group. He rounded a corner and found a group of people gathered around an open cell door,
"So, you found them then?" Se'Kt asked calmly.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

Rallin glanced over at the sound of footfalls. He was already starting to tense when he recognized taller, brown-haired newcomer as Se’kt of Ice Epsilith. He nodded in response to the other man’s question, not wanting to make any more noise. He had no objections to adding another capable fighter to the team, particularly not one that came along with a King. After all, from the look of Sayurith’s leg, they might have to carry the Silverlight Weyrling out and back to the Weyr by straight flight, which would be made easier if there were more dragons around. Of course, for that, they had to get out of the tunnels.

((Ooc: this next part is best accompanied by the theme song from Jaws))

Kodax could hear voices up ahead, people were talking with the prisoner, people who weren’t supposed to be there. He hesitated, quickly debating the pros and cons of possible actions before retreating back down the tunnels. It didn’t matter what mood his Dad was in, his Dad had to be told, or his Dad would be in a truly horrible mood later.

[darkwanderer]

Se'Kt was certain he recognised some of the faces present, though in the gloom it was difficult to be certain. He read the body language of the Watch-Wher's Handler (Rallin was it?) and knew he would not be attacked for his intrusion. As he crept nearer he was certain it was Rallin who had beckoned him over and he stood beside the young man. In the cell was the Weyrling and his Silverlight. They were both in a shocking condition, underfed and mistreated. Se'Kt's angular jaw tightened and he looked to those others present. Hedara of Ice Queen Temperanth was present, equipped with a sword for battle. The Flame Rider was a man Se'Kt had not had much contact with, but he knew his name was Sk'ar,
He rides Flame Verith. He is with me now. The other Dragons seem troubled
No doubt they are expecting to be discovered at any moment. Please relay to me anything to other Dragons tell you Se'Kt asked his Ice King. The Dragon sent a wave of reassurance down their bond. Se'Kt felt for his short sword before he spoke quietly,
"What is our plan of escape?" he asked softly, mindful of how far sound had carried to him in these corridors.

[Shoki]

Hedara's hand reached for her sword before she recognized the rider the footsteps belonged to. Oh she was most certainly tense, though she didn't express it on her face. Her actions were loud enough. She pressed her lips together in a hard line, trying to asses things. The longer they stayed here, the more likely someone was to come. It grated on her. They had to move! The less time moving forward the more chance that they would have people on them and then it would get bad. Still, it wouldn't do to make a run for it. A'mir and Sayurith had to make it too. Sneaking around was kinda hard with a full grown wher and a silverlight weyrling, so it made things hard. So they had to move as fast as they could, as quiet as they could and get out of the tunnels. Once that was done, the larger dragons would have to help Sayurith away and then it was only a matter of getting everyone in the air.

Hazel eyes looked over at the Ice Rider as he spoke at what sort of plan they had. She was familiar enough with Se'kt to know that he was calculated, and a good thinker. It meant that if she had a plan, it would have to be a good one, and relatively sound. It did make her feel better to know someone else would be thinking things through. She pondered a moment more before speaking softly.

"If we do not know another way very well, it would be good to return the way we came promptly." Hedara thought things through quickly from a tactics stand point then motioned to Se'kt. "It would be well if we led, with Keira." She turned back to Sk'ar and eyed his bow before motioning to him. "You bring up the rear with Rallin. Everyone one remaining, in the middle." Sk'ar was really good with a bow, she just hoped that he wouldn't jump to it too soon. Still, she was half scared she would jump to it at a moments notice. The idea of physical harm to anyone made her jumpy and she would hate to have any one of the party hurt if she wasn't quick on the draw. She hoped it would not come to that. Still, the possibility was non-zero. She looked at everyone else and then turned to Keira. "Ready?" If there was another way, Keira could lead them but if not, back the way they came.

[Lark]

A'mir might have been overwhelmed with everyone that had shown up to help Sayurith and he...might being the key word, that is if it were not for him currently glaring at Keirah. The midnightrider looked at her feet, still ashamed for what she had done to someone she had called friend. Still, she had brought them all down here, surely that accounted for something right?!? The black haired rider looked up to the silverlight and her human, blue eyes hoping to find some sort of forgiveness and only seeing Sayurith's murderous gaze as she looked at those gathered around them, wary of any being a trader.

I want to get out of here....I've been in the dark far too long and you all have taken too long to come get us!

The young dragonet snapped her jaws at the Ice Queen's rider as she spoke to them all, her dark hide flashing silver in the glow of the nearby stones. Temperanth'sOwn, Mine and I will speak to you when we leave here....we are disappointed in your rule. No Queen should have allowed us to go missing for so long. There are so many here that you could have made talk, and yet you fancy yourself with other things no doubt! Hissing again the dragonet wrapped herself around A'mir who looked just as angered at the group that had found him as his dragon was.

"Let's get out of here." He nodded his head as Keirah sighed and waved the group on. "This way," her voice was light as she looked around for the tunnel that could lead them out, her feet moving toward the right. "It's not far, but we must move quickly...will she be able to walk?" Sayurith hissed at the young woman and snaked her tail around her injured leg. Let me deal with my injury traitor!

[Shoki]

There were some things best not said to Hedara. The very, very top of the list was saying that she did not do her best for those part of her Weyr. So a very quick, almost slurred together series of syllables, more uncomfortably sweet then loud jumped out of Hedara's mouth before anyone present, or Temperanth could slow it aimed directly at the Silverlight dragoness.

"I bid thee a very humble apology that I do not have feet quick enough nor mind that can hold enough intellect for your liking. Pray, would thee like I cut the hand of every mortal that dare not hold word with me and in that way block my effort? Do, tell me of your plan that will have information of every rider and folk in my fair Weyr. I would have every intention to implement it in the future. And if thee had the mind that I would have been better cutting into folk with a blade, do inform and I will, in every way, begin a path in that manner. I have not a moment that I am not reminded that many have a hate of me, if thee would, hate me," And here Hedara pointed. "That way."

[Lark]

You know nothing. I may be but a hatchling but I have been through far worse than you could ever think of. I do not know what I would have done in your place, nor what Mine would have done. All I know is because nothing was done we were left to rot here in this dungeon! Would you like to see what I have dealt with?!? Would you like to see the pain, the fear, the suffering?!? .....No....you would not want to see such a thing, and yet I will show you anyway.

The dragoness didn't wait for another moment, she couldn't, she wouldn't. How dare that human tell her that she did everything she could?!? How dare she! Sayurith was no longer hissing, and her posture had slumped as if she had aged turns, her eyes swirling grey and white, no longer tinged with red. Do you see? With those three words she sent everything from their encampment. The beating, the torture, the separation, the days where she had heard nothing from her rider and had thought herself so alone in this world. Nothing was done....but there will be revenge for what they have caused.

The words were dangerously calm, the red creeping back into Sayurith's eyes as she looked at Hedara.

[Shoki]

And her parents were right. Hedara did nothing. Her expression never even changed. Not until it was over. Every feeling and image washed over her. It was literally the cruelest thing that Sayurith could have done to Hedara and she showed no emotion. Even though she felt as though she was about to cry. Her aloof eyes tightened on the silverlight and she pointed again. This time not sickeningly sweet, the words had cold steel behind them. After all, if she was going to cry, she would do it privately, back in her room or she would die without ever shedding a tear. After all, after this, there was no way to stop her from bringing a blade out to every single person involved in this horrid affair.

"Hate me that way. If that will have an affair of trouble with you I will pull your hide out of this area with my own hand." She was not lying.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

This was not good. Rallin might have never busted a weyrling dragon out of a top-secret underground prison before, but he had helped get people out of cave-ins in the mines, and some things could be intuited from forty Turns of life. One of those was that it was best not to have arguments while still inside the secret prison of someone twisted enough to imprison a weyrling dragon and her rider.

He had to admit, he’d been scared the Silverlight weyrling was crazy when she attacked the Weyrwoman like that, but at least it seemed to have settled into a verbal dispute. Not that that was much better, but they didn’t need to do this mysterious Tiberax’s work for him.

He remained silent, simply moving into his position as a rear-guard and keeping an alert gaze on their surroundings. He signaled Rallisk to come join him, but to his surprise the Black wher ignored him, instead approaching the angry weyrling.

“Rrooo?” Rallisk asked, reaching out and touching the Silverlight’s shoulder with her nose. She stepped closer, seemingly trying to offer support. Or perhaps it was comfort. Either way, she was obviously trying.

——
Tiberax was mad. No scratch that, he was furious. How dare the Weyr invade his personal territory, and all for the sake of a begging, sniveling little boy!

“Get out there!” he snapped to several of his followers. “Get the traps ready! Block their paths! There’s only two exits down there.” He grabbed several hunting spears, and a sword, and strode out with one of the groups, the one going to the lower exit. He was going to kill the invaders. Every last one, just like he should have killed the boy.

[Lark]

......fine.

And with that the Silverlight shoved Hers out into the exit-tunnel without another word, just merely the agitated flick of her tail. A'mir looked over his shoulder at Hedara, finally apologizing for his bonded. "Sorry...she's in her teenager stage apparently." The end of his comment was punctuated by a frustrated hiss.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

Tivax had gotten used to the occasional burst of violent emotions in the two months it had been since his father’s friends had captured the weyrling Silverlight and her rider. He even knew the emotions weren’t his, though they had made eavesdropping on his father’s questioning of the Weyrling pair a little more… interesting… than it might otherwise have been. It wasn’t every day that he looked at his father and felt a desire to bite him into pieces. The desire to hit him, now that was a different story, but the sudden urge for blood… that, he had decided (later, when his head was clearer) must have been what the dragon was feeling. He wasn’t particularly surprised, therefore, by another burst of fury, irrational for him to be feeling, since he was on the outskirts of the cluster of buildings where everyone was living.

Hearing footsteps, he looked back over his shoulder, towards the center building. His little brother was standing there, bleating a tale to their father no doubt, for their father was right in front of Kodax, and, from what Tivax could see of his face, was furious. Abruptly, his father was demanding that the traps be manned and all the men nearby were grabbing weapons, dividing into two groups and racing off into the tunnels.

As soon as they had left, Tivax came racing up to Kodax, quite as though he’d been distant enough not to hear their father, and thus would need to be told what was going on. “Kodax, what’s happening?” he panted.

Kodax jumped a little, obviously he hadn’t expected his other older brother to turn up at all. “There were people talking to the prisoner, I think someone finally came to try and take him away,” he stammered, his eyes wide with his surprise at Tivax’s presence.

Tivax could still feel the dragon’s anger, and some of his own as well, but a sudden deep calmness had settled over him. His entire being had crystallized to a single core, and that core knew one thing: This was his chance. His chance to leave this unbearable place and people behind, forever.

Tivax nodded to his little brother, then pulled his sword off the weapon rack, grabbed a spear for good measure, and dashed off towards the lower exit, intending to intercept the group before they reached the first of the traps.

He wasn’t, quite, on time.

—
Rallin followed the rest of the group, walking just behind Sk’ar, so that Rallisk brought up the true rear of the party. Things were going along rather smoothly, until he stepped to one side when the tunnel widened out, so that Rallisk could come up beside him. One second the ground was there, the next it was not, and he was at the bottom of a pit, and had narrowly missed impaling himself on the stakes in the center.