Delver Magic: Book 05 - Chain of Bargains by Jeff Inlo Page B

another
puzzle. Irritation assaulted her as she realized the incompetent guards of
Huntston knew more than she did. Worse, she couldn't understand why.
    Ryson agreed. The mystery
surrounding the valleys grew with every step of their exploration and it
suddenly appeared as if they were expected by those they came in secret to
question.
    "Yeah, they seemed to be very
careful about my sword."
    "Exactly. That fact bothers
me greatly. I understand you and your sword are becoming somewhat legendary,
but not many people know about all the sword's enchantments. Many know the
blade magnifies light when unsheathed, but how do these guards know about the
gift of insight the blade bestows on the holder? The station commander was very
clear on his order not to touch the handle. That means they know you are Ryson
Acumen, that you carry the Sword of Decree, and that the sword holds many
enchantments."
    She shook her head in disgust.
    "They were also aware that I
am an elf," she continued. "They are not wise enough to disarm
prisoners before traipsing through the town, and yet they are aware of things
they should not know."
    "So we're leaving?"
    "Immediately."
    The elf placed her hands together
at her chest and focused on her connection with the magical energy. The power
within her rushed around her wrists and a crackling green octagon formed at her
hands. She whispered words meant to direct the magic, to give the power at her
fingertips focus and purpose. As she did, the green light burst forward and
struck at the keyholes of three cell doors; hers, Ryson's, and the cell that
held their belongings. All three doors swung open.
    "That was fast," Ryson
noted.
    "They are simple locks. I
believe that these guards have very little experience with magic. That will
work to our favor in more than one regard."
    The elf raced down the
corridor—ignoring the other prisoners—to the iron doors that separated the
front lobby from the jail. She concentrated on the handles and cast another
spell. Again, the green magic shot into the keyhole, but this time the door did
not swing open.
    She returned quickly to Ryson, who
was gathering their belongings but had watched Holli's actions from a distance.
    "What did you do?"
    "A small magical barrier. It
will serve as a lock jam. Their keys will not turn the tumblers."
    "They're going to have a hard
time getting in here. They're not going to be able to smash through those
doors." Ryson then looked at those humans still in their cells. "What
about the other prisoners?"
    "Do not fear for them. They
will ignore us and they will not be isolated in here for long. The spell will
dissolve long before morning, but my guess is the guards will remove the doors
at the hinges when they realize they cannot enter. Still, it was a necessary
precaution. I want to ensure we had time to escape."
    "Good idea, but now how do we
get out?"
    "I intend on using that vent
shaft," Holli nodded upwards to a metal cylinder that cut through the
stone roof of the building. "I believe we both can fit through the
passage, though I will ask for your assistance in reaching the opening."
    Ryson looked into the dark passage
that led through the ceiling.
    "It's going to be a tight
fit, but we can make it." He then looked back to the elf. "Are you
going to be alright with that?"
    "I will be fine. Why do you
ask?"
    "Back in the hills, when we
were talking to the dwarf commander, you said you felt uncomfortable in
enclosed places. This is going to be about as enclosed as it gets."
    "Do not worry. I said that to
ensure we were kept near the entrance. I did not wish to be taken too far down
the tunnels. I have been living in human cities for quite some time now. I am
used to enclosures."
    "Ah, so that's it. I was wondering
about it when you said it. Well, we can fit, but I just need to get my sword
first. Can you help me with that lock, too?"
    "That was my intention."
    Holli moved swiftly to the cabinet
that held the Sword of Decree. She cast another