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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Alcareru" data-source="post: 1308488" data-attributes="member: 14718">II. Plots and OathsThe four prisoners remained silent for a few minutes. It was Yalla who first broke the quiet."We need to get out of here. We have been in dire straights before Verrus, but I do not wish to die without a fight."Verrus nodded, gingerly touching his now swollen lip. "Agreed. But I cannot pick the lock. There is nothing here for me to work with. And even the northman cannot bend these bars. Let me think-there has to be a way."Emily thought for a moment. She realized she was sweating.  Turning away from the others, she clutched her hand to her breast she felt her heart racing. 'It is still there; they did not take it' she thought.Curiosity and fear ran through her mind. But finally she shook her head and faced the three men. "See here." she adressed them, trying to sound authoritative as possible," I have no idea how I came to be here. However, I may be able to help us leave this place. I do not know why you are here, but I shall need assisstance. But first I must know why are you here. The truth please."Verus grinned and laughed. "You can help us girl?" He laughed bitterly. "That I would like to see." He looked the girl over with a critical eye then shook his head."Alright I shall tell you. Yalla and myself have done many things in recent years. But by profession Yalla and I are thieves. A low profession I am sure, but in this world one must survive as best one can. For the last year or so we have been in the mountians with the mercenary companies and bandits that take refuge there. That was until our band was destroyed." Verrus lowered his head. "And now unless we find a way out, we shall be dead men."Grimir remained silent seated on the stone floor. Emily looked to him. "And you..sir?", she said hesitantly.The Northman ignored her. "I do not believe you have the ability to aid me. I see no reason to talk about what is not your business."Emily remained silent. Realizing what she must do, turned away from the men and reached down into her blouse. Beneath her underwear she retrieved the object she was after. Yalla and Verrus watched  and craned their necks to see what the strange woman was up to.Turning back she stood as straight as she could and began. "Now see here. I am no witch or spy or anything like that. I am a scholar-perhaps I am simply a talented amatuer. I am no tomb raider or thief. But.." she paused. "While investigating a tomb I found this in an ancient chamber." Emily held "this" up for all to see.She held a small bronze ring between her right thimb and forefinger. It was battered and dingy. Inscribed in the rings surface was the outline of a bird. "I have studied the tablets and runes of the crypt." Emily continued. "I know what this ring is. I can help you. I shall show you."Emily placed the ring upon her finger. Then silently she repeated the incanation she had learned. It was a simple one easy to remember. Slowly her image fluctuated and shimmered. It shrank before the gaze of the three prisoners in a ray of light. Quickly it took the shape of a bird- a falcon or eagle. The image solidified until standing before them was a eagle sized bird, golden feathered, whose edges seemed to be wrapped in flame.Grimir stood. "Ymir! The phoenix! The sign of Mitra. You are a sorceress- or priestess. Catallus was right about you."Yalla and Verrus looked at each other, quite shocked.The birds image  fluttered and the shape grew until again a young blonde haired woman stood before them."I cannot hold the form for very long." Emily explained. "And I cannot attempt it again for a while. But I should be small enough to slip through the bars and perhaps find something to help us get out, even the keys if I am fortunate."Grimir nodded. "Very well. For years I have been a member of the Vanir Guard, the Prince's household bodyguard. I know this citadel well. I can direct and guide you. But know you this." Grimir's voice lowered."I was wrongly imprisoned by the Prince. He has taken my honor from me and stolen my family weapon. If we escape here, I shall hunt him down and recover my sword before I leave. You may come with me and will guide you, this I swear. But I shall not leave this place until I have slain Septus and regained Wulfhere."Verrus grunted at Grimir's words before turning to the woman. "Well, Emily Brightwell. I know the city state of Karpasha but am ignortant of the citadel. Yalla and me would simply be thrashing around to dead ends. But I swear, thieves honor, to help you find a safe refuge if you get us out of this place, by Bel I swear it."Yalla nodded. "I too swear. I have no wish to die here without a chance. Release us and I will not desert you until we have left this place." Emily considered their words for a moment. "Very well then gentlemen, we have an agreement. And I shall hold you to your words."</blockquote>

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