Escape from the Wall, Take Two

Astra heard Clara say softly, "It will be all right, Nora. Breathe through your nose. You are not going to choke. Just don't try to spit or blow it out, and you will be fine."

She turned toward the shadows and saw Fred seated on the ground after he had been released, and said, "Astra, could you come over here? Fred, crawl into the shadows if you can, while you get the blood flowing back in your legs."

Astra rushed over and Clara grabbed the keys.

Clara then helped Nora back up. Nora was still woozy, confused, and did not resist as Clara took her hand and walked to Astra's fetters and bound her feet. Nora then started to thrash her arms , but Clara grabbed Nora's forearms and said, "Hush. Just be a good girl. I will tell you what you need to say when the bosses ask you what happened."

Clara then said, "Astra, could you do me a favor and help Nora with her cuffs? Try to be gentle."

Nora realized that she did not have a chance. As Astra cuffed her wrists, Nora's eyes started to well with tears in shock at the turn of events. Clara had never hinted at anything like this. She feared what would happen when she was found, and had to explain why the Princess and the man had escaped on her watch! She listened intently to Clara, hoping for an explanation, or some sort of lifeline.

"I need you to remember one thing. First, you only need to tell one lie to save yourself. I ambushed you. You were betrayed and not fooled. It will go much better on you if they believe that. Nod if you understand."

Nora nodded.

"Good. Other than that, do not lie to them, even if it seems that it might help you. Understood?"

Nora nodded.

Clara gave her a little pat on the shoulder. "I am sorry you got caught up in this. It will be awkward for you for a time, and there will be some punishment, but nothing that that won't heal. They are going to make me the example if they catch me. Can't be helped. Either way, I think that you will be OK."

Clara then turned to Astra and Fred. "How are are your legs, Fred?"

"I think that I will be able to walk now. We need to get going fast. Do you know the way out?"

"Yes, I know where we should go. Fred, do you mind picking up the basket and gourd, and guarding the rear? Astra, I need you take the keys and knife. I will lead, as I have an idea of where we need to go. Got that?"

Astra and Fred both assented. Clara looked at Nora one last time. "Oh, by the way, the Dragon or Dragixha may ask if Drusilla were involved. If it comes up, let them know that she was not. That might become important."

Fred's mind was whirring. He was free for now. He was not pleased at Clara giving him orders. It was impertinent for a mere mechanic, and a woman at that, to give him orders. It made it easier on him that Clara seemed to know what she was doing, and having lived here, she would have information about the Dragazons and Dragon that might be useful. Besides, he would have an opportunity to either take charge at an appropriate time if Clara faltered, or simply go back to Allaria if he could not impose his will.

Clara led them to

1. the path toward the kitchen (117543), sewing room, and eventually the Dragon's lair, which was beyond the place of punishment.
2. to the path toward the maze-like complex where Fred got lost (117189) earlier.

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