Fred knew that his future was grim; the brigands had identified themselves
as Hindmen, followers of the Centuari that lived about the
Shreken. They used the Southern Caves only in dealing with smugglers and
the occasional Dragon-servants willing to make a deal. They did not stay
long within the Caves, and did not go deeply therein. The area they
occupied this day, including the cell, was not far from the Caves'
entrance, though Fred was not aware of this.
The guards chatted as if Fred were invisible, or dead. Fred wasn't sure if the latter would be his final reward for helping a "damsel in distress" or whether a ransom would be in order. But he knew that escape would be his best bet. He waited for a prime moment and found it when they chose to feed him. One guard opened the cell door with a plate of gruel. The other had a morningstar in his hand. Fred wore only his leather clothing, his armor and weapons and pack having been confiscated earlier. But Fred still had his brawn, his brains, and his valor. Fred lept at the man with the plate and grappled with him while the other entered the cell weapon-ready. Fred shoved his man against the other and both tumbled in confusion, he then ran out, shut the cell and locked it. He was free! But of course, with two hindmen yeeling, his freedom was not assured.
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