By the time Sven arrived back at the prison area, he was completely out of breath. After knocking out Svith, he had only stopped a few times to hide from the searchers. The tunnels were teeming with them, as more and more Goblins were recruited.

I need to get out of this place, he realized. Maybe leave for a few years, come back once everyone’s forgotten about this. He yearned to run through the nearest exit, but something held him back. Malcolm. There was something about that wretched human that made him turn around.

He may be a filthy human, but right now, he’s the only one I can trust. Even Sven’s own Foot, the ones who had only months prior followed his every command, were against him . He couldn’t survive in the wilderness alone, and even if he made it to a town, purchasing (or stealing) provisions would be almost impossible.

So if he was leaving, it was going to be with Malcolm.

Arriving back at Malcolm’s cell, Sven caught sight of the guard who had let him in before. I wish I’d kept that rock, he realized. Of course he had his dagger, but he preferred not to use it. He scanned the floor ahead of him for weapons. Besides a few tiny pebbles, there was nothing useful.

To Sven’s surprise, the guard stepped aside as he approached. “Can’t say I ain’t surprised to see you back here so soon,” he said, waving to Sven. They must not have told him yet! Sven thought. The jail was in a remote corner of Toehalla; not a place that anyone would think to search.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“ Um… I just forgot somethin’.” Sven muttered. Once he was behind the Goblin, he struck, slamming his elbow into the guard’s neck, sending him straight into the ground. Sven couldn’t help but feel bad. Can’t have anyone suspecting he helped me get in here.

Roused by the commotion, Malcolm peered out of his cell. “Sven! What the hell are you doing!”

“Committin’ treason, I think.” Sven simply replied. “Now start pushin’ on these bars, like your life depends on it! Because, well, IT DOES!”

From outside the cell, Sven began yanking on the bars of the cell door. Understanding his plan, Malcolm joined in, throwing his weight into the steel door. The pair heaved, Malcolm’s face reddening with the effort. At first, nothing appeared to happen, but then the door creaked, and popped open as their combined force bent the thin steel latch.

The heavy gate fell to the ground with a crash that echoed through the tunnels with frightening volume.

“Come on.” Sven gasped between breathes. “They could be discoverin’ Svith’s body any second now, and you bet your toes I ain’t wantin’ to be here when they do.” He beckoned to Malcolm, and then scurried off towards the exit.

“Svith’s WHAT?” Malcolm stammered, chasing after the Goblin.

“Oh don’t be worryin’ human.” Sven replied, his yellowed teeth showing through a crooked smile. “He’s only unconscious. I think.”

Sven paused a moment to grab some supplies from a storeroom; bows, arrows, and a spear. Once he was satisfied there was nothing more readily available, they continued towards the tunnel. Sven gave the bow and arrows to a grateful Malcolm, selecting the spear for himself.

Quiver jingling, Malcolm jogged next to Sven, smirking. “While you were searching the room, I found the guard’s body.”

“Wow. How observant of you. ” His companion replied sarcastically.

“Do you know what he had in his pocket?” Malcolm pestered.

Sven sped up, trying to distance himself from Malcolm. “Oh, please do enlighten me, human. ”

“The keys to my cell.”