What would I do with freedom if given to me? Good question actually. I think, well, I want to say learn, but I’d need to grind a bunch of levels to not fear death that much. I think this answer can work for now.

“Travel…” I’d reply

“Where?” he replied without missing a beat

“Everywhere..” I’ve got too many vacation destinations now that I'm in this world

“Why?” he asked again, he wasn't backing down

“I..think…the…world…is…interesting..”

“A simple answer. Not what I expected, perhaps what I’ve heard of your people is false. Do you want to leave this prison?”

I’d nod.

“Desperately?” he asked

I’d nod again.

“Your body is frail and small, not meant for fighting. You couldn’t wield a sword or a spear.” he said "You wouldn't last long."

I’d nod. He was right.

“But you have other talents. Your intellect…” he said “Do you posses knowledge or the arcane?” he asked me

I wouldn’t move, I just stared at him, but he could probably feel my body tremble lightly. He placed a hand on my thigh.

“Do you think that I would take your life if you answered me honestly? In the brief time that you've been in my presence you’ve also gained my interests of sorts.” He said

Not going to lie, that weirdly made me blush. I pray to Azura I don’t get Stockholm Syndrome.

“Y-yes…I’m…gifted…in…arcane…” I admitted

“I know the collar stops any use of magic and other abilities, but now that that awful thing has been removed from your neck I ask you. What is stopping you from ending me with your magic and escape?” he asked

“Prison…to…big…too…many…guards.” I said “I’d..never..make..it.” I added

“Your streak of intelligence continues.” He chuckled lightly before leaning to the side to look behind the throne “Guard, leave us.” He ordered

I glanced back to see the guard hesitate for a second like he wanted to object, but alas he didn’t and complied with the prince’s orders. Once he was gone Precious looked back to me.

“Tobar is a friend of mine, but he won’t allow me to buy you. I’ve made the mistake of asking him about you, whether or not he will defile you because you’ve caught my eye is uncertain, maybe he’ll place you in better care. But friends come and go.” He said, his eyes narrowing as he looked forward

What is he planning with me? I’m oddly flattered that I’ve got another admirer, but I’m unsure what he exactly wants you know?

“Being that you are a prisoner in this land which is under my rule makes you a citizen of mine and makes me your Prince. I, your Prince, command you to disrupt this prison.” He said “Do you understand me? I, am ordering you to kill the Warden.” he said

I’d just look at him for a second, the silence between us growing until I spoke.

“H-How..?” I asked

“When our entertainment ends soon, he will come back here. He’ll come up with an excuse to ask you questions. In his Warden’s chamber, in a small glass encasement is a floating gem, the other part of it is embedded into his chest. That is how the collars operate.” He said

So, if I destroy the crystal, the Warden might just blow the fuck up, but the collars wouldn’t work anymore. I’m getting somewhere now.

“Find a way to destroy it, escape.” He said

“And…after..?” I asked

He stared at me for a minute before opening his mouth, but closed it going back into thought.

“Whatever you wish. I’ve no need for you.” He said with a wave of the hand, but his words felt off “The methods of how you destroy it are up to you.” He added

I’d just nod. Guess I had my plan. So, does the final act begin?

"I’d..” I glanced to Precious as he started to speak “I’d be pleased if you didn’t perish in your efforts.” He said

I’d just slowly nod. He’d reach over to his fruit bowl and would pick out a single grape. He’d glance it over before moving it to my mouth and placing it against my lips. I’d open my mouth and he’d push the grape in before removing his finger slowly, letting it rest momentarily on my lower lip.

I’d take a bite out of the grape which felt heavenly and ate it. Fuck did I miss normal foods.

“Stand. He’s coming.” He’d say

I’d comply and get off of his lap, his hand lightly lingered around my waist, but he pulled it back. He started to rub his fingers together before both of us heard the steps of the Warden. I’m guessing he checked my non existing papers and files. There’s no way I have a past here in Highlander.

“Your Highness! It seems that our show has come to an end, shall I make the arrangements for the winner?” he asked as he reached the top of the stairs

Precious rubbed his fingers as he looked forward. I didn't expect that entertainment to go by so fast.

“Yes, but drop him by my cousin’s borders. His lands peace has lasted a little long.” He said

“Of course, of course.” The Warden replied

The Warden would come around the opposite side of the throne and would glance at me for a second.

“Your Highness, are you still in need of this one?” the Warden asked

The Prince turned his gaze to the Warden, then slowly to me.

“No. But she served her purpose well. I would hope to have her again next time. You two may leave me.” He said

“Like usual it has been a pleasure and honor to have your presence in this little prison of mine.” Tobar said bowing his head

I’d bow my head as well to keep up appearances. I’d move behind the throne and would wait for the Warden. He exchanged another farewell with the Prince before coming to me.

“Follow me.” He said, his tone somewhere between formal and friendly

He took the lead heading for the stairs and I followed behind, but stopped to glance back where I saw Precious peaking out for a second before turning away.

I wonder what’s going through his head right now.

I’d catch up with the Warden where he’d lead me out and we’d start walking the way back to the main part of the prison. I glanced around to see if there were any guards watching me, but most seemed to occupied with other prisoners and this large gathering of royalty. I’m guessing lots of servants are here.

I slightly stalled at one of the wooden buildings and placed my hand against it and silently casts the rune spell. I saw the arcane circle appear and disappear. I continued following the Warden, but also continued to plant numerous runes against certain buildings. I should remind you that the base rune spell is fire and combustion. So, this is going to be explosive unless I dispel it.

We’d head back into the main building and would walk down the hallway I've become ever so familiar with. It was a bit odd that he didn’t talk to me, unless it wasn’t that odd. I still didn’t know where to place this guy. I mean I never read that much about Gnomes, especially ones that work prisons in extremely xenophobic Human nations.

So, more new experiences. Should I make a list of non-new experiences?

Reaching the other opening at the end he’d stop and would turn back to me. He’d extend his hand towards the stairs forward that lead up to the Warden’s chambers which I’m guessing is his office.

“Please, go first.” He said, grin on his small face

Oh, I see what this is about, he wants to get a look. I want to sigh, but I shouldn’t waste time or chance this midget getting angry.

I hesitantly take a step forward, but I can’t waste any time. I guess I can’t place any runes in the stairway.

I’d head up the steps with the Warden right behind me. I can only guess what he’s looking at. Makes me fucking shiver.

At the top was the office, considering he’s a Gnome, it wasn’t that big. I glanced around and spotted the glass encasement. It was very much right in the open. Maybe an ego thing?

The window behind his desk had a seemingly great view of the outer prison, but from where I stood I could glance further, outside of the prison. To the East I saw signs of a coast, to the West I saw more plains and hints of a forest.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

That’s what stopping me from leaving and seeing the bigger world. Just a wall. If I could fly right now I’d so, I might not make it, but hell. At least I’d have momentary freedom.

As I stood there, he walked past me, running his small hand along my calf. He’d move to the window behind his desk.

“Magnificent view isn’t it.” He said “I look over this place with scum like you like a fucking king. Even the guards bow to me. It might have crossed your mind. How could a Gnome like me lead a prison in the Kingdom of Man?” he started monologuing

He glanced to me and beckoned me to step a bit forward before turning back to the window. I took a long look at the glass myself, but fortunately it didn’t look reflective.

“Well, it began almost twenty odd years ago. When I stumbled upon a ruin while running from bandits. I was the only survivor in my party, they hunted the others down like wild dogs.” He started

And I’ll place a rune there, there and oh definitely there. Ah, the encasement. I took a little time and dropped about five runes on and around the thing. I glanced up at my bar of Mana, but it was already regenerating. Damn do I love my race.

“With nowhere else to go, no food or water and a single torch I headed deep into the dungeon to fend for myself, but I wasn’t alone. I was followed by the bandits that had killed my party, my friends.” He continued

I placed a few runes on the ground, on and around his desk just for extra measures. On the walls as well. I’ve actually lost count of how many runes I’ve placed just now, but for sure do I know that this fucking midget is going to get blown to kingdom come.

“But the traps proved too much for them and I found myself at the end of the ruins where I stumbled upon that gem along with another. One of the gems melded into my body and gave me the creation ability. All that it required was that the other half be safe.” He said

He either skipped a lot or I just zoned out. I’m thinking he’s trying to propose this as a sob story, but it ain’t really working on me. I’m a fucking sob story.

“And so, I came to Precious’s father and proposed that I would make a prison large enough and secure enough to hold the deadliest and most dangerous Humans and Non-Humans. And I’ve succeeded.” He chuckled

He turned around to look at innocent me and grinned.

“And now that I have you, the nameless Elf who just appeared near the border I can and will use you. But I consider myself fair. What the Prince does to you isn’t of my concern. I just need you alive. You’re going to be moved tomorrow from your cell and,” he’d open up a drawer from behind his desk and would lift up a notebook

A notebook that looked…

Oddly…

Familiar…

“Reading through this, I must commend your penmanship and your surprising intellect. Tomorrow you’re going to begin crafting wands that I’ll export. Do well and you’ll earn a portion of profit.” He said

I just stared at him. I didn’t know what to say. I expected something much worse to happen, but I just nodded.

“I like to think that you’re a runaway slave since you seem so obedient. I’ll grant you the pleasure of spending your free time without a collar in your cell, but I shall keep this.” He said, referring to the notebook “Off you go.” He waved his hand before turning around

“N-no..I..want..to…know..” I mumbled

With a raised eyebrow he turned around and looked at me.

“Know about what?” he asked

“The…blind…prisoner…in…chains…” I said

He just stared at me for who knows how long. He had that look of surprise, but more of a horrified surprise.

“How do you know about him?” he asked “No. Don’t tell me, whatever that thing does I don’t want to know.” He said

Was he…

Was he shivering? I could slightly see it.

“Who…is…he..” I asked slowly

“He’s the first prisoner that was brought here. He’s the deadliest prisoner to date. But if he’s spoken to someone without meeting them then,” he stops and his gaze just lingers on me, his eyes slowly going wide “You’re going to escape.”

I took a step back as he looked at me with that fearful look. This isn’t good, not one bit. But if I do anything right now that would be throwing out all of my plans out the window.

He suddenly started to dig inside his drawers until he took out a dagger. He raised it towards me as he moved in front of his desk.

“Don’t move an inch! Come here and let me put the collar back on! I’m not risking that thing getting out!” he screamed

But…

Jesus…

Fuck it..

I turned tail and the moment I reached the steps I let my hold over the runes go and I started hearing the explosions behind and outside me. I heard the Warden’s cries off pain as the top of this tower exploded.

I ran as fast as I could, but the shock-wave from behind reached me and threw me forward. I stumbled past the stairs, but I couldn’t wait. I got back up and looked around. I could hear the distant shouts. I’d glance up to my health before I’d see something else.

+Level

What?

I glanced to my XP bar to see it filled and lightly glowing. I guess that meant I reached the next level huh..

I shook my head and placed a rune on the ground and started moving forward doing the same. I lost count after placing the tenth rune. Running through the hallway I continued placing them. I passed my cell as well before I let my hold go and heard the explosions from behind.

The shouts from outside got louder as I reached the familiar hall to the East of my cell. I glanced back to see that hallway of cells crumbled. Even the roof had caved in. I can’t stop now or I’ll be killed.

“Ynnessa!” I heard a voice call for me

I looked to the door which lead to courtyard. In broke Naoko rushing towards me. Looking outside I saw the smoke and I could hear fighting.

“Ynnessa! Come on, I don’t know what happened, but we need to leave! The Mistress was preparing for this. Her people are already moving.” She picked me up without hesitating and started moving towards the courtyard “We’re going to meet up with her at the docks, I’ll protect you.” She said as she started to run

She had me over her shoulder as she ran, I couldn’t even get a reply in. But as she ran, I continued placing runes in the prison and let them blow up. As she ran out to the courtyard I saw the guards and prisoners fighting each other.

Naoko moved a bit too fast to have any guards attempt to stop her. But her path wasn’t exactly hidden as I kept on having runes explode behind her as she ran, but I stopped after we went through the inner gate.

“W-Where…” I started to speak, but realized that talking while being carried by a running Pantherian wasn’t a good idea

“There’s a cave system in the quarry that supposedly has an opening at the docs not too far from here! That’s our goal!” she shouted as we ran

The arena came into view which made my mind wander for a second.

Did Precious make it out I wonder? Or was he still in there?

Why was I thinking about him?

Naoko would stop and would place me down to the ground. I’d zone back in from my thoughts to hear the yelling and fighting of prisoners and guards. I even heard more explosions that weren’t made by me.

I glanced into the sky to see some prisoners flying and casting spells at the ground. Looking to my sides I saw others running past me towards a direction. Finally glancing forward I saw Naoko and past her the entrance to the quarry.

It was a downward descent that was honestly intimidating for me, but I couldn’t stop. Not now. I’m escaping today.

“You ready?” Naoko asked me as the crowds of people rush past us

“Yes..” I’d reply

She’d nod and grab my arm, turning forward we’d move forward along with the crowd into the darkness below.

All the fear I have, all the anxiety, all the thoughts of how this could end were pushed away.

I wanted to be free more than anything right now.

The entrance to the cave in the quarry had been carved from the look of it. It wasn’t a narrow space, but I’m guessing that would change the deeper we got.

A burst of flame shot up to my right. I saw a group of prisoners get disintegrated before me. I glanced back to see magic wielding guards. They weren’t trying to capture us anymore from the looks of it. I couldn’t go about placing more runes or I’d get others in the crossfire.

I know they’re all prisoners, but whether innocent or guilty I have no way to know that.

I’ve got no defense spells either which would come in handy and I doubt my weak Firebolt could deflect whatever that spell was. Fuck, I need a plan and fast.

I’d glance up to see the bright sun slowly fading from my view as we descended into the darkness. Fire raged behind me as we ran, my stamina was at zero, but I couldn’t give up. I had to run till my legs gave out. I just hope that wouldn’t be soon.

Dammit I can’t believe I’m going to say something like this now, but Azura, please give me any semblance of strength so that I can survive.

“If I can’t make it out of this fucking hell then I’ll bury you fucks here with me!” a voice yelled out

I glanced back to see a human leap towards the chasing guards. He’d jump into the air, his veins would begin to shine a bright red as he let out a scream. He was using a suicide spell if he was glowing like that. Some spells can’t be handled by lower level people at all. Sometimes your character could die from them.

He’s going to explode.

“Naoko!” I yelled

Her grip tightened and she threw me over her shoulder and would leap forward. I watched as the Human turn into a shining light of agony before imploding. I covered my eyes as I saw the self combustion. I could hear the cave begin to crumble.

The screams of terror and pain began from all over as well. The entrance wasn’t the only thing affected, I could feel this whole place coming down.

Naoko fell forward, throwing me as far she could. The dust would obscure my vision before I’d feel something hit my head. Everything went blank for a moment.

I’d open my eyes and would find myself in that weird dream place again. Like last time I was naked with my natural censorship. So, I wasn’t dead. I was kind of sure of that. Elven afterlife is…let’s just say something else.

Hearing a chain snap I’d turn around to see where the figure was last time only to see nothing but the shackles laying atop the darkness. So…

He’s been freed…

But what am I doing here? Wait. Where’s the eye?

I’d start to look around before the eye would once again open, but an additional pair of the same eye would open around it.

I’d be lifted slowly into the air as the three eyes would stare into my very soul.

“Seraphim.” A voice would speak

I’d be thrust to the open space between the three eyes and be enveloped by darkness.

I’d hear myself cough before my eyes would slowly open.

Why did everything look purple? I’d rub my eyes with the least dirty parts of my hands and would sit up. I’d glance up to see a…

A giant purple hand holding up some debris from crushing me. Glancing around I’d see a hole which would probably get me out of this place.

I’d crawl through the tight spot and would hear the hand disappear and the debris fall to the ground. Guess I have to thank whoever saved my ass..

Blinking twice I’d see some more purple nearby. I’d get up and would walk over to see a message written in some fancy cursive.

It was a bit hard to read, but I think it read “I’d be pleased if you survived little elf”

Ah, so it was her. She’s got Bardic spells. I did not expect that. Big titty girls look out for each other I guess?

The text would fade and I’d be left in darkness. I’d summon a charging Firebolt from my finger which would give me some good light.

I had no idea where I was to be honest, but hey at least my clothes aren’t gone, just a few tears here and there.

Makes me wonder how skimpy armors work now. Seems like a pain to have certain armors now that I think about it.

I’d sit back down and would glance at my bars.

Mana at full

Stamina drained

A quarter of my health lost

I’d sigh. Hell of a predicament I’m in, but hey. I’m close. But I need to rest, but also can’t.

Hmm.

What if…

I’d open my free hand and would focus

“Summoning Spell, Skeleton.” I’d chant

A dark purplish arcane circle would appear and with a bright light a skeleton wearing nothing would appear. He’d have a rusty shield and rusted iron blade on him. I’d actually chuckle.

I did it. I actually summoned something.

I’d cast healing next on myself to get back to my measly fifty health.

“C-Could you…carry..me?” I’d ask my summon

The skeleton would look at me for a second before de-materializing his weapon and shield. He’d approach me and would pick me up without much effort. I’d just point in a direction for it to go. He’d start to move as he carried me. I held up the finger with the light so that both of us could see.

Dammit was I tired, but I needed to see this through. I just wish my fucking stamina would recharge a bit faster. On another note, I’m glad that the skeleton can carry me. I don’t need to be conscious about my weight in another life as well.

Wandering in this cave with minimal light did get me thinking about a few things. Like what am I going to do after I get out? Traveling to the Saint Elves homeland would take me a long time, matter of fact, reaching any Elven territory is going to take a while.

I still have my coins though which is relieving to say. I’ve completely lost my notebook and any access to learning spells and improving stats as well..

Guess my negatives are about the same as my positives. Maybe I should stop and take a chance to level up, but maybe when I’m not in a cave system. How does that whole oxygen thing work underground again? Times like this make me wish I paid attention to same aspects of my old life.

It’s a bit funny.

But I guess for now I just need to move forward.