The one who marched into the jail, and stood in front of the babbling man, was none than the official that ordered my capture. He still had the armour with golden inlays on, but obviously his crocodile-like stead was nowhere to be seen. He was gripping his heavy decorated mace and seemed ready to hit the raging gaudy ape-kin.

- I thought I was clear when I told you to stay in your quarters, what are you doing here near the prisoner!? And by the tyrants somebody explain me what was the racket I heard before!

- You can't seclude me like that! I have all the right to talk to him! You military men never understood the importance of my research...

Their banter continued for a while and the soldiers weren't the only one getting tired of the screaming, I was becoming more and more nervous. I have to admit that one of my worst fault was, and still is, my inability to stay calm when confronted with a deadline. Every time a countdown, real or imaginary, showed me how much until the end, well I became frantic and honestly pretty forceful with everyone who seemed to block my way. Usually after all ended I was filled with shame reflecting on what I had done, but even that didn't change after my death and even Llanfil and Ausas were only able to abate little to nothing of my this trait.

Anyway all the discussion, that was quickly escalating in volume and offensiveness, was really starting to grate on my nerves. If before I lamented about the absence of a clock now I regretted even thinking it, the remaining time kept decreasing at an alarming rate. So I did the first thing my nervous mind suggested me, first I stood and inhaled deeply.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

My actions did not go unnoticed by Athame, Cawic and few of my other fellow inmate. They cover jet again their ears, and they could be more right than that. But before shouting that time I decided to try clapping, as fast as possible, my hands to have everyone attention. I still don't know if it was caused by my new found speed or by my internal scales, but more than a simple hand clap the result was like a thunderclap. The resulting vibration even ended making some the packed dirt floor fly into the air.

- ENOUGH!!!

My shout, that followed the bang like sound, was practically undue. Everyone, apart from the few who did prepare, was crouching holding their heads. The officer was the only one who, even if not ready for the noise, didn't kneel. He only had a pained expression and, when the cogs inside his head states spinning again, balefully glared at me. But before he could speak again I started addressing him.

- I don't know what kind of disagreement you two have, but we don't have time to lose into useless squabble. I made the racket before to attract the guards attention, I need to talk to this camp's commander. 

- Making demands? What will happen instead if we gag you? 

- Well I suppose we are all going to die in a few hours then...

I was never too much of a theatrical person, at least in public, but I wasn't really myself with the damned timer into view.