Chapter 57: The hate of deceit
One of the guards searching for Tobias stumbles upon the prison tunnel gate. He slows as he notices the two unconscious guards sprawled on the ground. Kneeling beside them, he checks their pulses—both are alive, but completely out. His gaze shifts to the dark tunnel ahead, leading straight into the prison.
"Help! We need help over here!" he shouts.
Two other guards quickly arrive, eyes wide as they take in the scene.
"What happened?" one asks.
"I don’t know," the first guard replies, shaking his head. "I just got here, and they were already on the ground."
"Are they dead?" the second guard asks cautiously.
"No, just knocked out."
His stomach tightens as he turns toward the tunnel’s entrance, drawing his sword before stepping forward. The darkness inside seems to swallow him as he moves down the passage, each step echoing in the confined space. When he finally reaches the cells, his breath catches—both doors are wide open. Empty. No sign of the prisoners.
He spins on his heel, his heart racing as he rushes back outside.
"Who was supposed to be inside those cells?" he demands.
"Two young boys. Foreigners," another guard replies.
The first guard’s expression hardens. "Neither of them are there anymore." He straightens, eyes sharp with suspicion. "You—go tell the others to get their weapons and stay on high alert. And you—come with me. There might be someone dangerous lurking around castle grounds. Stay sharp."