A loud bang took Alex out of his thoughts.
"What was that?" asked Alex to the guard without a response.
"You've got a lot to learn, young one. I don't know what you people are capable of with this ink, but that can only be another attack from your mother or someone as strong as her." The same voice echoed once more in Alex's head.
You can hear me...?
"Yes, boy... I've been hearing everything since the room you found me in."
What room are you talking about?
"Look, we don't have much time. Your parents are probably fighting against Klutz or that Xander guy. If you think that they'll win, then stay put. But judging by how the ground is shaking from the blows. I assure you that the loser of this fight will end up dead."
A fight like this wouldn't break out between them and Klutz; it must be between them and Xander. He's not that strong, but he has his ways. I'm not sure how an all-out fight would go...
"And are you going to stay here while they fight to the death? You do know that if they die, Klutz will execute you on the spot?" Everything he was saying was terrifyingly accurate. Alex didn't know who this person was, but their words surprisingly carried hope, as if with their instruction, Alex could do something about the situation.
You're right, but how can I help them? I'm stuck here, and I can't conjure any element.
"Hahaha! Brute force is very rarely the only answer. Listen and do exactly as I say, and we'll make it out in time to help you, parents." The voice wasn't just sure of itself; it spouted those words like they were the undeniable truth.
After a couple of seconds, Alex came to the conclusion that he didn't have any other choice for now than to listen to the voice.
Alright! Let's do this. What do I do first?
Alex had a clear objective: escape this prison and help his family. He started looking around the cell, hoping to find a crack, a weapon, or anything remotely useful. The cell consisted of a straw bed on the ground, a bottle of water, and a small window that wouldn't even fit a three-year-old.
"The only way to get out is to open the door with the key, boy."
Right... Well, I already knew that... But the guard has the key. How do I get it?
"We don't need to get the key; we just need the guard to open the gate with it."
Hmmmm... Okey... I don't think that begging him to let me out will work right now...
Alex was stating the obvious because he didn't understand where the voice was trying to take him.
"Of course, he won't open the door if you beg. I know these kinds of people. They don't tolerate disrespect. Why do you think they left him to guard the prison? He must be weak or disliked by the others. Even if that isn't the case, it should be enough to tick him off." The voice continued its explanation with the same calculated tone as the beginning.
What? Why would he do that? Whatever, let's give it a try...
"Hey, guard! Please let me out! Can't you hear that they're fighting outside! I need to go help my father and mother." Alex taped against the dirty metal bars. The guard wouldn't budge; he didn't even look at Alex.
Here goes nothing...
"Don't you find it funny that you're the one who was left behind? Do you really think that they need someone to guard the doors? We're two nineteen-year-olds who broke one of the sacred rules! Nobody our age would even dare to try to break us out, and our parents are out there fighting for their lives. They left you behind, didn't they? I guess they didn't want any dead weight dragging them down if things went south."
Alex saw that he clenched his jaw and that he tightened his grip around his sword.
Alex picked up the water bottle he had and drank some of it. He poured the rest on the ground in front of him.
"Yeah, even you know you're useless. I bet you haven't found a maiden yet, right? But you're the only one to blame! Who would want to marry a pig like you?" Alex threw his bottle, which landed right on the guard's head.
The guard clenched his jaw even harder and walked towards the cell; his heavy footsteps shook the whole prison. "I know I can't kill you, but I'll show you who's a real man, and when I'm done with you, I'll take my time with your little friend."
"Perfect boy! Now you just ha..."
Don't worry, I've got this!
The guard turned the key in the lock and opened the door in one swift movement. Right as he was turning the key, Alex threw dirt, which he picked up from the corner of the room, into the guard's eyes. While the guard was wiping his eyes, Alex kicked the guard in the torso, which made him stagger back a couple of meters into the prison hall.
Alex fell on his back because of the force of his kick. The guard was fuming. He ran full speed and tried jumping onto Alex, who was still getting up. However, Alex had already thought ahead; he had spilled at the entrance of the cell because he knew that the guards' metal shoes would slip on the cobblestone ground.
That slight loss of friction caused the guard to fall flat on his stomach with no momentum. At the same time, Alex was already getting up and jumped over him to get to the door.
He closed the door, turned the key, and successfully locked the guard just in time.
As he tried to turn around to see Malena, the guard caught his clothes through the bars. Alex tried to loosen his grip and escape, but he wouldn't budge.
"You impudent brat, I've got you now. Give me the key. Or I'll stab you!" The guard started pulling out a dagger from the back of his belt.
"Use the torch." Whispered the voice, as if it was obvious.
Alex took the torch from the closest wall without thinking and burned the guard's hand. The pain made him open his hand slightly. This was enough to slip away from his grip. He took care to remove the key from the door and stepped back.
"Owwwww! Opened this door right now, I'll kill you, do you hear me, I will kill you if you don't." The guard knocked on the bars until his knuckles bled.
"Great job, boy. The dirt in the face made him leave the key on the door, which was very good. I'm taking notes, boy..."
Thanks... But we don't have time for flattery right now. Let's get Malena out and keep moving.