Mid-Capital
After arriving behind the castle, they found the tunnels stretching underground, guarded by two guards at the entrance.
Leem: Everyone get down. We have to walk from here. Carts aren't allowed inside.
Leemty: This place brings back bad memories.
Torans: What happened to you?
Leem: Let's talk about this later.
Leemty: Kalira, what do you think about staying in the cart?
Kalira: No, I'm coming with you.
Leem: It's better if you stay outside. This place isn't suitable for children.
Kalira: I'm not a child.
Leemty: Alright, alright, come down then.
They all get out of the cart and head toward the tunnel. A cold breeze from within the tunnel sends chills down their spines.
Guard 1 (on the right side): Stop. You can't enter here.
Leemty: We're here on official business.
Guard 1: I told you, no one is allowed to enter.
Guard 2 (on the left, looking at Guard 1): Hold on a second. (Approaches Leemty) So, what business do you have in the kingdom's prison?
Leemty: We want to meet someone.
Guard 2: And who might that be?
Leem steps forward toward the guard.
Leem: The merchant down below.
The guard smiles strangely.
Guard 2: Then you can't pass. He doesn't meet anyone.
Leem glances at Leemty, signaling her to "get the money."
Leemty pulls out 20 silver coins from her pocket and gives them to the guard.
Leem: And now?
The guard looks at the money.
Guard 2: You think that's enough? Add 10 more coins, and you can enter.
Leem: If you don't like it, return the money then.
Guard 2: What money?
Leem: We don't want any trouble. We just want to pass.
Guard 1 approaches them.
Guard 1: Something bothering you all?
Leemty steps in and hands over another 10 silver coins.
Leemty: Let's calm down, shall we? Here—take this and pretend nothing happened.
Guard 1 steps back into position.
Guard 2: Alright. I'll pretend I didn't hear anything, you idiots. Go ahead, but I'm not responsible for what happens to you inside.
Leem: Good. I don't want to see your face following us inside.
Guard 2: Get out of my sight.
He signals to the other guard to open the iron-barred gate.
Leemty: Thank you. (Looks at Kalira and the others) Let's go.
They all move forward and enter the tunnel.
It's an old, crumbling tunnel with the sound of dripping water echoing around and cold air filling the space.
Kalira: Why is it so cold here?
Leemty: Watch your steps. (Looks at Leem) Do you still remember the way to that merchant's room?
Leem: How could I forget this cursed place?
Kalira: Isn't this place a bit strange? So many separate entrances, and I don't see any prison cells here.
Leemty: That's because this place was built like a massive maze. Even if a prisoner escapes, they won't get out easily. When they're brought here, their heads are covered so they can't memorize the way.
Torans: I've heard about this before. Didn't expect it to be this bad though.
Kalira (with a worried face): How does Okais endure this place?
Leem: Let's take this turn.
After walking a bit, they stop in front of a small wooden door dimly lit by a lantern.
Leem: This is the room.
Leemty steps forward and opens the door.
They all enter a room full of shelves, with lots of documents and papers that seem to hold prisoner information and other records. A bookshelf stands in the center, next to an old, worn-out wooden chair. The ceiling is covered in cobwebs.
Kalira: Does someone actually live here?
A man's voice comes from behind one of the shelves.
Man: Looks like we have visitors.
They all turn to look at him.
A bulky man with long horns, a face full of wrinkles, and a very prominent bone under his neck.
Kalira flinches at his appearance.
The man slowly walks to his desk and sits in his creaky chair.
Man: How can I help you, folks?
Leemty: We want to get someone out of here.
Man: (laughs) Seems you know me well.
Leemty: Can you do it or not?
The man sticks out his tongue in a strange, disgusting way.
Man: Of course I can. But what will you offer me in return?
Leemty: I'll pay you.
Man: Oh, do you have enough money? Well, even if you don't…
He looks at Kalira with a tilted head and creepy eyes.
Kalira stands behind Leemty to hide.
Man: You could give me that girl in exchange.
Leemty: No, I'll pay you.
Man: That's no fun. Fine, do you know how much I charge?
He looks sharply at Leem.
Man: Wait, I know this man. I've seen you somewhere.
Leem: You must be mistaking me for someone else.
Man: I'm not sure. But your face looks familiar. Alright then, I'll release the person you want… for 130 gold coins.
Leemty: Wait, why 130? Isn't it supposed to be 100?
Man: Getting someone out of here has gotten harder.
He stands and walks toward Leemty.
Man: But I'll give you a discount if you do me a little favor.
He places his hand on Leemty's shoulder.
Leem: It'd be best if you remove your hand.
Man: And what if I don't?
The man lowers his hand toward her chest.
Leem draws his sword.
Leemty: Calm down, Leem.
Leemty grabs the man's hand and pushes him back.
Leemty: We'll pay you 100 coins. No more.
Man: And why should I accept?
Leemty: If we leave here, your life is over. I bet the king doesn't know a merchant like you is down here.
Man: Are you threatening me?
Leemty (provokingly): How could I dare threaten you, sir?
The man, clearly upset, steps back and slumps into his chair.
Man: Fine. Give me the name and description of the person you want.
Leem walks to the bookshelf.
Leem: You should've started like this.
Leemty looks at Kalira.
Leemty: Go on. Tell him what your friend looks like.
Kalira slowly steps forward.
Kalira: His name is Okays.
Man: Okays? There's no one on the list with that name. What's his charge?
Kalira goes silent.
Leemty steps behind her.
Leemty: Attempted wall crossing.
Man (laughs): There are still fools trying that? Well, he's not listed here. Can you describe him then?
Leemty: Go ahead, Kalira.
Kalira: Black hair, red eyes… no horns.
Silence fills the room.
Leemty: What do you mean he has no horns?
Kalira: Sorry, I didn't tell you before. My friend is a hybrid.
Leem (shocked): A hybrid? Impossible. There are no hybrids left in this world.
Kalira: I don't know either, but he exists.
Leem: Are you sure you're not chasing some ghost?
Kalira: Torans, tell them.
Torans: Yes, he's a hybrid. I'll explain everything later.
Man: Wait a minute… that bird talks? Is that the weird cave bird?
Leemty: Doesn't matter now. So, is there anyone like that here?
Man: A hybrid? Let me think.
Leem: What the hell are you thinking about? Is he here or not?
Man: He's not here. But I can tell you something interesting.
Leemty: What is it?
Man: Nothing's free.
Leemty: How much?
Man: One gold coin.
Leemty: Fine. But tell me first.
Kalira: Did something bad happen to him?
Man: I don't know. But I heard there was a fight in the king's hall between "White" and a hybrid. Apparently, the hybrid won… and then escaped. That's all I know.
Leemty: He defeated White and escaped?
Leem: That's impossible. Is this hybrid really that strong?
Kalira (sighs): So, he escaped…
Man: Ha! Told you it was a good bit of information.
Leemty: I won't pay for that. Tell me where he ran to, and I'll pay you then.
Man: How should I know where he went?
Leemty: Let's go, everyone.
Man: Wait, pay me first.
Leemty: That was for touching me. Be thankful I didn't cut off your cursed hand.
They all leave the room and close the door behind them.
To be continued...