Jareth was able to find the latch within seconds and they both escaped through a side tunnel hidden behind a crumbled statue. Although the side tunnel was more recently sculpted, it was narrower than the main passage which also led them back to the lower halls of the abandoned Ravencourt estate.
Kaelith, on the other hand, had not yet opened the scroll. Instead, she was tightly clutching the sealed scroll until they were out of harm's way.
Moonlight had lit the hall with silver when they emerged, but the immense silence was alarming.
"Something's wrong," Corven said, hand on his blade. "Too quiet."
"They're watching. Waiting," Kaelith replied.
They both rushed to the drawing room where they lit only a single candle. The heavy drapes ensured no light could escape to the outside world.
Finally, she was able to break the wax seal and the scroll unfurled itself. "It's a confession," she whispered. "From Lady Valestra to the council that exiled her."
Jareth leaned in, "What does it say?"
"That the Ravencourts were never meant to rule by blood alone. They were caregivers of the realm's most ancient secrets – sorcery, remembrance, foresight." Looking up, she added, "They betrayed her for refusing to submit. She foretold the rot without equilibrium."
Corven narrowed his eyes. "And left that warning for you."
"She has," Kaelith confirmed. "The current court has history's records nullified. This scroll proves as much. And if I expose it… well, it wouldn't be the first time they tried to murder me."
Jareth was already making a copy. "Then we won't give them that chance."
A soft sound interrupted them.
A knock. Quiet. At the front door.
The three of them froze.
No one knocked Ravencourt after midnight. Not these days.
Kaelith drew her blade and stepped forward.
"Who—" she started, but as she opened the door…
A child stood there.
Barefoot. Eyes faintly glowing gold.
Staring straight at Kaelith, she said,
"They're coming. You must choose."
The girl then collapsed.