The figure pulled back his hood. His hair, damp with sweat, clung to his face. His eyes were friendly, yet filled with unease. He quickly opened the cell door and tried to unlock the chains that bound Crowne's hands, but failed.
"Sorry. It seems the key is with another guard," the man said.
Crowne remained silent. He was shocked to see the man's face. He had met this man twice before: once at the city gate, and again at the beach during the sea monster attack. Seeing him here made Crowne confused, because the man should not be on his side.
"Why are you helping me?"
"I'll explain later," the man whispered. His voice was low and trembling, as if afraid any sound would draw the guards' attention. "Follow me! I'll get you out of here."
The man glanced at the cell door, making sure no shadows of guards were nearby, then whispered, "I'm certain you're a good person. You don't belong in this place." He walked toward the cell door again. "Come on, before the guard shift changes!"
