"They say they're looking for two fugitives, these two by the sounds of it."

"How did they know we're here?" asked Natalia.

"They talked to Lady Arabel," said Athgar, "and she likely remembered Cyric from the voyage."

"What do we do," she asked, "fight?"

"No," said Cyric, "I'll go and deal with the Cunars. Brother Caerwell, is there someplace these two can hide?"

"There is," the Holy Brother replied, "but we'll have to get you out of the mission first."

"Good," said Cyric, "take them to a place of safety. I'll see if I can buy us some time."

"Good luck, Cyric," said Natalia.

"And to you," the Temple Knight responded.

Brother Caerwell led them down the hallway, past the sick and injured, pausing by an empty alcove.

"This is it," the brother said, pushing against a brick. The action elicited a grating sound, and then the wall pivoted back on a hinge of some sort.

"Go down this corridor," he said. "It'll lead you into the gardens out back, and then you'll have to climb the wall to get outside of the compound. Be careful, they may be expecting you."

"Then where do we go?" asked Athgar.

"There's an inn called the Travellers Rest. It's on the eastern side of town, near the bell tower of Saint Agnes. When you get there, tell them Brother Caerwell sent you. They'll keep you hidden until we can come for you. Now go, you haven't much time."

They entered the tunnel, which sloped downward at a fairly steep angle. With another grating noise, the corridor went completely black as the door was closed.

"I can't see," whispered Natalia.

"Just a moment," said Athgar. He held out his right hand, palm upward, and uttered the words of power. Moments later, a small green flame leaped to life in his hand, illuminating their way. He held out his left hand to Natalia, and she placed hers into his. Moving slowly, they watched the floor lest they trip, trying to remain as quiet as possible.

Hearing footsteps above, they halted, and Athgar extinguished the light while they stood in silence. Natalia edged closer to him, trembling in fear.

Finally, the steps receded, and once more, he brought the flame to life as they advanced, the floor finally levelling out. They must have travelled half a block or more before the corridor ended at the bottom of a ladder, made of metal and cemented into the wall of a circular chamber.

"Where now?" Natalia asked.

Athgar looked at the ladder, "Up there, I suppose. There must be a lever or something at the top."

"I'll go first," offered Natalia.

"Let me," said Athgar, "we might have to fight our way out."

"Then I should go first," she argued, "if you use your magic, you'll light up the whole area. My magic is harder to see."