CHAPTER FIFTY SIX

I stay crouched in the darkness, as Herb and Teon work to pick the hinges on the window slit to enable me crawl through. My heart racing and fingers drumming against my thigh, impatient and anxious.

“Come on, come on,” I hear Herb whisper under his breath. I glance at the direction of the cell entrance, willing them to go faster.

Finally, the window frame gives way and the rusty iron bars open. We exchange a triumphant glance before Herb stretches his arms to pull me out. My breath comes in ragged gasps as I crawl out of the window space.

“Quickly, Cathy,” Teon hissed, his voice like crinkling leaves. “We don't have much.”

Once I land safely on my feet, we begin sprinting through the decrepit courtyard, our footsteps pounding the cobblestone. We run as fast as we can, the cool breeze whipping my face, a welcome respite from the dank dungeon air.

As we get closer, the portcullis looming ahead, its iron bars looking like skeletal fingers in the moonlight. We reach the gate and Herb ya