Out of the frying pan

The three of you rush through the corridors of the palace, with Kaeli giving directions as you go. You run into a guard here and there, quickly dispatched by Ferra’s iron hard fists. Kaeli flinches at the ringing impacts, and she is clearly still a bit in shock from what’s happening. Still, she guides you well, and soon you’re headed towards an unguarded door, the shouts and alarms growing louder behind you.

You burst through the door into bright sunlight, and find yourselves on an empty path behind the palace. You glance around, spotting a gate nearby with a pair of startled looking guards staring at you. You reach for your blade, but Kaeli stops you. Stepping in front of you, she walks towards the guards, her expression changing from nervous and startled to arrogant superiority as she does.

Putting her hands on her hips, she stares at the guard. “Well? Open the gate. We have important business.”

The guards glance at each other, and then nod. “Of course, but can I ask why you’re…”

Kaeli’s eyes flicker with blue light. “No, you cannot. Open the gate. Now.”

The guards both visibly pale, and without a word hurry to open the gate. Once it’s open, Kaeli walks through, not sparing the guards another look. You and Ferra follow, trying to match Kaeli’s aloofness. It seems to work, as the guards close the gates behind you, leaving the three of you on the city street.

There’s a few people around, and they quickly find other places to be when they catch sight of Kaeli. Not wanting to attract too much attention, the three of you hurry off the main roads, finding a quiet alley to hide in. As you do, you hear a commotion behind you, shouting voices and footsteps. It seems like you made it out just in time.

Taking a moment to catch your breath, you look to Kaeli, who is grimacing and rubbing her temples. “What’s wrong, Kaeli? Are you ok?”

She nods. “I’m fine. The Great One knows I’m gone. The guards will be raising an alarm soon.”

Ferra touches your arm. “We must not wait, then. Being within the city is a danger.”

You glance back towards the palace. “I have to say, the quality of the guards leaves something to be desired.”

Kaeli shakes her head. “The palace guards are mostly for appearances. No one has been crazy enough to try what you did. And most of us can defend ourselves better than any guard. So the quality has slipped.”

You nod. “Are you good to travel, Kaeli?”

She shrugs. “I’ll endure. But we’ll never reach a city gate before they’re sealed. With mage support. And I doubt you’ll want to fight through that.”

You shake your head. “Not if I don’t have to, but I don’t know if we’ll have much choice. The longer we’re here, the more likely we get overwhelmed. We need to get out, and if we have to cut our way out, so be it.”

Having been quiet for a long time, Lilith pipes up. Im finally going to get some real action? It’s about time!

You sigh. “Let’s check the closest gate, and see what’s there. We’ll make a decision then. Kaeli, should we hide your face?”

Kaeli thinks for a moment. “It’s probably best.”

You nod, handing her your cloak. “I can explain away my armor more easily than your presence. Now, let’s get to the gate. Maybe we can skip out unnoticed. Our luck has been good so far.”

Just then, alarm bells begin to ring from the palace. You sigh, shaking your head.