Help and hope

After the first couple days, frustration begins to set in. With no tools, no weapon beyond Sarah’s claws, and no real magic, it feels like you’re stuck. And despite the hellhound girl’s encouragement and positivity, you can tell she’s starting to feel it as well. The excitement and hope you saw in her eyes has begun to fade.

More and more time is spent in companionship and comfort, rather than planning, as if you’re both trying to distract from your failure to figure a way out. It’s pleasant, and you’re both happy to do it, but it is just that; a distraction. You recognize that, without outside help, you can’t solve this puzzle, unless something changes.

On the third day, something changes.

You and Sarah are on the bed, and you’re laying down with your head in her lap. Sarah gently strokes your hair, humming tunelessly as she does. Suddenly she stiffens, and a moment later, you can feel something unusual yourself. Sitting up, you look at Sarah, and see her dark eyes are wide and staring, her wolf-like ears twitching.

“Sarah? What’s going on?”

She blinks, looking at you. “Something changed. I felt a surge of magic, strong magic. Of a kind I haven’t felt before, but it’s somehow familiar.”

You think for a moment. Sarah has told you how being an enchanter makes her able to sense magical energy, much more strongly than most magic users. And the way she describes it triggers a thought in your head. You stand up, hoping you’re right.

Sarah looks at you curiously, but keeps quiet as you close your eyes and hold out your hand. You concentrate, and immediately you feel a familiar pull. You close your hand, and a familiar weight fills your grasp. You hear Sarah gasp as Caliburn appears in your hand.

“Nicholas…is that your sword? I thought it was too far away! And it’s…the aura on it is overwhelming!”

You nod, lowering the blade. “It was. It’s not now, which means someone brought it here. And if I’m right, that means someone is here to rescue me. Which means it’s time to go. Are you ready, Sarah?”

You hold out your hand, and she takes it, a smile on her face. “Of course! But how? It’s just a sword, even if it’s powerful.”

You grin. “It’s more than just powerful. I told you, it’s forged by my aunt Clarissa. A goddess. Just watch.”

You step forward, and with three quick slashes, the door of your cell falls away, landing with a crash in the hall. You smile at Sarah. “Well, someone probably heard that. Let’s find our rescuers, and fast.”

She simply nods, but you’re happy to see the light of hope once again in her eyes. Taking a deep breath, and squeezing her hand, you lead her into the hall.