Dramatic exit

You and Ferra step into the room, wary of an ambush, but it appears that Kaeli is the only one there. Satisfied, you nod to Ferra, who stands watch at the door. Sheathing Caliburn for the moment, you approach the shocked looking woman.

Kaeli seems to recover from her surprise as you reach her. “What in the world are you doing here? You know what happens if you’re caught.”

You shake your head. “We’re here for you, Kaeli. We’re getting you out of here.”

Kaeli takes a step back. “If I leave, the corruption spreads. I won’t let myself become like them…”

You step closer and take her hand. Kaeli gasps, her eyes going wide, but she doesn’t pull away. If anything, she moves a hair closer, and you hear her take a shaky breath.

You look her in the eyes. “We have a solution for that, but we need to get you out of here first. Do you trust me?”

A pause, and then she nods, slowly. “I do.”

You smile. “Good. I can explain once we’re out of the palace. I don’t suppose your transport device still works?”

Kaeli shakes her head. “No, I destroyed it to cover your escape.”

You chuckle. “Nothing’s ever easy. I’d rather not try the front door, is there another way out? And will anyone know if you leave?”

Kaeli nods. “Yes, there’s a servants exit we can use, it’s largely unattended. Not many people are in the palace these days. And the Great One will know if I leave, but…”

You start leading her towards the door. “But?”

She shrugs. “But he has gone quiet, lately. Even Victoria hasn’t gotten much from him.”

Ferra turns towards you. “Master, I hear someone coming. We must go.”

You glance at the door. “A mystery for another time. Let’s go, before someone comes to check on these guards!”

Now Kaeli pulls away. “A moment, please.”

She steps over to a workbench, where there is an assortment of strangely shaped metal and crystal components. Holding out her hands, Kaeli is surrounded by a blue glow, and there’s the sound of protesting metal and shattering glass as all the pieces wrench out of shape. Taking a deep breath, she steps back.

“There. Now no one could complete this. I am ready, Nicholas.”

She surprises you by reaching out and taking your hand. You don’t have time to question it, however, and the three of you rush out of the room. You can faintly hear approaching footsteps, and head in the opposite direction. Kaeli points you towards some stairs, and Ferra leads the way, heading down.