Page 184 of I Ran Away to Evil
Why did ten secondstake so long?I leaned harder into Brownie. Somewhere far away, but right beside me, I heard a soft, “It’ll be alright.”
Twenty …
Someone climbed onto the carriage seat outside, rocking everything slightly.
I wanted to slide to the floor. I wanted to press my back against something and curl my knees into my chest. I wanted to cry out against the all-encompassing dark.
Thirty …
The carriage jolted and rumbled as we began to move.
I wouldn’t even make it. I didn’tneedto make it. I had a weapon … and Revival potions worked if they were administered within eight hours of death. They would probably stop within the next eight hours and check on us.
Thirty-one …
A single tear burned my left cheek. I put my hands back down. I opened my mouth to do something. Scream? Ask for a song? Yes, I could ask Brownie for a song to distract me—
Brownie pulled away from me suddenly. Her absence almost undid me then and there.
“Brownie?” I called weakly.
Thirty-two …
Don’t stop counting. I can’t stop counting.
My manacles were lifted and fumbled with. Brownie swore under her breath.
Thirty-three …
It wasuseless. I’d already tried to break Veralyn’s Enchanted Restraint Manacles with Strength, and two entire groups of Assassin-class guild members hadn’t been able to pick the locks. It’s why I hadn’t bothered with the set in my hair.
Thirty-four …
Click.
My wrists were free and light. A weight metaphorically lifted off my shoulders as I felt my character sheet reinstate my stats. More importantly, my bond with Jacqueline became active again. I felt her sudden awakening.
Hmm…sweet? What have they done to you? How DARE they?!
I activated a title ability I rarely bothered using, since Jacqueline was more than capable of reaching me on her own. It cost a lot of mana, but nothing was going to stop me fromgetting out of this box.
[Do you wish to Summon your Bonded Sword: Jacqueline Tiamat la Fleur?
Mana Cost: 10 x Miles = 580 Mana. Yes/No]
I hit Yes. Power swirled around my right hand, and mywonderfulsword settled there.
Jacqueline’s voice calmed me.I am here now. We can cut them all. Just let me slice out their guts for what they have done. Bathe in their blood and drink in their death. The sunlight is close, just swing me.
Just let it go, my darling. Swing the blade, and I will cut you free.
Brownie whispered, “Ria?”
With just enough control left tonotkill my best friend, I whispered, “Stay to my right. I’m getting out. I need outnow.”
The sharp tip of my sword pierced right through the wood of the ceiling and stuck out the top of the carriage, letting in splinters of dim light.
I activated [Bludgeoning Cut]. Jacqueline swung in an arc through the roof and down the wall. When I ended the cut below the wagon, I felt a portion of the framework give. I opened my eyes to the light, and I saw Brownie had pulled the spy boy out of harm’s way.
