Eastern Rohan, a significant time later…
Today was the day, not that he knew it. For what seemed like an age Drevorin had been a guest of the deepest cell that could be found within Eastern Rohan. His reputation had spread across many boarders. Unbeknownst to him, he was a wanted man. It made perfect sense of course given his misadventures in Dunland and exploits within Eriador. Many questions were asked, to which no answer could appease his hosts. There was no way of pleading innocence, he knew that. All he could do was await the verdict of his trial, but he would not do so quietly.
Drevorin had become quite accustomed to his cell. He knew every stone and their faults. The exact pacing required to make it across the squared space from all angles. He knew where it was best to sit when cold and where not to sit when warm. All of this in darkness, for there were no windows or light coming from the corridor beyond. He had survived worse, but as it was before, escape seemed futile. He had of course plotted an escape attempt on several occasions, all of them falling short to the guardsmen watching over him. As punishment, he was no longer allowed above ground for exercise. The only highlight of his day would be the stale bread and hard cheese thrown into his chamber.
But today was the day.
As dusk fell, he could hear the guards changing beyond his door. They often did so before midnight, the shuffle of wooden chairs upon stone and the exchange or idle banter between colleagues. It was custom for the new guard to check in on each inmate before their watch began. So Drevorin sat cross-legged upon the stone floor, his back against the wall waiting for his visit. Sure enough, the jingle of keys roused his senses, and his door flung open. Light blinded him temporarily, his eyes promptly adjusting to the torch carried in the guard’s hand. This was Raelwald, the youngest of the guards. A little wet behind the ears in many aspects but eager to prove himself to his peers.
“Stand” he said, raising the torch to capture a full glimpse of Drevorin. He obliged, silently. His cold, blue eyes fixed upon the guardsman. This clearly made him uneasy.
“Good evening” Drevorin eventually whispered, his voice slightly hoarse from a dried throat. He looked ragged, dishevelled and far from good health, at least more than usual. His time spent within the prison had not been pleasant.
“Are you going to behave, inmate?” asked the guard, drawing a cudgel from his belt and holding loosely at his side.
“Categorically” said Drevorin.
Raelwald advanced into the cell whilst his comrade watched the door. Both were on high alert and had a host of other men awaiting their call at the end of the corridor. Raelwald glanced about the cell, searching for any tools or items that had been either constructed or obtained through other means. They did not underestimate Drevorin, which was certainly clever of them given his history. It even reached a point where guards would flip a coin to decide who would enter a cell with him, on the account of his disturbing and sinister manner. Satisfied, Raelwald backed away from Drevorin, torch held aloft. “Food will be delivered shortly” he said in a thick Rohirric accent.
“I am quivering with anticipation” replied Drevorin, his eyes still fixed upon the guard alike a beast eyeing its pray.
Raelwald turned and slammed the door shut behind him, his colleague swiftly locking it in turn. Drevorin pressed his back against the wall and slowly lowering himself back into a sitting position. To say that he was not feeling the effects of his treatment would be untrue, for fatigue and starvation were certainly taking their toll upon him. He was weak and dizzy, aching within his stomach and struggled to rouse from sleep. Nevertheless, his resolve remained firm, for he would not die here.
~
A few hours passed and he continued to meditate upon his thoughts in the dark. But at that moment, the repetitive sound of a hammer upon a bell broke the silence. A warning bell? He opened his eyes and pushed himself up onto his feet. He heard shouting, footsteps and the clattering of steel. All the while, the bell continued to strike. One. Two. Three. One. Two. Three. He rushed to the door of his cell and pressed his ear against the woodwork. He heard Raelwald’s voice, unmistakable. He could not quite understand what was being said but he heard panic in his tone. He was loud, frenzied almost. It was then that the screaming started. Men, women and children alike crying out in terror upon the ground above. The bell stopped and was replaced by the sound of steel colliding. They were under attack.
All Drevorin could do was stand within the centre of his cell, composing himself and analysing the situation silently. Whoever the attackers were, they were bold to say the least. This was a well-established village in Rohan and well-guarded to boot. Who would emerge as the victor in this situation relies heavily upon circumstance. Whoever the enemy were, they were no friend of Rohan. This narrowed it down to Isengard, Dunland or Brigands. The latter seeming the most unlikely. Heavy footsteps drew closer to his cell, sprinting down the corridor. Should it come to a fight he was both unarmed and half-starved. This could very well be the end, he thought. Fitting that it should happen in captivity. There was a clatter of keys and eventually the door swung open. Drevorin raised a hand to his eyes once more to shield them from the light. As they adjusted, he saw Raelwald once more, armed with a sword and shield.
“We’re under attack!” he cried, out of breath and flustered by the situation.
“Unfortunate” replied Drevorin.
“I-” Raelwald paused and turned to another guard standing behind him, ready for incoming attackers. “We… We need your aid!”
Drevorin was surprised by this development, which was a rare thing indeed. He stared at Raelwald for a moment in silence, his lip eventually curling.
“You must be very desperate” said Drevorin, slowly approaching from the darkness. Raelwald raised his sword and shield as if to defend himself. Even unarmed, he saw Drevorin as a threat, but desperate he was indeed. “You do not expect me to fight unarmed, do you?” He eyed the guard behind Raelwald who seemed just as fearful as he. “I require a weapon.”
