The prison opening, the chain that snaps.

[finrod]

Finrod tries every spell that might corrode the metal into rust, and every spell of strength he can remember to break the chain binding him. It's only when these fail that he thinks of the basic principles of metalwork. The links and bands of steel will have seams for all their outward smoothness. He focuses on the centre chain link first, but though it grows hot enough that he can burn his fingertips if he stretches to touch the chain, the solder does not fail.

He sighs and jerks on the chain in frustration. The cuts on his neck itch. He recalls the girl's - Rae's - words.

"Strong blood makes good magic."

A shiver runs through him even as he finds the joint in the band on his left wrist. It grows red-hot, but he concentrates hard enough to ignore the worst of the pain, even as blood begins to trickle over the metal. He can feel the metal give, bends it on the rung of the chair just enough to work his hand free...

From there it's easy enough to snap the length of chain that had linked his wrists together, and he throws the broken band into the water as soon as he gets out of the room. He can't ignore his wounds indefinitely, and a hot, sick feeling courses through him. Still, he keeps his footsteps silent.

---

_{So, from here we'll play in comments for the rescue party arriving and ensuing chaos!}

Comments

[ecthelion_of_gondolin]

*realizes the people he hears approaching are the guards, steps out of his hiding spot to see Theodred and the others* It's me.

[theodredprince]

*That is kind of the moment DRED is starting a little at the noises. And he kind of isn't seeing too clearly in the dark and a little unsteady and you know, freaked out and the torch isn't close enough to him that he's seeing anything so...down he goes. On his face.*

[princetheoden]

(Son I am disappoint)

[ecthelion_of_gondolin]

*minute sigh; reaches for Dred's shoulder, to help him up* Theodred, it's me. Ecthelion. Come on. *looks at the other guards* We're going this way... *pointing down the tunnel to the direction of the altar room; they will be meeting up with the others as they all converge on it*

[theodredprince]

Thank you. *Dred isn't hurt, just embarrassed and brushing himself off, ready to follow with the others. Instead he's making sure his sword will be easy to draw and following with the others*

[ecthelion_of_gondolin]

*leads Dred and the other guards closer to the entrance, watching for the cult-members, sword at the ready* Everyone, be on guard.