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

[john_npcs]

Yeah, I'm fine, sir. Just bit off more than I could chew. Sorry. *rubs her arm where a much larger elf got a good hit in*

[finrod]

*yes, humans definitely; steps forward quietly*

[boromir_of_gondor]

*looks at her arm* That'll bruse up nicely. *points off to the right and whispers* I think I hear something. *withdraws his sword*

[john_npcs]

*gets into position beside Boromir, determined not to be caught off-guard again*

[finrod]

*hears the ring of a sword being drawn, whispers* It's only me.

[boromir_of_gondor]

*resheathes his sword and looks Finrod over* We need to get you back to the surface, quickly. *points at a guard* He can escort you in case of another attack. *looks back at the direction from where Finrod came* Nyel and I will backtrack and see if we can find their hideout.

[finrod]

*calmly* Wait. I can show it to you.

[boromir_of_gondor]

*starts to argue, but decides to let it go* As you wish. Nyel, keep watch at the rear. I don't want another ambush.

[finrod]

*starts off back toward the cult's hideaway, moving stealthily*

[boromir_of_gondor]

*follows closely behind* How many of them are there?

[finrod]

*low voice* I'd say at least twenty... *unaware that some have been killed*

[boromir_of_gondor]

*places his hand on the hilt of his sword* The rest of the guards should be near the convergence of the tunnels. I'll signal to them to follow us.

[finrod]

*nods* The place is just ahead. *can hear commotion coming from in front of them*

[boromir_of_gondor]

*unsheathes his sword* You're in no condition to fight. Once we get to the convergence, fall back. Nyel can make sure no harm comes to you.

[finrod]

*wryly* Don't worry, I'm not planning to get myself killed.

[boromir_of_gondor]

Nobody plans to get killed, and I'm here to make sure it doesn't happen. *stops suddenly and grabs Finrod's shoulder* *whispers* I see shadows ahead.

[finrod]

*stops as well, peering into the darkness; whispers* Elf. *leaves off the 's' so they're less easily heard*

[second_time_around]

*waiting in the shadows, unseen, with Theoden by his side; whispers* Be ready.

[finrod]

*listening carefully, trying to discern any voices*

[second_time_around]

*realizes it's Finrod, even though he can't see him yet; whispers* Nephew.

[princetheoden]

Oh. That's better. *quietly, standing down, wishing they had some damn light*

[finrod]

*really quite surprised, but relieved as well that it is not the cult elves* ...Fëanáro?

[second_time_around]

*hushed voice* Yes. Are you well? *can't see him really in the dark, but senses something is not well*

[finrod]

*whispers* For the most part.

[second_time_around]

You should get out of here. You need to see a healer. Go with Theoden, and the rest of us can take care of what remains of these murderers.