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

[princetheoden]

*gotten separated from Boromir and Nyel when he lost his torch and making his way as quietly as he can through the tunnels, feeling his way with his fingers*

[ecthelion_of_gondolin]

*has sent teams of guards down each of the tunnels; going down another with his torch in one hand and sword in the other*

[second_time_around]

*has joined the search party at Turgon's request; in the tunnels with his own sword, and the one he's made for Finrod; is concentrating on the bad feelings to lead him to his nephew*

[boromir_of_gondor]

*caught up to Nyel* Are you alright? *looks around* I don't see any more coming. *catches his breath* We should double-back and try to track them.

[gondocase1]

[Lights flare up coming through side-tunnels, making things very uncomfortable for anyone who hasn't had time to adjust, and the remaining cult members appear on the scene, led by Cristaer]

You've hurt the city. You've stolen from the city.

And now you will be given back to it!