Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #16 July 2015 | Page 40

sank in. Just as Simon was beginning to worry, he was
overwhelmed by a cacophony of sound. The crowd
yelled and screamed its support. It took all of his
effort to quieten them again.

the group up a long, sloping corridor towards the
surface. The crowd jostled behind them, eager to taste
freedom. They were confronted by another locked iron
gate and a roomful of soldiers beyond.

“We must do this with the minimum of
violence. We will try to convince the guards not to
fight us. When you are released, head away from the
jail. Stay hidden until we have dealt with Freda.”
The crowd seemed shocked to hear the name uttered
without reverence or title. Simon had just committed
a blasphemy punishable by death. “When I give the
word, you must create a disturbance to distract the
guards while we deal with the gate. Stay silent until
then. May the Balance be with you and may your
future repay the debt that is owed for such inhumane
treatment.”

The Captain of the Guard stepped forward.
“Return to your dungeon immediately and you will
be allowed to live. Hesitate for but an instant and you
will all die.” He had a loud commanding voice that
spoke of long experience and demanded respect.
“I am Simo