The clink of cuffs and chainmail was the only indication of life as they walked briskly up to civilization again. Aldor decided that no one should ever have to go this deep into the ground. Ever. It wasn't natural, and he'd be lucky if he escaped without a new phobia of the dark. He didn't resist, so the guards didn't bother to interact with him.
At last, the doors to the courtyard burst asunder and Aldor reeled back in shock at how hard the light and warmth hit his body. He squinted, eyes tearing. Noise exploded around him, contemptuous cheers, jeers, and hisses guided him slowly back, regaining his vision.
He staggered, rotating in a full circle as he tried to orient himself. The courtyard, fully embraced by the city walls, was filled with more people than he'd ever seen. Flurries of m
