I thought the shirt was the latest in fashion wear, myself.
You could be a designer when this is all over. Although it doesn’t disguise much, I must say.
Are you looking?
A soft snort.How can I not?
Well, I think it’s the kettle and pot scenario, myself.
What?
Nevermind.
Despite the humorous words, Lucas detected the strain running through them. Nikolai was strung tighter than a drum. The perpetual knot in his gut tightened.
There was another cart of straw up against the wall, but the Bellatis were ignoring him and his second cart. So far, so good. Lucas wheeled it close to Nikolai and started fussing with the straw around the Unicorn’s legs while he palmed the pick.
For a moment, Lucas wrapped his hand around the large hoof, where the hair thinned before it formed the horn. Then he attacked the manacle.
Nikolai twitched when the first lock disengaged.
Don’t move. Just pretend I’m not here.
I could take out those Bellatis, and we both could escape.
How far would we get before Galeran grabs hold of you? This is the only way, Nikolai. Trust me.
The Perditor rolled an eye at him, but lay still as Lucas freed a second leg while fluffing straw.
Lay your head right flat. The ones on your neck and muzzle are the hardest.
Lucas heard teeth grind, but Nikolai laid his head right down. Keeping half an eye on the Bellatis, Lucas worked quickly to unlock both manacles.
Keep your head down or they might notice.
They are sure to notice when I leave.
Not if you follow orders,Lucas chided, giving Nikolai’s leg a slap before he picked that lock free as well.
He’d already done the one around the broad barrel. One more leg restraint to go.
A Bellati glanced toward him, watched for a moment while Lucas continued to fluff, and then turned away again.
It was a warning. He’d been here long enough.
Lucas unlocked the last leg iron.
Now what?Nikolai ground out the words.
Now we make like a Basilisk.
What?
First Lucas broke open another crystal dust bead and consumed it. Then he pulled two beads forward from his braids, and crushed them too. Inside were packets of a fine powder.
Basilisk dust,he explained.I’m going to put it over you. It contains the ability to confuse the eye, at least for long enough to get you out of here.
Is there enough for both of us?
