As the moon emerged from behind drifting dark clouds, Benjamin waited patiently until the footsteps of his captor faded into the distance.
Only then did he reach into his sleeve and retrieve the small knife he had stolen from one of them.
His bound hands trembled as he carefully worked the blade against the ropes around his wrists. The coarse fibers bit into his skin, making every movement painful, but after several agonizing moments, the final strand snapped.
Without hesitation, he bent down and cut the ropes binding his ankles.
Free at last.
Benjamin rose to his feet, only to wince as a sharp ache shot through his legs. He staggered, gripping the chair for support. He had no idea how long he had been tied there, but it had been long enough for his knees to stiffen and his muscles to protest every movement.
Taking a slow breath, he forced himself forward.
The knight crept toward the wooden door and pressed an ear against it.
Silence.
