The inside of the slave market was chaos.
Guards were running toward the courtyard. They didn't notice the hooded figure slipping past them in the hall.
Marcus hugged the walls. He moved quickly.
He knew where the dungeon entrance was. He remembered the path.
He descended the stone stairs.
The air grew colder. The smell of rot returned.
He reached the dungeon level.
The hallway was lined with cells.
Most of the guards had run upstairs to fight the intruder.
Only one remained. He was fumbling with his keys, looking panicked.
He saw Marcus in the cloak.
"Hey!" the guard shouted. "What is happening up there? Is it a raid?"
Marcus didn't stop. He walked straight toward the man.
"Yes," Marcus said. He deepened his voice. "The boss needs you up there. Now."
The guard hesitated. "But the slaves..."
"Forget the slaves!" Marcus barked. He tried to channel his father's authority. "We are being slaughtered! Move!"
The guard's eyes widened. Fear took over.
"Right! Right!"
