Waylen followed Gustaw in silence, his mind was full of questions. He needed to know more about the prison, about its routines, its weaknesses. But how could he ask without raising suspicion? Perhaps the same way he had done with the other guards earlier, casually, like a clueless newcomer.
"Excuse me, Gustaw?" he asked.
The guard looked at him in irritation.
"Kid, we're going to see the sergeant. Could you keep it down until then?"
"I know," Waylen said "but I've got some questions, if you don't mind answering."
"I do mind, kid. I'm not your fucking babysitter. Now shut up and follow."
Waylen frowned, folding his arms as he slowed his pace.
"Why are you mad at me all of a sudden?"
"Because you're going to get us into trouble, that's why!" Gustaw barked.
"Excuse me," Waylen countered in a slightly defiant tone, "but weren't you the one in trouble a few minutes ago? Weren't you the one worrying about getting thrown into a cell and tortured?"
"Exactly!" Gustaw snapped. "That's why I'm anxious, kid! You'll get us both drag into trouble, and they'll throw us into those damned cells!"
Waylen exhaled slowly, softening his tone.
"Gustaw, listen. I promise nothing bad will happen. I won't do anything reckless. I'll just ask for the sergeant's help, and if he refuses, I'll back down. That's it. Okay?"
Gustaw studied him for a long moment, his gaze searching. He closed his eyes with a sigh. When he opened them, his voice was quieter.
"Alright, kid. Just… no funny business. Understood?"
Waylen smiled gently.
"You got it, Gus. …Sorry for the nickname."
To his relief, Gustaw let out a chuckle.
"It's fine, kid. But then I'm calling you Way in return. Fair?"
Waylen chuckled back.
"Deal, Gus."
Gustaw's voice had softened, less hostile now.
"So, what are your questions? Make it quick though, we need to catch the sergeant."
Waylen knew he had to hurry. Every second counted before the dead body was discovered, before his escape attempt was noticed.
"Right. I will get to the point then. Does the captain ever leave his quarters?"
Gustaw frowned, thinking.
"Hmm… only for important matters. Emergencies, or when something demands his personal attention. Like this once a supply wagon collapsed, crushed the horses, injured the riders. He came rushing down from the tower."
"Oh? I can use this information." Waylen murmured. "But what about the guards protecting his room? Did they rush out too? Or did they stay in their stations?"
"I see. And what about the lieutenant and the sergeants? What do they do daily around here?" Waylen asked.
Gustaw let out a sigh. "Oh god, you really are a newcomer. Fine, listen carefully."
He cleared his throat, pausing to gather up his thoughts. It was clear that this explanation was going to be a long one.
"We guards handle the mundane grunt work; watch duty, babysitting the prisoners, caring for the horses, training, cleaning. There's kitchen staff too, of course, cooking and all. The sergeants, there are three, each oversee a squad, making sure we're doing our jobs properly. The lieutenant is above them, responsible for gathering reports and delivering them to the captain. He also manages the captain's stash and handles the smaller paperwork: reports, schedules, requisitions. Then there's the captain himself. He deals with the rest; supplies, correspondence with the capital, big decisions, everything else."
By the end Gustaw looked tired, rubbing at his temple.
"I can't believe no one taught you any of this, kid. How the hell did you even become a guard?"
Waylen chuckled, feigning humour.
"You're right, maybe this isn't the job for me. But I'm already here, aren't I?" He smiled friendly. "Now, let's go find the sergeant."
Gustaw sighed, shaking his head as he turned.
"Alright, kid. Let's go."
He led the way.
They spotted the sergeant in front of the prison block, Waylen panicked. What if his cover was blown now? Sergeants are responsible for the guards, what if this man noticed he wasn't one of his men? Crap! But it was too late now. He asked to meet him and now he was right in front of him. Gustaw saluted the sergeant, and he quickly copied him as Gustaw spoke.
"Sir! May we have a word if you've got time?"
He gazed us up and down and then spoke.
"At ease. You may speak."
They lowered their hands and eased their stance. The sergeant looked like a serious man. He was tall and muscular, with short blonde hair and deep green eyes, similar to Gustaw's. Although Gustaw was shorter and had longer, messier hair.
Gustaw spoke in a firm tone, suiting to a serious conversation.
"Sir, this newcomer has a few questions for you if you have the time."
"A newcomer, huh? I don't remember a newcomer in my squad. Perhaps you are from Sergeant Pilos's or Sergeant Wilder's squads?"
Waylen gulped as he spoke, trying to hide his nervousness.
"Yes, sir. I am not from your squad. But I couldn't find my own sergeant at the moment, and Gustaw told me that I could talk to you instead if you had the time."
"What is it, kid?" He asked firmly, this man didn't enjoy speaking to Waylen one bit.
"Sir, if I may, I don't think I should wander around without a duty. I finished my shift watching the prisoners, and I would like to ask if you could give me a task? Maybe I can help with anything?"
"No, kid. I don't need the help of a newcomer who isn't even from my own squad. Now get going." He rejected harshly.
He panicked.
"B-but it would help me gain experience."
"I don't care, kid. Get going. Now!" He raised his voice in anger "Go back to your watch duty if you desperately need something to do. Go, now!" He pointed through the door of the prison block.
Waylen sighed, his tone hiding his desperation.
"Yes, sir." He started moving, then looked back at Gustaw. "Thank you, I will see you later." Then he walked in.
He then spotted the guard he had met earlier.
"Oh, back so soon? I thought you were going to rest in the barracks."
Waylen felt his anger and irritation rising.
"Change of plans."
The guard chuckled.
"No matter. Hey, wanna go rough up those filths? Especially that pathetic boy?"
Waylen panicked.
"O-oh, sure. But… not now. Go get some rest while I keep an eye on them. Then we'll deal with them once you've regained your full strength."
"Nonsense! I'm perfectly fine! Besides, you'll be worn out by the time I return!"
Damn it, he's not leaving.
"It's fine, really," Waylen pressed, forcing a casual smile. "I'm young, I won't get tired easily. We'll beat them senseless when you're back. Come on, you deserve a good meal, some liquor, and a quiet nap."
The guard's eyes closed in tiredness, his shoulders sinking down as he let out a sigh.
"You're right, kid. I am tired. But we'll make them scream once I return, got it? It's our watch today, and I won't let the day end without beating them at least once."
"Deal. See you later."
"Later, kid." With a lazy wave, he finally turned and disappeared in the corridor.
What the fuck will I do now?! The sergeant didn't give a damn, and he would question me if I pushed further! I have to do something! I need to find a way!"
He paced back and forth, his mind working tirelessly.
"What if I start a fire? Then I can sneak into the captain's quarters while he and the others are busy dealing with the fire, and I can use his seal and then run away? But no, even if I run, they will start searching for me once they notice that it's not me in that cell, and then they will ring the bells of the city and the city will go into a lockdown. Everyone will be searching for me while I will be stuck in a city I am unfamiliar with and nowhere to hide… Oh! What if I burn down the dead guard's body in the fire? I can start the fire in the prison block. I need something to burn the body. If they see the burnt body, they won't search for a dead prisoner. And maybe I can use the fire as an excuse to convince the captain to evacuate? But if the opinion comes from me, he will dismiss it; I need to say it to the lieutenant, and he will sell my idea as his own! But what if the captain refuses and orders us to stay and put out the fire? Well… then plan B: I will ask to go to the shore to ask for help! But what if he sends someone else? Or maybe refuses to send anyone at all?! What to do? What to do? I… I have no choice; I have to take a risk. I must burn this place! But not just the prison wing. I must burn the barracks as well, simultaneously. But with what? There are some hay for horses… and some cheap liquor in the cellar… I can use torches for fire as well… Maybe I can ask Gustaw to get me some liquor. But what if they inspect it and understand that it's alcohol that started the fire? Won't Gustaw immediately see the connection and tell them? In the end, they will search for a traitor guard, since I am playing that role currently, instead of a prisoner. Same story, city-wide search. But maybe not a lockdown. After all, you can't lock a city for a single deserter… Right? And… and even if Gustaw notices and tells the captain, what then? Won't the captain ask how I got the liquor? Won't he see Gustaw as my partner in crime? After all, the sergeant saw me with Gustaw too. He will risk himself as well if he tells them! Yes! This is perfect! Per… perfect… right?"
His heartbeat quickened in excitement and fear.
"Please work… please."
He had to find Gustaw again. With that in mind, he left the prison wing.