A voice echoed through the underground chamber.

"Hello? Is anybody out there?"

I followed it, the tapping of my boots echoing.

"Hello? Hey, you! Miss! Help me!"

I approached the prison cell.

"Help me get out of here," the prisoner gripped the bars of their cell.

"Gladly," I responded.

"Thank you! Thank you very much!"

I pulled the key out of my bust.

"Before I open this door, I must ask you a question," I said.

"Yes yes anything! Pray ask it now!"

Quite eager, I see. "Why are you in here?"

"As you can see, I'm just a poor villager. I've barely enough money to buy myself food. Yesterday, I nicked some bread from a bakery. The blasted watchmen nabbed me and I wound up here."

"That's unfortunate."

"Yes it is!"

I inserted the key into the keyhole and gave it a turn. The door successfully opened.

The prisoner scrambled out, almost tripping in her excitement.

I extended an arm, but not exactly to catch her fall.

She laughed in embarrassment. "Hey, how'd you even get those keys?"

"I killed the man that carried them," I answered simply. "Along with the men who tried to stop me."

She stared at me without blinking for a few seconds before chuckling.

"Miss, you must think me a fool to believe such a thing!"

"I jest not."

The ex-prisoner furrowed her brows in doubt. "Show me, then."

I turned and walked towards the entrance with the prisoner following close behind.

I pushed open the door that separated the chamber of cells from the lobby.

She stopped. "Egad! You weren't kidding." She backed up until her back hit the wall, breathing rapidly.

I looked at the sight before me. Dead men lay sprawled across the floor. I hadn't even bothered to close their eyes.

Why should I, when they arrest people unjustly? I am reminded of why I hate to visit the town.

I turned around to face the villager. "Come with me."

"Where..?" Her eyes were filled with fright, her voice hesitant.

"My mansion. I can have my servants prepare you a feast."

She glanced at the bodies and immediately turned her head as if she'd been slapped.

"I... I appreciate the offer. But... I'm afraid I'll have to decline," she kept her eyes closed.

Looking at the villager, I could tell how poor she was. She had straight black hair that fell down to her waist, and it was very unkept. She wore a ragged long-sleeved dress the color of what must have been alabaster. She had a high collar with many buttons, and a belt (or rope) that was wrapped around her waist.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" She'd finally opened her eyes.

"Like what?"

"With.. pity. You pity me."

"Nonsense! I know not what you speak about."

She rolled her eyes. "Well, thank you for saving me. I really must get going."

"You're not going anywhere." It was my turn to be annoyed.

"Why not?" She argued.

"You didn't expect your freedom to be provided gratis, did you?"

At this, she had befallen to silence.

"Village girl, you will come with me whether you like it or not."

She stayed silent for a few seconds before finally responding. "Why are you so insistent on helping me out?" Her eyes were focused on a part of the floor not splattered with blood.

I stepped closer to the villager and tilted her chin up. "Consider me a courteous young lady."