Fern appeared in the shop looking around. She saw Ivan and Alex standing by the door and smiled at Alex before looking up at Ivan, "Did something just happen, Ivan? I thought I heard you yelling."
Ivan smiled at her, "A thief tried to steal Father's life's savings."
Fern blinked, "In broad daylight?"
Ivan shrugged placing the box back behind the counter, "The thief was apprehended. I asked for a trial."
"A trial? Ivan, you can't be serious. The soldiers caught the thief and you know as well as I do what the penalty is for stealing."
She saw a frown flicker across his forehead, "It's a young thief. I'm hoping they will turn from thievery. Watch the shop, Fern, I've got to go check the dungeon."
Fern sighed nodding, "I'll watch the shop. Be careful, Ivan."
Ivan smiled heading towards the door, "I know you would. Good day, Alex."
Fern turned speaking to Ivan before he left, "I guess a trial mean Father will have to stay."
Ivan nodded once and left the shop.
******
Once out on the street Ivan sighed running a hand through his hair. The crowd was back to normal, constantly changing yet always the same. Ivan directed his steps towards the dungeon, head bowed in thought.
How am I going to get Diamond out? I've got to get her out with both her hands intact. He quickened his pace and entered the dungeon.
The dungeon was a dank, dreary place. Cold stone kept the heat of summer out and the cold of winter in. There was only one season in the dungeons. Winter. Ivan shivered as the heavy iron door slammed closed behind him. The dungeon master approached Ivan trying to appear friendly, "Ah, my lord, a pleasure you've decided to stop by today-"
Ivan spoke cutting off his words, "Where's the girl?"
The dungeon master blinked, "The girl? Oh,
that girl. Follow me."
Ivan followed wordlessly as the dungeon master rattled on. Ivan ignored him, too occupied with his own thoughts. They went down steps until they got to the lower level. Ivan looked around curiously, "Down here?"
The dungeon master frowned, "Yes. Anyway, this girl's an odd one. Never says a word, shows no emotion. None of the normal 'I'm innocent' speeches. She just sits there."
"There are rats down here."
"Of course. This is their favorite place. That girl just watches them. Not uttering a word."
Ivan waved his hand in annoyance, "Enough. You may go. I wish to speak with the girl alone."
The dungeon master gave Ivan a surprised look but handed him the key with a bow, "As you wish."
Ivan pulled the door open, it creaking louding on its rusted hinges. Diamond looked up blandly without a word.
~~~~~~~~~~~
the end!
