"Okay, let's go over this plan. It's customary to invite other nobles for respect and image for the ceremony. Because of this, many knights will be here and security will be higher than normal. But because it's a ceremony, most of the knights and guards will be off duty, drinking and enjoying their day off." Gramps explained
"If most knights and guards will be off duty, does this mean the slaves will have to work that day?" Joren asked.
"Yes, slaves will still have to work, but only until midday. The slaves will then be able to rest, and even the leftover food from the ceremony will be given to the slaves, after the servants of course. But this leads me to what you're going to do."
Joren was focused more than usual. His chance of escaping was just a mere two weeks away. One slip-up was all it takes for this plan to backfire and have dire consequences. He was not going to let that happen, so he made sure to absorb everything Gramps was telling him.
"Since most Guards will be off duty, then that means the dungeon won't be guarded. Since there is currently no one in there for bad behavior, there is no need to guard it. Also, since you're only 10 and will be the only person in there, the guards won't think that guarding the dungeon will be important. This makes it easier to escape the eyes of everyone."
"But even if that's the case, I still need a way out. I'd literally be locked in the dungeon, not be put in time out." Joren stated.
"That's true. So we'd need to get the key. Luckily for us, the person who has the key to the dungeon also has the key to the slave collars. Once I free you from the dungeon, you'd also be freed from the collar. But.."
"The key is always with Sir Bob." Joren sighed
"That's right. The plus side is that Sir Bob likes to drink. Once he gets drunk enough, I'll sneak around and grab the keys, free you, and return them before anyone notices."
"But even if he's drunk, I'm sure that a slave wandering around will cause suspicion. All it takes is one person to catch you and it's all over. Also, if he just happens to look for his keys, then that'd also be a problem." Although Gramp's plan was pretty good, it had too many holes. One wrong move or simply mistiming something will cause the plan to fail. Joren was thinking of many scenarios where the plan could fail.
"We'll need a diversion," Gramps said with a sinister smile on his face
"What kind of diversion?" Joren asked
"I'll set the crops and the save quarters on fire."
Joren looked into Gramps's eyes with shock to see whether he was serious or not. Arson? That was not something he considered. While he did want to leave this place, he didn't want to do so at the expense of others. They were all slaves like him. Most of them were slaves because of unfortunate circumstances. How is it fair for him to let them suffer when they are all in the same boat?
Joren had been questioning himself why Gramps only talked about him specifically escaping and not anyone else. He understood that the fewer people the better, but that didn't stop his curiosity. Why was Gramps training him? Why was Gramps telling him all these things? Did he try this before? Was he luring him into a trap? So many questions.
"I know what you might be thinking." Gramp's looked at Joren with a warm smile
"Do you?" Joren asked
"Yeah. But let me just tell you this. I have no intention to harm you whatsoever. Some of the slaves here did bad things so they are now paying for it. Others were born into it. While some were in the situation that you're in. The reason why I decided to help you is simply because I wanted to. You are young, you don't need to be here. I've seen many young kids like you die. I don't want to see that again." A solemn look was on Gramp's face showing his seriousness.
"I-I understand. Let's continue."
"I'll set the crops and quarters on fire. But that's not all. I'll also set the infirmary on fire as well. They will act as our diversion. Since the fire will take priority, Sir Bob won't think to bring his keys with him. His focus will be to eliminate the fire. During that time, I will make my way over to the dungeon and free you."
"And for the escape?"
"There is only one path that leads into this Barony. So that's the only escape path. Because of that, there will be many guards there, but the fire will make them temporarily leave their posts to help aid in the fire." He continued
"Once you leave, follow the road until you come across an intersection. The left path will take you to the capital while the right path will take you to a town. You need to take the right path. The capital isn't a good place to be especially for a slave." Gramps explained
Nodding Joren asked, "How long will it take for me to reach the town?"
"About a week."
"A WEEK?! You want me to travel alone for a week? What am I going to eat? What about the wild animals and bandits? How will I avoid them? I can handle animals, maybe, but I definitely can't handle bandits. I could end back up in slavery, or worse!"
"Haha, that's for you to figure out. Some people die trying to escape slavery. Do you think they want to die? Do you think they want to suffer? Life is hard, and when you aren't fortunate to live a comfortable life, it's even harder. You must take what you can get, and what you can get, is a way out of here."
'He's right. Gramps spent five years helping me prepare for this moment. I can't let that go to waste. Like he said, some people have it worse than me. I should be thankful that he's doing all the dangerous tasks. Sigh, I'm too comfortable. If I'm to survive in this world, I need to be strong mentally. I need to be selfish. I won't make this mistake again.' Joren resolved himself and looked at Gramps with newfound confidence.
"Alright, let's do this!" Joren got up and made his way over to the door when Gramaps called out to him.
"Kid, where are you going? The operation starts in 2 weeks. Get your ass back here and clean this place!"
"Ahh, oh yeah, I forgot, hahaha." Joren got his tools and started cleaning his part of the barn.