The king's words echoed in Ryker's mind as he made his way to the prison. "Jax's trial will be tomorrow. The council and elders will be present to ensure a fair trial, according to the kingdom's laws." Ryker's expression was grim, his thoughts focused on the task at hand. As he entered the prison, he spotted Jax lounging in his cell, a look of nonchalance on his face. Ryker's eyes narrowed, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Jax, your trial is set for tomorrow. If found guilty, you'll face execution." Jax's smile was quick, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, Ryker,the kings loyal head guard, always so serious. I'm shaking in my boots." Ryker's expression remained stern, but Jax's teasing manner got under his skin. "You think this is a joke, Jax? You're facing serious charges." Jax chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, I'm not worried. I'll charm my way out of this one, just like I always do." Ryker snorted, his patience wearing thin. "You're not as charming as you think you are, Jax. And even if you were, it wouldn't save you from the noose." Jax's grin grew wider, his voice dripping with confidence. "I'll take my chances. But tell me, Ryker, are you man enough to face me in a one-on-one battle? Come into my cell, and let's settle this like men." Ryker's eyes flashed with anger, his hand tightening on his sword. For a moment, he considered accepting Jax's challenge. But his duty and loyalty to the king and kingdom held him back. "I'm not here to play games, Jax. Your trial will be tomorrow. Be prepared." With a final glance, Ryker turned and left the prison, leaving Jax to his thoughts. But he knew that Jax was far from defeated, and that the real challenge was only just beginning. Jax watched Ryker leave, a sly smile still plastered on his face. He knew he had gotten under Ryker's skin, and that was exactly what he wanted. He lay back on his cot, his mind racing with thoughts of escape and revenge. As he pondered, he heard a faint noise coming from the corner of his cell. He sat up, his eyes fixed on a small rock that had been dislodged from the wall. A tiny piece of parchment was tied to it, with a note scrawled in hasty handwriting. "Jax, I'm on your side. Meet me in the old windmill on the outskirts of town at midnight." The mysterious person, had covered his head with a dark cloak, obscuring his identity. He had sneaked into the prison, his movements silent and deliberate. Reaching the guards' station, he had poured a sleeping draught into their drinks, waiting patiently for the drug to take effect. Once the guards were slumbering, the man had slipped into Jax's cell, his lockpicking skills allowing him to open the door without a sound. He had handed Jax a set of lockpicks and a small note with a rough map of the prison's ventilation system. "You're on your own from here, Jax," he had whispered, his voice barely audible. "But with these, you should be able to make your way out." With a nod, Jax had taken the lockpicks and the note, his mind racing with excitement and gratitude. The man had turned to leave, his cloak billowing behind him as he disappeared into the shadows, leaving Jax to make his escape. Jax's heart raced as he followed the map through the ventilation system. He crawled through the narrow ducts, his body scraping against the metal walls. The air was thick with dust, and he had to fight the urge to cough. As he turned a corner, he heard a faint noise behind him. He froze, his ears perked up. The sound grew louder, and he realized that someone was coming towards him. Ryker's voice echoed through the ductwork, his words indistinguishable but his tone unmistakable. Jax's mind raced as he looked for a place to hide. He spotted a small alcove in the wall, just large enough for him to squeeze into. He held his breath, his body pressed against the metal as Ryker's footsteps approached. Jax's heart skipped a beat as Ryker's light shone into the ductwork, illuminating the darkness. He held perfectly still, his eyes fixed on the light. But Ryker didn't see him. He must have thought he had a noise, he just muttered a curse and moved on, his footsteps fading into the distance. Jax let out a sigh of relief, his body relaxing against the metal wall. He waited for a few moments, listening to make sure Ryker was gone. Then, he continued on his way, his heart still racing from the close call. Finally, he saw a glimmer of light ahead. He crawled towards it, his body aching from the tight spaces. He emerged from the ventilation system, finding himself in a dark alleyway. Jax took a deep breath, his lungs expanding with the cool night air. He was free. He made his way through the alleyways, his eyes scanning the rooftops for any sign of pursuit. But there was none. He had escaped, thanks to the mysterious man and his clever plan. Jax smiled to himself, his heart filled with gratitude. He made his way to the outskirts of town, his eyes fixed on the horizon. He knew that he would have to keep moving, to stay one step ahead of Ryker and the guards. But for now, he was free. And that was all that mattered. The king's footsteps echoed through the dark corridors of the prison, his cloak billowing behind him. He had come to interrogate Jax, to uncover the truth behind his attempted theft. But as he approached the cell, he sensed something was amiss. The guards were slumbering, their snores loud and uninterrupted. The cell door was open, and Jax was nowhere to be found. The king's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with anger and suspicion. He summoned Ryker, his voice low and urgent. "Ryker, Jax has escaped. Sound the alarm and gather the guards. We must find him before he escapes the castle." Ryker's face was grim, his eyes flashing with determination. "At once, Your Majesty," he replied, hastening to obey. The alarm bell clanged loudly, echoing through the castle walls. Guards rushed to answer the call, their footsteps pounding the stone floors. The pursuit for Jax had begun. The king's face was set in a fierce scowl, his mind fixed on capturing the elusive thief. He would not rest until Jax was back in chains, the artifact safe from his grasp. As the guards combed the castle, searching every nook and cranny, the king's anger grew. How had Jax managed to escape? And what was his true motive for stealing the artifact? Jax approached the old windmill, its sails creaking in the night breeze. He entered cautiously, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. A figure emerged from the shadows, cloaked and hooded. "Welcome, Jax," they whispered. "I see you made it out, the figure said, a sly smile spreading across his face. "I've been waiting for you." Jax approached the old windmill, its sails creaking in the night breeze. He entered cautiously, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. A figure emerged from the shadows, cloaked and hooded. "Welcome, Jax," they whispered. "I see you made it out alive. Now, let's get down to business." As the mysterious man pushed back his hood, Jax's eyes widened in shock. "Thorne!" he exclaimed, his voice barely above a whisper.