Marta peeked out the window, ensuring the area below was clear. The backyard of Serzad's house seemed quiet, with only a few trees and bushes that could serve as cover. Carefully, she inspected the rope.
"This is sturdy enough. But we have to go down one at a time," she said seriously.
Godan motioned for Jomie to go first. Despite his face filled with doubt, Jomie finally climbed out. His hands trembled, but he managed to reach the ground safely.
Marta was next, moving with more agility. Finally, Godan descended the rope, ensuring no trace of their escape remained by carefully pulling the knot to release the rope from below.
Once all three were on the ground, they quickly coiled the rope and slipped into the bushes, moving away from Serzad's house as quietly as possible.
To the west, a hedge wall blocked their path. Godan, Marta, and Jomie pushed through it with great difficulty, snapping and breaking some of the branches in the process.
* * * * *
Without wasting another moment, the distant sound of a servant's shout shattered the quiet of the night.
"They've escaped! Find them quickly!" The cry was followed by the hurried footsteps of guards rushing out of Serzad's house.
Godan, Marta, and Jomie didn't look back. Their breaths were ragged, and their steps stumbled on the uneven cobblestone path.
"If we get caught, we're doomed!" Jomie shivered in terror. They all knew that one wrong move would seal their fate.
"To the tavern! We can hide there!" Godan shouted, leading the way.
"The tavern is far, Godan!" Jomie protested between gasps for air. "And running like this makes us look suspicious!"
"There's no time to stop, Jomie!" Marta snapped. "If we slow down now, they'll catch us for sure!"
Behind them, the shouts of the guards grew louder, their voices echoing in the narrow streets. But it wasn't just the guards they were worried about. A few Amexan citizens, still awake at this late hour, turned their heads, their expressions filled with curiosity and suspicion.
The city was far too orderly, too meticulous. Actions as frantic as theirs were bound to draw attention. Some bystanders whispered among themselves, while others scowled disapprovingly.
"Look ahead, stay calm," Godan whispered, trying to slow his pace. "Walk quickly, don't run. We need to act like regular citizens."
About a hundred meters later, Marta glanced back and hissed, "Too late. They've spotted us!"
Sure enough, two guards from Serzad's house appeared at the end of the street, their eyes blazing with anger. "There they are! Catch them!"
"Run again!" Jomie yelped, nearly tripping as he turned to follow Marta and Godan into a narrow alleyway between two large buildings.
* * * * *
The alley was dim and damp, illuminated only by a faint glow from a small lamp at the far end. They kept moving without pause, their shoes splashing through puddles of dirty water. Behind them, the sound of pursuing footsteps grew louder, closing in.
"Left!" Godan shouted.
They turned into a narrow corridor that ended at a spiral emergency staircase leading up a tall building.
"Up or down?" Marta asked, her breath labored. Because, besides the stairs leading upward, on the right side—hidden behind a row of trash bins—there was a descending path.
Godan made a quick decision. "Up! We'll find a safer path from above."
The three of them began ascending the stairs quickly, though their legs felt like lead. Below, the guards halted momentarily, confused by the trail that seemed to have vanished.
"Quick, keep searching! Don't lose them!" barked one of the guards.
By the time they reached the fifth floor, they stopped on a small balcony. From up here, they could see the sprawling city of Amexan, its grand buildings and orderly streets bathed in a pale glow. But they could also see other guards spreading out, clearly searching for them.
"This won't last long," Marta muttered, watching the guards disperse.
"We head down to that street," Godan said, pointing. "The tavern is just past that block. But we'll have to be more careful—running like before will only draw more attention."
* * * * *
They finally found another way out—a back staircase of the building that led to a small market on the outskirts of the main road. The market was bustling with food and clothing stalls, and people enjoying the late-night atmosphere.
"Blend in with them," Godan whispered.
The three of them merged into the sparse crowd, trying not to draw attention.
Marta swiftly grabbed a light blue scarf from a nearby stall, draping it over her head as a disguise. Jomie used a piece of cloth from his bag to cover his face.
Godan glanced toward the main road. He spotted several guards speaking to merchants, seemingly asking questions about them.
"We don't have much time," he muttered.
"What's your plan?" Marta asked.
"We hide until the heat dies down." Godan replied, his voice low "Once it's safe, we'll retrieve the map and the Star Key."
Marta and Jomie nodded in agreement, once again placing their trust in him.
"We'll take a detour to the inn. But we can't use the main roads. We need to stick to the alleys," Godan added.
Marta adjusted her scarf. "In that case, let me lead. I noticed some of the city's layout while we were on the train earlier."
Godan nodded. "All right, Marta. Take us through!"
Meanwhile, back at Serzad's residence, Karven stood in front of a large window, gazing out with cold eyes. Behind him, Serzad paced the room, visibly enraged.
"They know something," Serzad said sharply. "We cannot let them leave this city."
"I know," Karven replied calmly but firmly. "We'll find them. This city is under your control, and they don't know it as well as we do."
Serzad nodded. "I'll send out more guards. They won't get far."
"And make sure all citizens are on alert!" Karven added. "Announce it publicly if necessary. Don't let them leave Amexan. They're a liability."
"Keep the Star Key and the map in a safe place. There's a small chance they might return," said Serzad.