[Ransom]

Ransom had been slightly confused by the fuss over Elanor’s golden bands. In addition to being cumbersome and heavy, they did greatly increase the chance the Elanor would be spotted. Somehow he had passed it off as one of the quirks of their captors, on the level of leaving an obviously useful suit of armor lying around a prison.

But now, his suspicions were confirmed. Long had the Inquisition sought a substance that would bind a witch’s power. After many failures, they had discovered that gold dampened the power that a witch could expel into their surroundings. This information had been kept secret, to the point that the Inquisition covered golden bonds in a layer of iron. How had their captors obtained this knowledge? And furthermore, could this witch read his mind? How powerful was she? He would have to be careful. It would not do for anyone to discover his past. Not here. Not now.

The cursed elf’s repeated attempts to escape were beginning to annoy him. In addition to summoning their enemies, her repeated attempts to kick him were beginning to grow tiresome. He did not understand the nature of Elwyn’s quarrel with the elf, save that it would be far better for him to stay out of it. But this was one of his sworn enemies, one of the Heretics. Ransom briefly contemplated ending the elf’s misery with one quick snap of her neck. But the look on Elwyn’s face spoke to him in more ways than one. Perhaps she would be so kind as to allow him to administer the blow of absolution.

“Ladies, if our buisness is taken care of, I believe that we are outnumbered. We must make plans for our flight or our defense. But first, let us decide how to take care of this heretic?”