The next day a different guard came to Ing's cell and was even worse than Durzon. “My name is Flint Locke,” he said. “I'm your new jailer. I hear you're asking after the Lord and Lady. Leave them be, they don't want to talk to a criminal. If you can't keep your mouth quiet, I may just have you taken out into the street and whipped for insolence. Would that suit you?”
If you took me out to the city I would consult with Lord Dhoulus and maybe he would have you whipped. “Is there no justice in this city?” said Ing defiantly. “If you will not release me, I'll find my own way out.” He kicked the guard to the ground for he had to act quickly; the steamy soup that he was carrying burned his eyes at it came splashing on his face. Serves you right, you mean brute. Dhoulus will hear of this treachery. This was Ing’s chance. He noticed the sword was at the man’s side. He quickly grabbed it and broke into a run.
“Give me my sword back, you thief!” shouted Flint.
“I will once mine is returned to me,” said Ing. Fearing pursuit, Ing wrapped the man on the skull with the butt of the blade to make sure he didn't wake up anytime soon.
Up the stairs, more guards awaited him on either side of the hallway. Ing slammed his sword into their breastplates, knocking them back.
He wound his way around several corners, up several flights of stairs, and came to a corridor that was empty of guards. Surely, they've lost me by now. I must find my sword. The door in front of him led to the outside, he could see through the window, but another door was to his left. He looked inside and found a blade on a table that was unmistakably wrought by the blacksmith, Horwin Yelts. He tossed Flint Locke's blade on the table and replaced it with the sword that was rightfully his. Not several moments later, he burst out into the sunlight and the morning rays had a feeling of hope that they did not usually contain.
The guard at the southern gate to the city let him out without a fight, for he did not know of Ing’s entrapment; it was the very same guard that Ing and Alma had conversed with upon entering Shamsake.
Ing made his way northward because he figured that was the direction the Lake of Promises lied in. He hoped he could find Alma, and soon. How could she have abandoned him?
Ing traveled until his legs could carry him no further. He stopped to catch his breath just as the Sun looked like it was beginning to sink in the sky and saw a cave looming in front of him. Thinking he could rest there, he walked inside. Surely, no one will find me here. It should keep me safe from Illusionists or any other dangerous people that could be lurking around.
“We meet again, Ing,” a voice called, causing Ing to swiftly pull out his sword and grasp it firmly in his hands. But then he realized whose voice it was. He put his sword back in the sheath.
The wandering man, Roan, started walking towards him from the darkness of the cave.
“Hello, my nephew,” he said with a sad smile.
It took Ing several moments to respond as he looked at Roan in bewilderment, registering the implications of what the man had just said. “You’re my Uncle Ertse?” There was a slight pause. “My mother said you were in Lableck somewhere. Why didn’t you tell me who you were before?”
“I was going to the next morning after you had rest, Ing,” replied Erste. He looked like he felt guilty for delaying the revelation. “But I got word from an old friend that I was needed. I apologize. It’s not like me to leave so suddenly, as I did that day. As for being in Lableck, I haven’t lived there for some time. It’s safer for me here.”
The cave was silent for a moment. Ing stared curiously at his uncle, unsure of how to respond.
Erste let out a small laugh. He proceeded to walk forward and clasp a hand on his nephew’s shoulder. “You have your mother’s eyes. And her spirit. That is good. But then, we always knew you were special. Come, there is much I must teach you. You do not yet know how to use that sword of yours. No doubt, made by the legendary blacksmith, Horwin?”
Ing nodded, feeling unable to speak.
“We rest here for the night,” Erste said. “Your training begins in the morning.”
“This is really where you live?” Ing asked.
“As I said it’s safer for me here. It’s not a permanent residence, but I’ve become somewhat of an outcast in certain parts. It’s nothing serious, but it would be better if some people didn’t recognize me. You see I was once a knight and I had a falling out with my fellow soldiers. I’ll tell you more about it another time when there is time to tell all that I want to you. Now come. I know it’s not your home with your mother, but I won’t let any harm come to you.”
“As I say, I have been instructed to train you. There are certain people that feel you need a better handle of that blade you have acquired. When I was a knight I was instructed in the ways of the sword and shield and I have fought more battles than you may think. The world has become a dangerous
