Historical Setting, 610 C.E. Besançon Fortress
Now, according to the plan to free the Father, Brother Ezra-Greg goes into the tunnel to the basilica so he takes the candle I had left here and we send him on his way. Brother Ezra-Gabe goes up the ladder to the main level to get the guard with the keys to open the Father’s cell. When I see the guard returning from unlocking the cell, turning to go back up to his station on the main floor, I will go on to the prisoners on this dungeon level with the smithy’s tool in hand.
The tool to open the chains is simply an iron wedge. Slipped into a chain link, the link spreads opened when I pound the wedge through with a stone. These prisoners are not impressed. But then, if I were an earthquake or angels here to do this task, I don’t think these fellows would be any more amazed. The first man I cut free suspects me of being the executioner. This chain, he believes, is his link to life – such as it is here. Had he any strength left, he would fight me off and shout for the guards. I try to calm all of their terrors by giving them instructions for what to do now and where to go.
These fellows surely won’t be much help in fending off guards and soldiers. But they also don’t seem to be raging and ranting demoniacs with superhuman strength — at least not at this moment.
I free one limp hand from the chains after the other, until all five have the option of freedom.
I instruct the freed men, “Do you see the monk standing at the door of the cage at the top of that ladder?”
Gabe is watching from the Father’s cell to know when I have finished breaking these chains. I point to him.
“That monk will call the guard back to unlock the Father’s cell. When the cell is opened, and the guard is ready to lock the cell again, behind the monk and lead him down, let that signal for all of you to get yourselves up and run to the ladder. Hurry to the main level and run before the guard has time to get down the cell ladder and follow after you.”
This lot of prisoners seem unwilling to participate. Maybe we were just assuming that freeing them was a kindness. But I can clearly see they won’t survive here.
(Continues Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023)
Lazarus Ink 
I was very captivated by the suspenseful plan to free the Father. The tension builds as Greg and Gabe each play their part in the daring escape. The prisoners’ initial suspicion and their reluctant participation add a touch of realism to the scene. It reminds that acts of kindness may not always be fully appreciated or embraced. I eagerly await the next development and wonder what awaits. Can’t wait for more!
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