((Ok... I'm still trying to figure out a way to jump in. What is happening?))

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You may (or may not) know me elsewhere as Elfpen

This provoked a guffaw from the Phantom, scimitar glinting as he parried Kaabal's every thrust. "You'll have to try harder, Regent's man, or I will not hesitate to hurt you."

The scene was quickly descending into mayhem, peasants and soldiers alike grappling for control. Messy, thought the Phantom grimly. Next rescue I'll have to take care to escape more neatly.

((Most of us are either attempting to get away without being arrested, or attempting to arrest the Phantom, most of it taking place in a dead-end alleyway somewhere in the city. A couple others are outside with a wagonload of rescued prisoners making for the Phantom's Keep))

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Yeah, I think that about sums it up, Melda.

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Once outside the city limits, Ash broke into a quick jog, making his way towards a grove of trees. When he got there, he found the prisoners, just recently escaped from the gallows. He smiled as he came into the grove, holding his hands out to show he wasn't going to grab a knife.
"Glad you all made it here safely." he said. Some of them eyed him suspiciously, but others recognized him from earlier. "I'm sure you were expecting it, but there will be men out looking for you soon. I'm going to take you to someplace safer."
He glanced at the group. There were still shackles on their ankles, but no chains. The iron rings would have to wait until there was a bit more time to take them off.
Ash started from the shelter of the trees. "It's this way." he said. "Just follow me and keep low to the ground."
After a moment of hesitation, the prisoners started to follow the young man. Several hung back, but soon followed as well.

Kaabal smiled a sly smile, grabbed a small black ball from under his jacket. He threw it to the ground and set off a flash, blinding those nearby except him, for he had closed his eyes.

Jais rolled himself back to his feet, then blinked rapidly as something flashed and bright lights began dancing in front of his vision. He reacted just quickly enough to duck a blow from the stick-wielder. He scowled. This battle was progressing slower than his grandmother - a delightful lady he'd never met but could accurately surmise to be wrinkled and warty and boring. He shot a glance at the Genius, who didn't seem to have any semi-intelligent ideas up his sleeve at the moment.

An instant later, a smile broke across Jais's face - an expression that would have sent those who knew him well running for their lives.

Jais never smiled. He grinned and smirked, but he never smiled. It promoted wrinkles, his grandmother who he never knew used to tell him. But at that moment, he couldn't help it.

He dug into his pouch and extracted a pinch of dust that shimmered in his palm. Flash powder. The street illusionist he'd nicked it from had threatened to turn him into a toad, and though this sounded quite the interesting experience, he'd rather not chance it. He shot another glare at the so-called Genius, who'd soon be owing him big time.

The explosion of light and purple flames as he muttered the encantation and dropped the powder seared through the smallish confines of the alleyway. To any ignorant witness, the flames licking at the surrounding buildings looked very real. Ever the opportunist, Jais seized the chance to swing himself onto the lanky blacksmith's horse. Jerking hard to rein in the terrified beast, he dug his heels into its flanks and made a straight cut for the Genius, also known as Phantom Grey.

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The Phantom needed no further invitation to haul himself up behind Jais. Regrettably the few volunteers he might have attracted from the general population would have to remain. "How very prompt of you," he muttered by way of thanks as they made all haste out of the haze of smoke and violet flame. He really would have to ask Jais to accompany him more, the lad was proving invaluable.

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"You owe me big time," was Jais's only response, after which he terminated all conversation to focus on driving this insane creature. He'd never been an adept rider, and -

He yanked on the reins just short of colliding into a brick wall, causing the stallion to balk and nearly throw both riders off. No longer smiling, he threw a slightly concerned glance over his shoulder at their pursuit. Yep, they were definitely in mortal danger of their lives.

He smirked.

The city gates came into view, as did the guard contingent that leaped into position in front of it. "Sorry, my brain's tired for today!" he shouted over his shoulder at the Genius, in optimistic hopes that his companion would have something semi-intelligent planned.

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"Pffft," was all the Phantom said, and snatched a trailing fishnet from where it hung over a market stall to launch it expertly at the contingent of guards. This was some very small distraction, but as the gates were already open...and the stallion already jumpy...

Another instant and the Phantom leaned past his companion to jerk sharply on the horse's reins. It bounced like a spring, straight over the guards' heads. And if a few were hit in the process, what of it?

Gates open behind them, he cast a glance over his grey-clad shoulder. Success. Jais was right, he owed him big-time. "I shall really have to consult you more in the future," he commented.

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Kaabal staggered back and fell to the ground. He managed to prop himself on his sword and looked around confusedly. Suddenly the Inquisitor began bursting and bubbling in a fit of rage.

((Okay, when I say "shut up," that doesn't actually mean y'all have to shut up ))

Kalianna leaned back against the cushons of the rented coach. It wsa heading at a steady pace toward what what had been refered to as Her aunt's estate, but what was in reality the Phantom's Keep.

She soon saw her destination and was thankful that she would be albe to get out of the uncomfortable convayance. "The bags can go there by the door ... someone will be along shortly to take them up to my rooms." She said as she was helped from the carriage.

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Jayahna hovered behind the large wagon that was filled to the brim with prisinors. Her snoopy self again curious about the whole situation, she quickly and quietly ran up and attached herself to the back of the wagon, planning to find out where in the world they were headed to.

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You may (or may not) know me elsewhere as Elfpen

"You stole his horse?" the Phantom inquired of Jais in front of him, but didn't sound particularly shocked or affronted. He cast a glance at the irate Ardan. It was a shrewd, calculating glance, and the Phantom paused a moment before replying with a glint in his steel-grey eyes.

"Come with us and you can have it back if you'd like," he offered. "You seem to have one already, in any case."

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Ash continued to lead the band of former prisoners. They were soon safely behind hills, out of eyesight from the town. Ash called for a pause near a small stream to let everyone have a rest. As the people bent down to drink, Ash walked along the line. He spotted a few young, alert-looking men. He drew them aside, and said, "I'm busy up in front-would you fellows be willing to stay towards the back of the group and keep an eye out for any pursuit?"
The young men all nodded. Ash smiled and thanked them, then got the group moving again.

Jais evinced an extravagant sigh. Did they no longer teach morals like these on the streets? "Borrowed," he amended with a tsk, tsk. He shook his head sadly. "Didn't your grandmother ever teach you? By the way, you have a wart on your nose."

Quite unperturbed, he dug his heels into his horse's flanks and urged the stallion onwards, following the wagon ruts in the dirt path.

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