Now, we will move yet again, not so much through time but through space, down to the lower recesses of the castle, into the prison. Here, among the myriad of completely enclosed cells are those that had been rounded up that evening to await judgment, but we're going to look past all of these unfortunate criminals and instead, go all the way to the end.
Here we find a slightly more secluded cell, where a single man rests. This special cell is used by a physician, so that they might treat any injuries a prisoner may receive, while still keeping them secure. If you listen, you can hear tromping metal coming towards us. So, let us now depart this particular cell, and settle our gaze upon the heavy iron door that secures the entirety of this lower part of the castle.
The two guards have been on duty since the middle of the night, and it was because of this assignment that they couldn't go on the raid with the others. Despite the fact that it was still a few hours till the beginning of their shift when the rest departed. Even the guards they relieved had the option of joining should they so choose, which they did, but not these two.
They have to stand watch, guarding the door, so that the few prisoners inside, who are already secured in cells that they have no way of breaking out of, cannot take advantage of a guard-less door, which is also kept locked. Still, a job's a job and grumbling gets you nowhere. It's these same guards, who first hear the sound of metal, tromping boots.
They stand upright and pull themselves together as they scramble to make themselves presentable to no doubt a superior coming their way. They finish just in time as Amelia approaches the door on the other side, still bedecked in her full armor with her helmet affixed to her belt. She takes a moment to collect herself and take a breath.
"Open the door!" she demands as she beats on the obstruction.
"Yes ma'am!" one of the guards responds as he opens the slide to identify Amelia before snatching the key from the wall, jamming it in the lock and releasing the bolt. After which, he quickly opens the door and Amelia steps through.
"Good evening captain," the two guards snap off and salute.
Amelia pays them little mind, offering a halfhearted salute as she carries on with her brisk pace down the nearby staircase while the guards drop their salute and exchange confused and worried glances. They have no idea what this surprise inspection could possibly mean, especially since it's not the red captain's responsibility to inspect the dungeon, but they certainly don't like the possibilities.
The guards maintain a level of alertness while slowly returning to a more relaxed state. However, no sooner do they take a load off then they hear the tromping of more metal boots. Anticipating the arrival of more superiors they spring to their feet and practically lock themselves into a state of alert while their skin begins to perspire.
The boots stop. "Open up," Erica commands from the other side as she pounds on the door.
The slide is opened, identities checked, lock is released and the door is opened. Into the confines steps forth the blue and green knights.
"Good evening captains," the guards address them and snap a salute.
"Good evening, guards," Erica speaks as both she and her sister return the salute. "Did our fellow captain come down here?"
"Not but a short while ago," the guard who had let her in, informs his superior.
"Thank you, you may stand at ease," Erica addresses her subordinates while she and her sister carry on.