In Chains

Jak watched the light’s reflection on the stone floor move from crack to crack. As the sun’s rays pierced the small barred window in his cell, he thought about his life and how he was going to escape this. He had assaulted a guard of Swannport. That meant a punishment he was not ready for. He was too young! He had a life to live! How was he to know, the woman was married!?! And, he was a guard for Swannport! He was just defending himself! He thought that was a good defense. Why didn’t the Provost see it that way too? Jak shook his head at the injustice of it all.
Just before the light made it to his bare feet, the sound of armored footsteps approached the door. Looking up he managed to stand, even though the shackles and chains fought his every movement. The clanging of metal keys echoed in his cell as he heard the lock click and the door swing open with a grown. At the door stood two guards and a robbed figure. Parting, the two guards moved to let the third man in. The strange figure gave the two guards a glance. They nodded and turned, heading out the cell and closing the door behind them.
Jak just stood there in his skivvies and raised a brow at the stranger. The figure gave a small smile then looked about the cell. “Jak Ravenfall… This is a terrible situation you have found yourself in.”
Jak looked around the cell as well, as if looking to see if the stranger saw something he did not. “This is NOT my fault!” Jak blurted out, still looking about in a rather mad motion.
The stranger gave a polite chuckle then looked to Jak. “I am Chief Librarian Ogarth. I am associated with the Archives. Are you familiar?”
Jak stood there for a moment, like he needed to process the man’s words before answering. “I am? I mean… I am!”
The man nodded, “Good. Then hear me well for I will not repeat and this will be your only opportunity to leave this place. I understand your situation. I know the truth of what happened. However. The truth in this situation will not set you free. Only this offer can. Nod if you understand me so far.”
Jak stood still in an awkward pose of chains. Thinking a bit he nodded back to him.
“Good!” The Librarian looked back slowly to make sure the guards were not too close to hear on the other side of the door. “The Archive is always on the lookout for potential Collectors. Your name is rather synonymous for one who can get things. We at the Archives under the approval of the Head librarian, a here to offer you a position within the Archives. We would like to hire your services as a Collector. Again, nod if you understand.”
Jak stood there. This time he needed a bit longer to think about the man’s offer. Questions swirled around his head but he felt like one wrong word and he would lose a possibility of leaving this place. The librarian could tell there was some confusion with Jak as he stood in silent pondering. After a long awkward minute, Ogarth sighed heavily, “Do you have any questions?”
Jak’s body relaxed with the sudden relief he could speak, “Yes… Just one. What is a Collector?”
The Librarian stiffened up as he seemed to have this answer prepared. “The Collector is one of THE most important aspects of the Archives. Collectors are those who adventure, seeking lost artifacts and ancient knowledge. These are returned to the Archives. The Collector is paid of course a fair stipend and, the opportunity to find wealth for themselves.”
Jak stood silent again. The Librarian could see his body tighten up again with anticipation. Another heavy sigh came from Ogarth, “Another question?”
Jak relaxed again and looked confused. “So, are you saying, that if I take this job, as a Collector, I will be set free of here?”
Ogarth nodded, “Yes. And, if you decide this is not for you, then you will remain here until the time of your punishment. And please, I have other engagements. So, I need an answer… “
“I ACCEPT!” Jak did not let the Librarian finish his sentence.
Ogarth smiled, “Excellent choice. I shall have freed here shortly then we shall gather your things, and I will have a chance to explain the rules of which you will be expected to adhere to while under our employ.”
Jak nodded as Ogarth called for the guards to open the door. As he was allowed to leave Jak though about this new job and… and then the Librarian’s words hit him like a rock the head.
“Rules?!?”