Escape Artist

As Larten thought about fleeing, Merletta grabbed his wrists and pinned them behind his back. He yelped as she snapped handcuffs on them and forced him to his knees. There were lots of cheers—the crowd liked it when their stars played rough.

“Will I make this young fool beg for freedom?” Merletta crowed.

***

“You’ll do nothing,” Larten snarled, snatching her arm and dragging himself to his feet. In his anger, he’d picked the lock of the handcuffs and tossed them aside. Squaring up to Merletta, he steadied himself to deliver a foul curse. Before he could, Merletta gasped theatrically.

“I was sure I locked those cuffs,” she called to the crowd. “Maybe there’s more to this boy than I thought.”

***

“There,” she exclaimed. “That will hold him.” She spun Larten so he was facing the crowd again. “Now what should I do with him?”

A few of the men shouted suggestions. As they yelled, Larten worked quickly, loosening the ropes and picking the lock. As Merletta considered the cries of the crowd, Larten slipped free, tapped Merletta on the shoulder, and coughed softly.

Merletta gave a shriek, as if taken by surprise. Larten held up his hands and smiled. The audience applauded enthusiastically, accepting him as a performer. And the rest of the show flew by smoothly after that.

***

The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Birth of a Killer, Chapter 12