[Closed] Freedom lies in being bold.

[jewelbox]

[Richard wanders the docks of Barona Port, decked out in the plainest garments he owns. Granted, they're still quite fine, but at least the colors are dark; he hopes at least they'll attract little notice. It's been two months since that night in the catacombs, the guard wander the city in full force, and he's been advised - ordered, really - to remain inside the castle where he's safe. Safe. Yes, like a canary in a cage with a viper, he thinks.]

[Richard pulls his hat down low over his eyes as he listens to the water lap against pilings, looking about every now and then to make sure he hasn't been discovered. It's calming, a little. Not a lot, but just enough to help him focus. People board one of the ships tied here and Richard considers following them for one mad minute. Asbel had said that he would help, right? That if anything terrible occurred, he should come to him.]

[It's mad. He knows it's impossible. In truth, there's nothing the other boy could do, and besides, this isn't a burden he can place on anyone else. He's the prince, after all. And... And he needs strength and guidance beyond himself, if he's perfectly honest. What action, then, should he take?]

[Before he can decide, Richard's caught off-guard by one of the large land tortoises being led down to an awaiting boat. The poor-tempered creature's foot crashes down not two yards away, and Richard is forced to shuffle backwards with an undignified yelp.]