The team made it to the door. Augustus was in the lead, the passageway had been tight, and old and completely dark. Had it not been for the tightness of the room, the team would have fallen down many times. For a king to have used these passageways, it must have been remarkable.
Augustus gave the door a push, and a strong scent hit their nose.
"What is this place?"
"It's smells like wine."
Through the crack from the door, there were barrels and barrels stacked on top of one another. There was even an open bung hole in one of the barrels, which splashed wine onto the pavement.
"Good riddles, can we have some?" Ethan said, jumping excitingly. He had always wanted to try drinking from a barrel.
"No."
"But, but…" Ethan stopped what he was about to say, as in front of the them, lying on the floor, were dozens of kids.
The closest one had a big smile across his pink face, and was drenched in red. He must have been drinking here since the start.
"Search them."
Sure enough, after going through the kids on the floor, Ethan and Evan both found a coin each. And Augustus was even more lucky, because the boy that had been right next to them, still had all three coins that he had begun with.
"Now can we have a drink to celebrate?"
Just as Augustus was about to say yes, loud footsteps came down from behind them.
"We have to go."
The team moved quick. Straight out the open door and into the bailey.
It was an open courtyard, the grass so green and fresh, it felt like it was still being maintained. Based on Augustus understanding of castles he could work out that the building to their right were the stables, as there was a large fenced up patch of land.
Behind it was a workshop, and on the other end must have been the barracks and hallway.
And at the very opposite end of where they were standing was gate.
400 metres away.
"Boys, that's the exit. You are free to go now." Augustus said, as he looked at the gateway on the other side. It wasn't too bad, he had three coins with him. He just needed to find one more.
Of course, Augustus was hoping the boys wouldn't just leave him behind.
He was starting to feel comfortable having them by his side. It made him feel alive again, not just splurging on food, and junk. He really felt like he had finally made some friends.
"Don't be silly! We can't leave you behind. Isn't that right Evan?"
"Of course."
"Then let's look for that lovely coin and get you out of here!"
But just as the team moved, lurking in the abandoned houses were a dozen lurking eyes watching them.