[Well, sorry if you were waiting for a knight in shining armor, Viktor. Richard doesn't quite fit the role unless he's playing a coup or some other horrible shit. Besides, he does not necessarily believe in free handouts just like that, if you want something you need to work for it.. And it's not like he can fly up and sweep you off your feet.

Richard waits for Viktor's coughing fit to be over, watching him with his usual neutral expression. So, his assessment about the the other man had been right after all. The sickly pale complexion had been a dead giveaway. Still, he didn't think that to be enough reason to treat the other any differently.]

The "lock" seems to be nothing but a latch. You should be able to work it open. After that I want you to climb outside of the cage and hang from the bottom. If you drop down from there I should be able to catch you. If possible you can place your feet on my shoulder for support.

[It's really a good thing that Blackie is A Big Horse.]