The footsteps came steadily down the stairs, Zatanna could tell whomever this was they knew the stair case and had descended it by torch light many times before.
She had to make a quick decision, should she pretend to be asleep, that might give her a tiny advantage, whomever it was might be fooled momentarily and that might be the opportunity that she needed in order to be able to escape. Or at least get free from
this collar.
She made up her mind, she lay back on the straw, careful to avoid any more of the slime, and put her hands to her collar as if it had been choking her and she'd passed out.
Keeping one eye slightly open Zatanna was able to watch as the man came into view down the spiral staircase. He was tall, easily six and a half foot. He was clad in a crude metal armour with a red cloak over his shoulders and a coat of arms on her chest.
The coat of arms seemed familiar but Zatanna couldn't place it.
The man was carrying a large jug and a bowl of something, despite having both of his hands full it didn't slow done his stride. He walked deliberately around the edge of the dungeon towards her avoiding the middle of the room.
When he got near he placed the jug and the bowl on the floor next to her and gently reached out to touch her. He reached for her wrists, to check that she was alive.
"Such a pretty slave, such unusual clothes," the man said as he felt for a pulse.
Zatanna saw this as her chance, she flicked her eyes open and quickly spun her legs up in the air and wrapped them around the guards neck. As quickly as she could she started squeezing her legs together.
"Unlock this collar," she hissed through clenched teeth as she used all her strength to hold the surprised man in place on the floor.