Honestly, both of them were correct Claire's help wouldn't make or break it if they just kept trying to break the rust. Still, her help hastened the process the extra weight against the door finally, after only a few more seconds of hauling with all their might, worked.

There was a might crack as the rust finally gave way and with an ear bleedingly sharp squeal the door finally opened for them. Quentin rolls his shoulders his arms burning from the effort as he takes the rope and once again sets up their little tether train.

"The cave was safe enough to go without but we don't know what might have happened in this passageway, so better safe than dead."

He explains cheerfully and once they are ready he leads the way back up toward the surface. As it transpired, there was nothing to worry about and they make it to the locked door without too much issue. On the other side was the familiar face of Fred who had a lantern, a little camp stool, and a book off to the side. The man grins when sees them.

"Quentin, good to see you still alive. We heard the big commotion, pa left me here to wait to see if you guys returned while he went to fetch help. You all, awright?"

He asks, he could see they were all on their feet still.

"That we are Fred, did you bring down anything that would help with the rust?"

Fred nods his head and pulls out a bottle of some substance, it proves to be oil, that he pours onto the hinges.

"Alright, so we simply need to break the lock. You have my on your side so if you could hand me that."

Fred does just that and then takes his own and the two big men work together popping the lock and the gate after a few moments of strained effort. It appeared as though they were going to make it out of this alive, proper caution and provisioning winning out over unexpected circumstances as they make their way back to the surface where the sun was beginning to set.