\tThere was no light. There were no sounds. There wasn’t another soul inside, not even the festering company of a rat or a roach. This was no cell for criminals, no this was something different. The man in the cell knew the circumstances had changed. He knew this was special. He had thought he was held for treason. Rebellion of the highest order. Of this he was guilty, but the torturers and interrogators couldn’t make him speak a word. Now though, he had moved. A new ordeal awaited him.<\/p>\n
\tThe door cracked open with a sudden screech. The man’s eyes fought the new rays of light that pierced the darkness. A figure moved into the room and placed down a simple wooden stool. The man’s chains jingled as he forced himself back to a proper sitting pose. He had no power here, but he would never be seen with his head down.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cOh, please,\u201d The figure spoke as he gently stuck his hand out, \u201cdon’t get up on my account.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tThe man in the cell’s eyes began to adjust as the figure sat down on the stool that it had brought with. A young man sat before his eyes. Handsome and rugged of the face. Strong, but not large.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cA sordid look you have, Vuk.\u201d The man said with a smile. \u201cEmaciated, hairy and filthy. Hardly befitting a knight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tVuk’s mouth snarled as he thought about how he should reply. It had been 20 years since he was a Knight of Vichny. 20 years since the nobles he served were rounded up and slaughtered. Who was this man to speak of his past?<\/p>\n
\t\u201cMore Valtesian scum?\u201d Vuk spat in response. \u201cWhat makes you think you won’t fail like those before you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\u201cValtesian? \u201cThe man replied, amused by the accusation. \u201cI’m no such thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\u201cThen what do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\u201cNot all of Vichny’s nobles died that night, Sir Zvijezda.\u201d The man stated calmly. \u201cYou know it, and I know it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\u201cI have no idea of what you speak.\u201d Vuk growled out indignantly.<\/p>\n
\tThe man chuckled to himself before speaking.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cI suppose I came about this all wrong. You’ve been rotting away for a long time, surely you are curious about what’s been taking place in the world?\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\u201cVichny still lies in oppression.\u201d Vuk replied. \u201cThat’s all I need to know!\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\u201cOh no, I wasn’t talking about political matters.’<\/p>\n
\t\u201cThen what do I care?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have two nieces in Minulost,\u201c the man stated with a widening grin. \u201cDo you not?\u201d<\/p>\n
Vuk scowled at his interrogator. He had hoped the anonymity of the slums would hide the girls. It seems it no longer did.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe pretty one, quite the lady. She’s married a sailor now. Lovely wedding, cake was a bit too sweet for my taste.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou stay away from her!\u201d Vuk yelled out as he shook in his chains, desperate to pull them right off the very walls they were bound to.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd the farrier? Quite the troublemaker, that one.\u201d he spoke, ignorant of Vuk’s cries. \u201cBut at least she has her health, no?\u201d<\/p>\n
Vuk’s head dropped in defeat, for he could no longer feign strength. His plans had come to an end, for whether he spoke truth or lie, he could do nothing to protect his nieces from this man. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat’s what I like to see.\u201d The man said with a wry grin. \u201cResignation is becoming of a Vichnian, as they say.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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