Chapter 15: Torture [1]
The air in the cells turned thick with tension as the sound of rattling chains and anxious whispers filled the cramped space. Panic spread like wildfire among the imprisoned slaves as they caught sight of the approaching guards, their heavy footsteps echoing ominously.
The atmosphere grew claustrophobic as the guards, armed to the teeth, stormed into the quarters, their eyes cold and unyielding. The glint of their polished weapons reflected the dim light, casting an eerie glow on the terrified faces of the slaves.
Demitas' heart raced with apprehension, mirroring the concern etched on the faces of his teammates. Their eyes darted anxiously, seeking answers to the uncertain fate that awaited them.
Fear gripped their hearts as they contemplated the possible consequences of the guards' intrusion. Would they face punishment, further deprivation, or even worse? The weight of the unknown pressed heavily upon them, and the air became laden with a sense of impending doom.
"Demitas! Demitas! The guards are coming!" Babyface's voice rang out urgently, shattering the momentary silence that had settled over them. "You need to flee, now!" he urged, his eyes darting around the cramped cell for any possible escape route.
"But where?" Demitas voiced his confusion, his voice tinged with frustration. How could they possibly escape from this fortress of captivity? The answer eluded him, mocking their desperate circumstances. If there was a way out, surely they would have discovered it by now.
"We will defend you. Till death!" Ellie declared, her voice filled with unwavering determination. Her words reverberated with a sense of loyalty and solidarity.
"Yeah! Over our dead bodies!" Lucian chimed in, a defiant smile spreading across his face. The teammates stood united, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Demitas felt a surge of gratitude and admiration for his companions. He placed his hand on each of their shoulders, a gesture of camaraderie and appreciation. His smile, though enigmatic, carried a mix of reassurance and determination. There was a hidden plan behind his demeanor, a glimmer of hope that he had yet to reveal to his bewildered teammates.
"Thank you, guys, but it is unnecessary. You might just injure yourselves, which will only make my situation more complicated," Demitas calmly told them, trying to quell their fervor. He understood that their intentions were sincere, but he knew that reckless bravery could lead to unnecessary harm.
Rebuke was sometimes a better expression of care than concealed affection, and Demitas wanted to ensure they understood the gravity of the situation. He appreciated their loyalty, but he also wanted them to be practical and stay safe.
The guards arrived, and Demitas, resigned to his fate, offered his surrender. He stood tall, ready to be taken away by them. His comrades, despite his efforts to calm them, watched intently, their expressions reflecting a mix of concern and readiness for whatever may come.
In that moment, it seemed as though they too had accepted the possibility of the worst outcome. They stood by Demitas, unified in their support, unwilling to let him face the situation alone.
"If they try to kill Demitas, we will all attack!" said Misli, his hands clenched tightly, ready to defend his brother at any cost. The determination in his voice resonated with the others, their fists tightening in solidarity, prepared to strike anyone who dared to harm Demitas.
As the guards neared, their approach was marked by an aura of authority and power. Hanging prominently from the belt of one guard were handcuffs crafted from sturdy, unyielding wood, a stark reminder of the consequences that awaited any who dared to challenge them.
Their formation formed a wall of impenetrable fortitude, fortified by board shields that created a formidable barrier. Each guard brandished a fearsome mace, its menacing weight held with a firm grip. The maces glinted malevolently in the murky light, casting an eerie glow upon the room.
As Demitas' comrades beheld the sight, a collective gulp escaped their throats, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and determination. The sheer presence of those imposing weapons sent shivers down their spines, underscoring the palpable sense of trepidation that hung in the air.
"By the order of the slave master!" declared the guard, his voice dripping with authority. "Demitas must be punished for killing several slaves. A sentence of imprisonment in the dungeon. But they did not tell him to be in one piece."
Demitas bravely took a step forward, his eyes meeting the piercing gaze of the guards. Their swords were unsheathed, glistening frostily in the shadowy light, ready to strike with deadly precision. The tension in the room was palpable as the air grew heavy with anticipation. Demitas stood tall, unyielding, prepared to face the consequences of his actions with unwavering resolve.
Shing!
As the guards advanced, their weapons poised to strike, a sudden surge of resistance caught them off guard. Misli, fueled by a fierce determination to protect his brother, charged forward with a ferocious battle cry. The guards hesitated for a moment, their eyes widening with surprise at the unexpected defiance.
Demitas's heart pounded in his chest as he watched his brothers fight valiantly, each one willing to sacrifice their own safety for his sake. Time seemed to slow as he witnessed the intense struggle, the sounds of grunts and clashes filling the air.
Ellie's swift and powerful kick shattered the guards' formation, sending them flying in disarray. The shield bearers, caught off guard by the force of Ellie's blow, crumpled to the ground, their defenses rendered useless. Lucian, seizing the opportunity, unleashed a flurry of punches, each strike landing with precision and devastating impact. His expertise in hand-to-hand combat was evident as he swiftly incapacitated one guard after another.
Not to be outdone, Misli, fueled by an unstoppable determination, charged forward like a raging bull. His powerful charge crashed into the guards, shattering their remaining defenses and leaving them staggering. The sheer force of his impact left the guards dazed and disoriented, struggling to regain their footing.
In the chaos of battle, the combined efforts of Ellie, Lucian, Misli, and Demitas proved to be an unstoppable force. Their coordinated attacks and individual expertise worked in perfect harmony, creating a seamless symphony of power and skill.
"Everyone, stop!" Demitas cried out, his voice filled with desperation. His comrades, their fists still raised in readiness, halted at his command. Tears streamed down Demitas' face as he addressed them, his voice trembling with a mixture of gratitude and anguish.
"Guys, I don't want you all to die for me! I can't bear it!" Demitas' words were laced with a bitter realization. Deep inside, he knew that the price of their loyalty and bravery could be their lives. The thought of losing his comrades weighed heavily on his heart, and he couldn't bear the burden of their potential sacrifice.