Brian Anderson - Shadow of the Gods

The door opened. The footfalls were light and graceful, not the clumsy, plodding of a soldier. The scent of lilacs filled the air.

“So they have sent a woman to attend me,” said Lee. His mouth was so dry, each word was an effort. “You can tell your master his efforts to break me will fail. It is just as well that he kill me and be done with it.”

He felt a cup touch his dry cracked lips. The water poured down his throat. He moaned with relief in spite of himself.

“So what is it you intend to do?” he asked, contemptuously. “Keep me alive so you can watch me suffer?” There was no response. “You fear to speak? It's just as well. Your words would be lies.”

“I don't know what to say.” The voice was a soft whisper.

“Then say nothing,” he shot back. “Better next time they send a mute fool.”

There was a long silence, then he felt a cool rag gently cleaning the grime from his face.

He shook his head violently. “Do not touch me, unless it is a blade you carry.”

“Are you so anxious to die?” she asked.

The voice was familiar. “Another trick,” he thought.

“Yes, my love.” She spoke as if she knew his thoughts. “It is me.” She lifted the cup to his lips again, but Lee turned his head.

“Then remove my blindfold,” he commanded.

“I am forbidden,” she replied. “It was the only way they would allow me to see you.”

“I know you are lying. Penelope would not act with such cruelty.”

“I will remove your blindfold,” she offered. “But know that if I do I will be taken from here at once and not be allowed to return. You will learn I speak truth, but we will not speak again…ever.”

Lee's heart ached. “Then leave me blind. But know that I will tell you nothing the Dark Knight may want to know.”

“That is best,” she said. “There is much that has happened of which you are unaware.”

“And Jacob,” he asked. “What has happened to him?”

“He has escaped,” she replied. “He did not betray you, Lee. He was recognized by a recruit from Hazrah.”

“That is good to hear,” he replied. This lifted a great weight from his heart. “But if the Dark Knight intends to break me, why tell me this.”

She continued to clean his face. “The Reborn King does not need to leave you in despair to break you, my love. You will understand once you are in his presence.”

“He may find it more difficult than he imagines.”

“He is aware of your strength,” she said. “It is why he has waited. He wishes you intact. Should he force his will upon you, your spirit could shatter.”

“And how is it you know this,” asked Lee.

“I have been in the presence of the Reborn King,” she replied, sadly. “I have witnessed his power. No one can resist him. Not even you, my love.”

“Did you come here to warn me, or prepare me,” he asked, angrily. “Penelope would never say these things.”

“I only tell you the truth,” she replied. “I wish things were different. I am Penelope Nal'Thain, but no longer the woman you knew. The king has changed me.”

“Then help me,” said Lee. “I will undo what he has done.”

“If only that were possible,” Her voice was filled with sorrow and longing. “But I am lost. Even if I helped you escape, I would betray you. I wouldn't be able to help myself. You can't know what it means to be under the king’s power.”

He could hear her weeping softly. “Please. I can help you. I swear it. I can break the hold he has over you.”

“I must go.” She lifted the cup to his lips once more. “I will try to return tomorrow. Soon you will be brought before the king.” Lee heard the door creak open. “I would speak to you again before you become his.”

The door slammed shut. A tear fell down his cheek. He didn't want to believe it was Penelope, but he knew it was. Rage and frustration swelled in his chest. He jerked the chains that bound his wrists with all his might, but even with his immense strength they were far too thick.

He knew he must escape, somehow. He would find a way to free Penelope. He would take her away from this wretched place. His thoughts turned to Jacob. He had escaped. But would he run? He doubted it. Jacob had too much of his father in him, which meant he would likely end up being killed or captured. There must be a way to escape before it was too late. If what Penelope said was true, the Dark Knight had the power to break him, then soon he may be helpless to do anything. He wished he could have seen her, if only for a moment.

He thought back to the last time they were together; her eyes filled with tears, her voice hot with anger. She cursed him for leaving.

The door opened again. His heart jumped, but the sound of boots told him that it was not Penelope. A fist slammed into his abdomen, nearly causing him to lose his breath.

“You know what you cost me, Starfinder?” It was Captain Lanmore. “Because of your deception, I have lost everything.”

“And you expect me to feel guilt?” Lee scoffed. “You are the servant of my enemy and the enemy of all free people.” This brought a fist crashing to his jaw. The taste of blood filled his mouth, and he spat. “I'm surprised they allowed you to live, after they realized your stupidity and incompetence.”

He whispered in Lee's ear. “I should kill you now. But perhaps I'll kill your son, instead…while you watch. Yes. He's stupid enough to think he can rescue you. When he's caught, I'll skin him alive.”

Lee laughed. “Those are the words I would expect from a coward. You are truly bold when faced with a man in chains. Were I free, you would run like the scared dog that you are.”

“You think me a fool?” He grabbed Lee's face and squeezed. “I am not ignorant to what you are, Lee Nal'Thain, Starfinder, or whatever you call yourself…son of Saraf. You think my king sends us to war ill-informed. I know what you are capable of. So if you think to goad me into releasing you, then you waste your breath.”

“Then I suggest you finish your business and leave,” said Lee.

“I'm finished,” said Lanmore. “And soon, you will be, too.”

The door slammed hard. Lee couldn't help but feel pity for the captain. A commoner in a world of nobles, clawing his way through the ranks, was admirable. He had felt a genuine kinship with the man. But still, he was the enemy. He had not really thought he could anger Lanmore enough to release him. But it had been worth a try. Still, there must be a way.

He slid down the wall, allowing the chains to support him. He needed to rest. He need to stay strong. When the moment arrived, he would be ready. He fell asleep, his face still showing determination.

The sound of a creaking door shocked him out of his slumber. It was the light footfalls of Penelope, but mixed with the clinking of metal, and scraping of leather. He felt thin, delicate fingers pull the blind-fold from his eyes. He squinted at the light from the torches, but as his eyes focused, he saw her.

Her long, straight, raven hair fell down her back and around her shoulders, framing her sweet features. Her ivory skin and deep blue eyes staring lovingly at him, brought him to tears. She smiled a warm, sad smile as she stepped back. Even in the blue nightgown she wore, she looked graceful. Age had not touched her. She was every inch the woman he remembered.

“It is you,” he cried.

In her right hand she held a large, iron key. With it, she reached up and unshackled him. Lee nearly collapsed. Struggling to steady himself, he threw his arms around his wife and embraced her tightly.

“I am here, my love,” she whispered. She pulled back slightly and met his eyes.

Lee was weeping openly. He kissed Penelope long and deep, crushing her to his chest. “I prayed for this. Come. We will find Jacob, and I will get you away from here.”