The first thing Rekkan became aware of was the ache in his wrists. The second was the sharp, earthy scent of damp stone around him. His eyes opened slowly, the dim orange glow of a small fire casting flickering shadows along the jagged cave walls.
His head throbbed. He tried to move, but his arms were bound tightly behind his back, a coarse rope digging into his skin. His legs were tied at the ankles, and his mouth, dry, cracked, was sealed by a strip of leather.
Across from him, Coren stirred, his eyes fluttering open. The younger man groaned through his gag, confusion written all over his face.
Rekkan shifted slightly, testing the ropes, but whoever had tied them knew what they were doing. The knots were tight and expertly placed, there would be no wriggling out without help.
Before
