RUIN

CHAPTER THREE

“So basically they’re gonna tattoo us” 199 stated wearily, he was not smiling...on hearing this, Stod's face instantly contorted into a an irritated frown “What now?”, he asked unbelievably, 199 smiled as he mused on which words to use, he settled for,“On our Shoulder-neck” Stod tried to assimilate “Here” 199 tapped the skin that bridged his neck from his shoulder, Stod stared at him quizically, presently 1000 young men were all queued on a straight line in order of their designated numbers, specifically in ascending order “If they think they’ll get that s*****y brand on my neck, then they’re kidding themselves!” Stod proclaimed stubbornly, 199's grin became a subtle expression as Stod was suddenly dragged by his collar,“What did you say boy?” Stod turned to be grabbed by two hefty men who were instructed by another man who had a wicked expression painted inconspicuously on his bitter face, "You don’t want to be marked on your shoulder huh?” Stod glared at the leader as he struggled vainly with his captors "This is him boss, the boy that be a troubling” “I know” Stod turned to 199, 199 motioned him to be still “Please sir, he rushed forward pleadingly laying at the feet of the leader, the man was bald and grumpy, tall and thin, his peculiarity was apparently shades of real gold etched into his neck's skin, as a tattoo adornment, a similar tint embroidered his bony arms, “You evidently want to join him I see” 199 glanced to Stod apologetically, Stod smiled to him assuringly as he allowed himself to be carried off to an inner room.

***

The lashes were consecutive, “Apologize now for the rubbish you uttered!” the man ordered, Stod’s shirt had been ripped and deep gnashes, quite bloody embroidered all over his raw flesh, his hands and legs were bound as he sweated, the man smirked “Nothing in Baraz or Bahõc for that matter! Will make me let this lowborn go!” the baldie spat, Stod locked eyes with him and smirked yet again “You waste your own time boy, you can apologize now and join your friends in a delightful meal” the guard who had been previously whipping pitifully interjected,Stod chuckled “Alright…I am sorry but I’d rather die than let you tattoo my neck…baldie” the lash tore through his mouth cutting short his humoured grin “Okay then…” the baldie whispered to the nearest hefty man who rushed off somewhere and returned soon afterwards with three other men “Tattoo 200 on his FACE” one of the men nodded subtly “Very well Lord Doron” as the man approached him, Stod screamed out in anger....weak anger...