Tension and First Steps
1372 Words
Silence reigned as the last whip s***h met torn flesh, mixing with the harsh breaths Skalwarg let out as he turned to them.
“Let this be a lesson to all of ye,” he hissed before walking away.
“It’s ok now; let’s go back inside”, she said to Illys as the rest of the group began to disperse.
The mood was tense afterwards; everyone walked on eggshells around Skalwarg. Many men were sent to the back mountains for ‘self-reflection sessions’, thus increasing the number of patients in the healer’s chambers.
There was also an increase in patrols, which rendered all the weeks of planning Selena had made useless. She trudged through the grounds with her buckets.
‘This sucks. How do I get to the gate vines if things are this tense?’ She kicked a rock as she walked past the infirmary.
The women were no longer allowed to go to the gates without a guard accompanying them.
Another thought came to her as she stared at the building. ‘The man might have better information for me. I need to find time to speak to him.’ She walked back to the kitchen, trying to think up a plan.
“You’re back? That was quick,” Myra said, packing up a basket.
“Yeah, I completed my work quickly,” Selena said, sitting down. “What are you doing?” she looked at the basket.
“Since things have been crazy so far, many people are in the infirmary,” she said, holding up the basket. “I’m taking this to the
m.”
“I’ll do it!” Selena jumped up, eyes shining.
“What? Why?” Myra asked, confused.
“I have nothing to do, and you can prep for dinner while I do this,” Selena said, reaching for the basket.
“Well, I guess you’re right,” Myra mumbled, thinking it over.
Selena seized an opportunity to visit the infirmary under the pretence of delivering a meal to the injured slaves. As she entered the dimly lit room, the pungent scent of herbs and something rotten greeted her senses.
The infirmary was a small, cramped space with makeshift beds and limited medical supplies. The injured man lay motionless on one of the beds, his back open with bandages nearby.
‘They are about to change his bandages,’ Selena thought.
The room was silent, save for the soft moans of other patients.
Selena noticed the lady who had been sent to assist the healer, with a worn apron and gentle eyes, tending to the wounded. The healer was absent, likely tending to the influx of wounded slaves.
Selena approached the lady and whispered, “I brought food for the injured. How is he doing?”
The lady glanced at the unconscious man and sighed, “He’s barely holding on. Skalwarg didn’t go easy on him.” The injuries were gruesome; the man’s back was a patchwork of raw flesh, welts, peeking bones and burnt skin.
“Place the food on the table, and I’ll make sure he gets it when he wakes.” Her voice filled with tiredness, matching the dark circles under her eyes.
Selena placed the food on the table, stealing glances at the unconscious man. His injuries were severe, and the lady noticed the concern etched on Selena’s face.
“I don’t understand why he tried to escape, poor soul. Skalwarg took it out on him without mercy,” the lady whispered.
Selena frowned at him; who knew how long he had planned to escape? Were there magical wards that let Skalwarg know when someone tried to escape? That seemed to be the only reasonable explanation.
“We are about to change his bandages,” the healer’s assistant said gently, “You’d best be on your way. It’s not a pretty sight.”
Selena walked out with a frown, trying to think of a way to speak to the man. She flickered as she heard his screams from inside. It must be hell to clean that mess for him and the healers.
*-*-*-*-*
Over the next few days, Selena attempted to speak with the injured escapee whenever she brought meals to the infirmary. She learned that the healer’s assistant’s name was Aria, and she was from the East.
“He’s awake but weak. You have to be quick,” the lady urged, leading Selena to the side of the bed.
“Hey, can you hear me?” Selena whispered, watching for any sign of responsiveness.
The man’s eyelids fluttered, and he mumbled weakly, “Water... please.”
“Of course,” Selena rushed to fetch a cup of water. “Here you go, can you sit up?” she asked as she held it to his parched lips.
The man sipped slowly, body trembling with the simple movements. “Is that better?” she asked.
The escapee’s eyes flickered open, and he managed a faint frown at Selena’s presence. “Who-”
“My name doesn’t matter, at least not here. I, umm, I actually wanted to ask a question,” she said, looking around.
“Wha... what do you... want?” he asked, going into another coughing fit.
She waited for him to calm down and fed him some water. “Uhm, I need to know what made you think it was a good time to leave. What steps did you take?” she asked, leaning in.
He frowned as though confused. Selena waited, watching his closed eyes. The man remained silent, breath forced and heavy.
“Supplies... every two months. Guards... lax during deliveries,” he whispered, his breath laboured. Selena leaned in, her ears straining to catch his faint words.
“What about the supply run?” she whispered.
He grimaced, summoning the strength to articulate his message. “They... bring in fresh goods. Distracts...”
Selena’s eyes widened. The arrival of supplies presented an opportunity – a momentary lapse in the camp’s vigilance. She nodded, grateful for the information. The man’s eyes were filled with pain and urgency as he added, “Midnight, eastern gate. The night before... supply cart leaves.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, squeezing his hand gently.
The man’s lips curved into a faint, pained smile before he succumbed to unconsciousness once again.
Selena smiled as she sat back. It wasn’t much different from what she had thought, but it was good to have her suspicions confirmed.
“You’re thinking about leaving, aren’t you?” Aira asked, leaning against the wall.
Selena jumped, heart racing. ‘How long had she been standing there?’
“What...what are you talking about?” She stammered, eyes roving around for whatever she could use as a weapon if Aira decided to call the guards.
“Don’t fool yourself. I’ve seen that look in your eyes. You want out, just like everyone else here at some point.”
Selena hesitated. If Aira were going to call the guards, she would have done so by now.
“And you don’t?” she challenged.
Aira sighed. “Is it worth escaping and being caught? Seeing the free plains and getting dragged back?”
“What then? Should I give up and take what I get gratefully? Like some mindless animal?” Selena glared.
“You’ve been here months and are fine because you’ve kept a low profile.” Aira pointed out calmly, “Why invite trouble for yourself?” she asked.
“I need to go back, even if I die trying.” Selena hissed, meeting her gaze.
The tension was broken by a pained groan from the man on the bed; his features were scrunched up in pain.
“Then die trying, you will,” Aira finally said. “But like him here, it won’t be the injuries that kill you; it would be the feeling of losing your freedom again.”
Selena fumed as she walked past her and out of the infirmary. ‘What made her think she could tell me what to do? Does she think I feel threatened by that?’ she thought as she returned to the kitchen.
Aira watched Selena storm off. “I just hope you don’t learn the hard way.”
- Writer
