The two Kathaldi prisoners were brought in on pallets by servants who set them on the floor. The mage who accompanied them approached me. “Lord S’Vig. The prisoners are still asleep, but I can wake them while still keeping them immobile. Is that what you would like me to do?”

I looked him over. He was a scrawny kid with curly black hair that was cut short and appeared quite oily. Did he do that on purpose or is he naturally oily? I wondered idly before remembering my purpose. “I need them to be able to open their eyes. Can you do that while keeping the rest of them immobile?”

He looked over at the sleeping Kathaldi, then back to me. “In time, I believe I could, my lord. Unfortunately, I have never been required to do so in the past.” He looked back to the prisoners for a few moments while my impatience intensified. “It would take me some time, though.”

“How long?” I felt as if I couldn’t wait. That I needed to hurt these monsters as soon as possible.

“Hours, my lord. Perhaps all day.” He shrugged. “I will not know until I make the attempt. Should I proceed?”

“Not yet.” An idea popped into my head. “If I pry open their eyelids open will they stay that way?”

“Yes, sir. I am only keeping them from moving their own bodies. Any of us can move them and they will not resist. We could bring in chairs and place the prisoners in them, if you wish.”

“No, I do not wish.” I said angrily. “I didn’t bring them here for their comfort.” I pointed at one of the servants. “You there, stand them both up, facing each other. Hold them up if you have to but try to get them to stand on their own.” I looked to the boy mage. “When they are standing please wake them up.”

I had expected the servants to look to the mage for confirmation of my orders, but they didn’t. Apparently, they had already been instructed to obey me because they quickly moved to the Kathaldi and got to work. It took more than a few moments for the young and slight servants to remove the older and more muscular Kathaldi from the pallets. The weight of the chains didn’t look to make it any easier for them but eventually they did it. The Kathaldi both stood, about three feet apart, facing each other with their eyes closed. A servant stood behind each of them, presumably to catch them if they fell. I moved close to the one nearest the door and inspected him. He looked as Mindolan as anyone else, with black hair and grey skin. I carefully pried open his eyes, which were as brown as my own. Nothing seemed different about him. I hated him so much for that. And for lots of other things.

I turned to the second prisoner and opened his eyes as well. He looked to be a few years older, so I decided to start on him, assuming he had murdered more people than his slightly younger friend. “Wake them, now, if you would be so kind.” I watched the older one’s eyes very closely but didn’t see anything happen. No flicker of awareness entered them. They stayed as still as ever. Staring straight ahead without blinking. It was a bit unnerving, but that didn’t affect my anger.

“They are awake now, my lord.”

“Are they? Good.” I stood in between the two assassins but a half step to the side so they could see one another. “Welcome to your new home.” I said as I looked from one to the other. It was odd to speak to them while they remained completely still, giving no sign that they had heard me. I decided to act as if they were responding, as if this was all normal. “Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Dirk S’Vig, spymaster of Ansdron and your captor.” I smiled evilly. “Your owner might be slightly more accurate, for in a sense you do belong to me now. I had you taken thus you are mine.”

I turned toward one of the other servants. Would you bring me a chair? I may need to rest at some point. I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night. Oh, and a small table with some wine and glasses to set upon it. I imagine I’ll be working up a thirst.”

We all just stood there waiting for the servants to return with the furniture and wine, although I moved far enough away that the Kathaldi couldn’t see me with their limited field of vision. Let them wonder what I’m up to, I figured. That can’t be very enjoyable. Venzik was watching me closely, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword as if he expected the Kathaldi to suddenly break free of the spells that restrained them. The four guards who had accompanied us into the room looked watchful, but slightly bored. Venzik had ordered the rest of them to wait in the hall.