“When the skjalds sing of our deeds, when the blood of our foes flow like wine.

Under the star stricken sky, we will sing and we will mourn.

We will honor the fallen and those who have entered the eternal hunt.

Then let us make merry and drink! For the foul beast has been slain!

A blight eradicated, a legend earned.

From death we find life, in life we bring death.

So that those who cannot, will live once again.

In words of spirit and song.”

- War Song of Wolf Brother Tojmar The Valorous, Slayer of The Forsaken

Sophia woke up feeling cold and in pain. She tried to shiver only to realise that her limbs no longer responded. In a panic, she gasped awake as she tried to crane her sore neck to look at what held her back. Iron shackles. What the? How? Ughh. My head.

As her senses returned, she immediately retched and spat globules of saliva and vomit ahead of her. Catching her breath, she finally managed to fully open her eyes to assess the situation. Her eyes found themselves dancing across a nearly featureless, dark, and dank prison cell. She was shackled at her ankles and wrists, her appendages wriggling helplessly against the chilly iron cuffs. Worse, as she looked down, she found that whoever had incapacitated her earlier had also removed everything from here. She was dangling here naked.

To her increasing dismay, she recognised little of her surroundings. Everything around her consisted of stone slabs or the iron bars that held her here. At the very least, as she craned her neck to look behind her, she could spy some basic amenities. A table, a chair, a bed, and what she hoped was a toilet. But with her still being restrained, she couldn’t avoid the gut feeling that all was not what it seemed.

Her mind then struggled to remember what had happened. A never-ending dull ache pounded in the recesses of her mind and she could only vaguely recall the moment of surprise she had. The plan to infiltrate the Braveskull trading house was going about as well as it could. Then she entered and someone had restrained her as she was then fed with something. A low pain from her arm also revealed that she was also the subject to an injection of sorts, a grim prospect.

She tried to force her stomach to churn back out every bit of matter it had within. Uncertain if whatever foreign substance had already been mostly processed or expelled within her. All she knew was that it was better out than in. A slight itch also began to overtake her, but with her limbs restrained , the most she could do was to flex her muscles in hopes of calming the impending itchiness.

Only now did she gradually begin to take in the full scope of her situation. She was trapped and restrained with no visible way to escape. She also had no idea how long it had been since she was placed here. Or know anything about Eva’s current whereabouts.

Trying to calm her mind, she wearily let her eyes close as the sounds of the world around her carried its way to her cell. What she heard however, only petrified her even more, sending her heart exploding as it pounded loudly in her mind. All around her, she could now hear the pants, cries and groans of life. Potentially other prisoners. Which meant that she wasn’t alone. But there was a sense of despair in their weakened calls. A hopelessness that wrapped itself around everything.

Then she heard it. Mortifying sounds that made her soul shrivel up. Her body tensed with a guttural fear as the muffled cries of someone being forcefully assaulted echoed from elsewhere in the prison. The horrifying noise made her realise why she had been stripped down and shackled in an almost spread eagle. Unconsciously, her body started trembling all on its own, the fear of what could happen beginning to weigh heavily upon it. Oh Goddess, oh stars, shadows hide me. Oh no.

Occasionally, she could even hear the squelching crunch of food being eaten, humanoid food. Though given what some of the others might be experiencing, she didn’t know if that was a better or worst fate.

Her thoughts drifted to Eva and Taurox, and she prayed that they hadn’t failed. That Eva was still around looking for clues and then potentially her.

A scream of agony came from a distant prisoner. Sophia could only try to block out the noises as panic began to set in. With nothing she could do, she simply clenched her jaw shut and closed her eyes. Hoping that everything would be fine, she sent out a plea.

Help me.

Seconds felt like hours and minutes like days. She didn’t know how long she had been there, only that the despair in the air was never ending. Every few seconds someone would cry or whimper, every few minutes a door would open, and the unmistakable sound of a rough fucking would echo down the prison. She noted how every time that happened, everyone else would try their best to remain silent, as if worried that the slightest noise might draw attention to themselves.

Ahead of her, she spied two other cells, both relatively spacious. One had a middle aged man, scruffy and likely a peasant. The other was an older girl than herself, and judging by the winkles and calluses on her hands, also a peasant. From what she could observe so far, these weren’t meant to be criminals, but ordinary people. Just what the hells is going on?.

The hellish noises were only interrupted when the sound of multiple boots clicked against the cold stone floor. An eerie sense of dread permeated the prison as the footsteps drew closer. Judging by the direction of the sound, Sophia gulped back her fear and waited.

Glancing upwards, she saw the girl catching sight of the new arrivals first. Her eyes immediately lowered to the ground as she quaked with fear. Looking at the man, she saw him meet her gaze before immediately looking away, also terrified.

Sophia noticed the shadow cover up the entrance to her cell first. What scant light was blocked by a massive figure that dwarfed those around it. From the corner, she first saw two half orc guards, the same as those she had seen outside the trading house. But they were not rejoicing or jeering at her, no, they were afraid. Then a man came through, also middle aged, lightly bearded, dark hair like a Traxian’s. The sentries moved to let him pass, stiff as boards. The man then gestured to the monster down the corridor. From the shadows, emerged a creature out of her nightmares.

A monstrous creature with ashen green skin and reddish yellow eyes stared back at her. The half orcs stood about a full two heads taller than her, the beastial orc almost two taller than them. He had a slight hunch and sported two large tusk-like teeth on the edges of his mouth. The creature’s body was almost wholly uncovered. Veiny, rippling muscles were decorated with more scars than one could count, only a few strips of rags and a loincloth covering his nethers. Though judging by what appeared to be an arm length appendage under the loincloth while at rest, she doubted the cloth really mattered.

A dreadful thought entered her mind as the group opened up the door to her cell. One of the guards came in first before the human followed him.

Steadying herself, she tried her best to take in what information she could. She had thought she saw a flash of white and green when she was knocked unconscious, but seeing the man now, she realized it was him. A white shirt and dark green buttoned vest. So he’s either wearing the same clothes or he changed already. Assuming it's the same, then it’s likely that it’s still the same night. A cold comfort when she was already facing down her captors, naked and unarmed.

She sucked in a small breath. Here goes nothing, I guess.

“I’m ready to answer any questions you might have.” She managed to rasp out, surprising herself at how hoarse and weak her own voice sounded.

The man looked amused, finally pulling out what looked to be a metal baton, “How cooperative. Lines up with my assumption, at least. You’re a civiliain, right?” His voice echoed out, cold, but curious.

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“Yeah.”

He seemed to wait, and unsure of what to do, Sophia also waited in turn. Eventually, the man raised an eyebrow at her, examining her body as he seemingly ran through a few calculations in his mind.

“No questions?” He finally asked.

“I…” She looked to the other captors, the half orcs seemed to simply obey. The monstrous orc just waited, staring at her as if he had found himself a snack.

A sickening blast of pain struck her ribs as the man hit her with the baton. Sophia wanted to crumple in agony but the restraints kept her upright.

“So slow. No lying, once more. No questions?” He asked again.

“N-no-argh!” Sophia cried out as he smashed the baton into her sides again.

“No lying.”

“I-I have many questions, but I don’t dare ask.” She stammered out, trying desperately to cradle her sides but unable to.

“Good. We’re getting somewhere. Are you willing to fully cooperate? Because there are more important things I should be doing.”

“Y…yes. I’ll answer, as I already said.”

“Good. Then let’s begin. Why are you here?” He spoke as he stared into her eyes. But his gaze was a frightening one, like a thief trying to pick a lock. Except this was a lock into her mind, and she didn’t know how to stop it.

“Information, looking for information.” She grimaced.

He seemed to roll his eyes and scowl. Before she could even prepare herself, he struck her again.

"Ahh!"

“Don’t be so terse. Elaborate. What information?”

“Friend was attacked.” She winced, “Thought there might be information here about the attack.”

“Attack? Did you think they were taken here?”

“Maybe? Here, Lotkep, or another trading house. This was just the most convenient on the way. Didn’t think there’d be so much trouble.” She admitted.

“Lotkep… what made you think a trading house would do such a thing?” The man’s expression shifted, but remained unreadable.

What do I say? That we learned it from the church? Or a rumor? It could technically count as-ack! “Ahh!” Sophia yelped as the man smacked her again. A bone somewhere cracking as the jolt of pain reverberated throughout her.

“Less thinking, more answering.” He tapped the baton against her, the cold steel sending pained shivers down her spine.

“Ru-rumors on the street. If people get attacked or taken, that it’s umm, well that it’s one of the big guys. The trading companies.”

“Hmmm, the boogeyman of the streets. How irritating, I thought we already took care of this matter?” He looked at one of his subordinates.

“That’s what we thought.” One of the half orcs nervously replied.

“We already stopped…” The man muttered to himself before his eyes lit up, “Ah! Was your friend perhaps a refugee?”

“Eh? Like a war refugee from the front?” Sophia timidly asked.

The man nodded.

“Then, um, yes. She’s from Carrador.”

“Hmmm…” The man stroked his chin, examining her once more. “Yes, yes. The picture begins to paint itself within my mind.” He mumbled to himself.

This looked to be some sort of indicator that something was to happen. For behind him, the half orc guards began shifting uncomfortably. The monstrous orc eyeing her with increasing glee. She felt her stomach churning in dread.

“Yes, yes. Sorted. Now, onto more mundane and operative questions I suppose.” The man snapped back to attention, “Name, affiliation, and occupation, if you have any.”

“Uh, um,” Shit, quick! “Sarah Caster.” She lied, “No group err, affiliation I guess? Student at the Academy.”

The man looked a bit startled when she mentioned the Academy, his expression turning to a low glower as he tapped the baton against her menacingly. “Academy, academy… shit.” He snarled, “This is most troublesome indeed. A student, hmmm. And your friend?”

“Th-the lookout?” They can't know who Eva is, or this'll spiral real fast.

“Yes.”

“Rosaline Garte. Also a student-Ah!” Sophia let out a pained yelp as he hit her with the baton.

“Affiliation, don’t leave out details or skip a step.”

“S-sorry. Also no affiliation.” She winced.

“Good. Good. Your cooperation tonight has been noted. You can expect a positive evaluation when the time comes.” The man flashed a joyless smile at her. He then turned to his subordinates. “Speed up our plans. Recall the sentries and have everyone here moved to the kolonia. At once.” He ordered. Kolonia? Is that their word for colony? They want to ship us to a colony?!

“At once? How soon is that?” One of the half orcs finally spoke, his low gravelly voice contrasting with the man’s smooth yet rapid speech.

“At once means at once. Tonight. Now. Get it done.” The man clicked his tongue disdainfully.

“Of course my lord. Sorry, my lord.” The half orc lowered his head.

The two half orc guards then quickly turned on their heels and left, looking positively relieved that they could go. The man meanwhile, seemed occupied with his own thoughts, going through a variety of expressions as he continued to silently think. Sophia’s eyes then wandered back to the huge orc.

Her face paled as she unconsciously started trembling. Throughout her exchange with the man, she had caught glimpses of the monster eyeing her. Possibly debating on what it should do with her. Now however, it seemed to have made its mind up. Seeing the massive member swell with excitement made Sophia afraid. A primal, dark fear that was ingrained within all living things. A fear of something beyond her control and one that seemed unlikely to relent.

She felt her mouth dry up at the thought of the creature approaching. Her muscles tensed as she desperately searched for a way out.

Perhaps having noticed her distress, the man finally snapped back out of it only to turn and look at his pet monster. Instead of showing kindness or any form of consideration to her cooperation the past few minutes, he just started walking out without acknowledging her further. Sophia was about to plead when he spoke once more.

“Logdane, no breaking.” The man warned the orc, “Take this other one instead. That one’s still useful to me. Let Telmer know when you finish.” He pointed to the other girl’s cell.

Sophia’s heart almost dropped. Finding only a perverse happiness that she was not to be the victim.

“No break. Telmer finish.” The massive orc growled obediently. Though she could sense something akin to disappointment in his voice.

“Excellent. We’ll be leaving afterwards, so be quick.” The man didn’t even stop walking, simply turning the corner and leaving.

“Fun, quick.” The orc grinned darkly.

Sophia began hyperventilating as the girl began to scream in terror, trying to ignore the agonising sounds as she pleaded for mercy. But the orc was uncaring, and soon, only his back was visible as he entered the other girl’s cell. Soon, Sophia could only clench her eyes shut as the screaming began. Eva, where are you? Anyone, please.

Sophia could only offer a small prayer when the girl’s tortured screams stopped. The orc however, wasn’t finished. With each passing second, she could only flinch as the sound of flesh slapping against flesh continued. She couldn’t tell how long it went on for, only that it had been far too long.

By the time that the orc stopped, Sophia felt sick to her stomach, having retreated into her mind to avoid thinking what happened to the poor girl. Beyond their little cluster of cells, she could hear the sounds of chains being moved around as the half orcs began moving the prisoners. Sophia sucked in a worried breath, knowing that she would only have a small window to leave a clue or two before she was spirited away. To the Kolonia, or whatever it’s supposed to be.

She stowed her thoughts when she suddenly felt the presence of something looming over her. Looking up, she almost wet herself at the sight of the monster orc staring at her. Its beady eyes glared at her hungrily, it’s used phallus slowly returning to its erect form already. Mortified, she simply stared at it and where he human had left earlier, hoping that it would get the implication that it should follow the man’s orders to leave her alone.

Luck was not on her side.

With barely a snort, the monster’s massive arms simply pulled apart the iron bars that were supposed to keep her locked up. The ear piercing groans of the iron as they were pulled apart struck a pang of fear into her heart. She tried to make herself as small as possible, but the shackles kept her in place. Petrified, her panicked mind raced to find a solution. But she had found nothing when the orc suddenly pried open the shackles holding her legs. A brief glimpse of hope almost crawled to the surface, only to be immediately be beaten into nothingness as the orc's hungry grin grew wider.

"Not enough fun." He let out a vicious growl, "New fun." He reached for her.

Sophia tried to shift away now that her legs were freed. But it mattered little as the creature wrapped one hand around her waist and lifted her off the ground. Before she could even register what had happened, something massive split her open and the most intense pain in her life destroyed any and all rationality she might've had. Her defences broken, she retreated inwards, her mind hurriedly emptied as she tried to locking herself within the sanctum of her own thoughts. Yet that was not enough. For when the orc thrusted, she was violently torn from her shelter, the sharp blast of agony overpowering whatever she had left. With no where left to hide and forcefully thrown into reality, there was nothing she could do but scream.