Chapter 26: PUNISHMENT

Chapter 26

DEEP IN THE FROSTY WOODS…

Seven figures strode through the frosty woods, their armors dulled and rimmed with snow.

Their pace was slow as they plunged into layers of thick snow and fallen leaves. The weight of exhaustion had fallen heavily upon them.

Ahead of the main group was Kithara, leading them, her gaze set ahead with a strong determined look. “Come on, folks,” she called over her shoulder, her voice hoarse from wind and fatigue. “Move faster.”

A groan came from behind her, making her pause in her tracks. “Kithara,” Susan panted, halting abruptly and inhaling large breaths, “I don’t think I can move any further.” She gulps, lowering her body and resting her hand on her knees. “We need to rest.”

Kithara slowly turned, her breath misty as she let out a short sigh, whilst shaking her head. “No. Not now, Susan.” She said, pointing toward a distant rise that loomed through the haze of the forest. “See that? There’s a mountain up ahead. If we cross it, we might find civilization on the other side.”

Susan rubbed her trembling arms, her lips pale and cracked. “My legs are too weak, and the cold isn’t helping either. We need rest.” She glanced to her side, nudging the woman beside her. “Tell her, Laria.”

Laria stepped forward, her blond hair plastered on her forehead beneath her helmet. “Susan is right, Kithara,” she murmured, “We won't be able to cross the mountains if we don't rest. Besides, we long evaded the threat, and no one could have followed us out here. We need to settle down, find our strength for the journey ahead.”

Kithara’s jaw tightened. “Don’t any of you understand what is happening?” she snapped, her eyes flashing with frustration. “We escaped our captors. Do you think they won’t come looking for us? If we stop now, we are finished. We need to keep moving, find people, shelter, something. Then we can recuperate.”

“Are you really concerned for our safety, or just yourself?” Susan chirped in, her gaze narrowing.

“Yes. I decided to leave on my own, and you all chose to follow. So don't you dare try to pin this on me.”

Faint gasps filled the cold night, as the others exchanged glances amongst themselves. “True, it was our individual decisions to tag along, but we expected you to be a leader like Royanna. You condemned her effort at every stop, blamed her for the death of the others, and you made us think she wasn't worthy.”

“That's because she isn't.” Kithara cut in, “She's just like us, a slave who survived, she was never a leader and she never will be. We chose the right decision, freedom, and she chose to lead the rest right back into their doom.”

Kithara sighed, running her hand on her face, “I am not your leader and I hold no say in your lives. However, if you put your trust in me, we would be crossing that mountain before dawn.”

No one replied. The wind howled through the trees, scattering snowflakes across their armour.

Kithara snorted and turned away. “If you are so eager to rest, then stay behind. But I won’t be caught risking my freedom for anyone.” Her boots sank into the snow as she pressed forward, leaving the others in uneasy silence.

Then…

A sharp gasp tore through the stillness.

Kithara spun around, and her heart sank. Figures emerged from nowhere, their black armors glistening under the moonlight, swords gleaming as they surrounded the women.

“Fuck!” Kithara cursed, reaching for the sword she had hooked to her belt, but before she could draw it, she felt a sharp poke behind her, and she froze, raising her hand in surrender.

“Move!” the guard barked, the word echoing across the forest.

The others did the same, their faces were a display of defeat, eyes wide with despair.

THE NEXT DAY…

The heavy stomping of boots filled the halls of the corridor as Commander Saphena marched towards the dungeon, a fire torch in hand, and two guards tailing behind her.

They stopped in front of the cell bar. One of the guards proceeded to pull out a bunch of keys and open up the bars.

Saphena stepped into the dark cell, the torch illuminated faint lights, and the first thing that came into view was the red hair, and then the unconscious body of Royanna.

Snapping her thumb against her index finger, the two guards stormed into the cell.

“Take her back to the slave quarters,” Saphena ordered the guards, one of whom lifted Royanna in his arms like she weighed nothing and strode out of the dark space.

Saphena followed behind, but stopped, watching as the guard marched away with Royanna.

“Commander, why did you release the slave? Her punishment is not due for two days.” The guard voiced out, his surprised tone could not be dismissed.

“I thought of something better,” Saphena replied and smirked, a glint of mischief flashing in her eyes.

“Let's pay the other perpetrators a visit.” She said and continued down the corridor, leading to another where three cells were located.

Saphena stopped in the centre, raising the torch, she was met with numerous gazes that screamed fear.

She eyed the guard, ego went ahead to unlock the bar. Saphena stepped into the cell, her shoulders high, smirk widening into a grin.

“So how was the brief taste of freedom?” She asked, and whimpers were the only response she got in return.

“No one has something to share?” She faked a gasp and took a step forward, flashing the fires across the prisoners. They scurried back, pushing themselves against the wall, squeezing into one heap.

“I guess your adventure wasn't that fun. Let me guess, someone snitched, right?” She chuckled, a diabolical sound that rose more whispers and sobbing.

“I am sorry your adventure was cut short, but it wasn't my fault as you may know. Red hair wasn't pleased with the fact that you chose freedom over captivity, so she told me everything like a good slave, and my men went after you a lot. But don't worry your punishment will be mild because the Alpha King has chosen to spare you with a warning. He needs warriors to train and prepare for the battles ahead. So we will skip the pain of punishment and insert it in training and discipline.”

“Thank your lucky stars folks, next time, I will be driving my sword derp into your necks.” Saphena smiled and took a few steps back. She turned

to the guard, “Escort them back to the quarter.” She ordered and walked off.