4.7 Celebration
“Think how you will be rewarded,
men…”
Night had fallen, torches lit. Food had
been eaten, now Assawin had broken
out the drink. His men had assembled
in a circle to hear from their general.
In a celebratory mood, Assawin’s
hand gestured at Grisingh stood in the
centre of their circle. “Look what we
have captured…”
In his yoke, the light of the torches
flickering off the strong young man.
In the lights, the strength in that body
only mocked his position. Tied down
by them, held captive by them. His
warrior-prowess brought under their
control. From lion-prince to the abject
slave - because of them.
“We bring our king the enemy’s
prince.”
Cheers of self-congratulation broke
from the men around the pair of
captives. Cheering their own success,
jeering the captives stood in their
midst. Tied back-to-back. Surrounded
by an implacable enemy. They would
indeed be rewarded well. King Nakin
was sure to be pleased. When they
brought him this enemy prince, in
chains, broken in this yoke - King
Nakin would reward them well. They
reached for their drink. Grinned.
Toasted their good luck.