Captured

You awaken to find yourself on a cold stone floor, in a dimly lit room. With a groan, you push yourself into a sitting position, and look around. You appear to be in some kind of prison cell, though beyond that you’re at a loss. The only furnishings you’ve been provided with are a straw pallet for a bed, and a small desk and chair.

You push yourself to your feet, groaning from the stiffness of lying on stone, and from your still fresh wounds. That tells you that it hasn’t been too long, at least. As you shuffle towards the bars making up one wall, you hear a voice from nearby.

“Hey there, neighbor. Sounds like you’re awake.”

The voice is deep, but definitely feminine. You lean against the bars, but you can’t see into the adjoining cell. “Yeah, I’m awake. Where are we? And who are you?”

“Well, you probably already guessed, but this is prison. A very special prison, for special guests. We’re below the palace, home of the Order. May name’s Sarah, what’s yours?”

“Nicholas.”

She chuckles. “Not too talkative just yet? I suppose that’s fair, you looked pretty rough when they dragged you in. So, what’s so special about you? Why bring you here?”

You sigh. “Well, I captured a prison ship. One of the flagships, apparently.”

“I can see why they’d be after you, then, but I’d imagine they’d just kill you for that.”

You chuckle. “Well, it may have something to do with me coming through the barrier.”

There’s a pause before she answers. “Yeah, that’ll do it. Unfortunately, I’d imagine that also means I won’t get to talk to you for long. Doubt you’ll survive whatever they have planned for you. Too bad, too, it gets lonely down here, and you looked kinda cute from the glimpse I got of you.”

Trying not to think about that, you keep talking. “So, why are you here then, Sarah?”

She chuckles. “Well, I’m the best damn smith and enchanter in this place. Made the mistake of getting noticed by the Order, and they locked me up, since I won’t take their stupid oath. They drag me out occasionally, chain me to a forge till I make something they need, then send me back here.”

“Why not take their oath and be free?”

Her voice takes on an edge of anger. “Those bastards don’t deserve it. So much death in the name of so called peace. I spit on the Order!”

She sighs. “But…if the choice is work or die, I’d rather live. Maybe someday I can get out of here.”

Before you can answer her, you hear the door down the hall open, and Sarah sighs. “Well, I’d say that’s your escort. Been nice chatting, Nicholas.”

You hear many booted footsteps, and it sounds like several people walk in. An armored figure steps up to your cell. “We are taking you now, prisoner.”