She Lies to Frost

She remained there for a long while, eventually the burning pain from the flogging subsided, but she was still in an uncomfortable position with her arms aching, her legs spread and her toes tingling and numb.

After a while, Frost returned, loosening the rope enough for Samia to stand properly. He undid the bar on her ankles, and she closed her legs a little. As the numbness faded, and the blood ran back into her feet, he came close, staring into her eyes.

“Now tell me what you know,” he demanded.

Samia hesitated at first, purposefully. It was all part of the act. If she gave it all up, he’d know it was suspicious. She waited for him to ask the questions, about Varga’s fighting style, who trained him, any weaknesses or injuries.

She’s rehearsed it all with Varga last night. She knew what was coming.

“Good girl,” Frost said when he was done.

He lowered the rope, and she finally was freed, except from the shackles on her wrists. He even unlocked those. Then they walked up to the labour camp farther up the mountain.

“Now there’s just one more test of your loyalty to me, Samia.”