In the darkness

By noon the guys reached the city. They didn’t know how they guessed the route, because on the way they had to go through the forest and ford the river. They didn’t even go around several low hills. The guys tried not to catch the eye of the local residents, which, in principle, they succeeded in. They were seen by, well, maybe two or three workers. But that didn’t bother them much then. They were quickly allowed into the city, without even asking their names and the purpose of the visit. Without even paying attention to the long and potentially dangerous sword hanging on Madan’s shoulder. Suspicious. But maybe it’s always like this here. The streets of the city were not remarkable. But very dirty. Sasha didn’t understand how anyone could walk here. Looks like a medieval city. Five-story buildings stood in straight lines on both sides of the road. An endless number of streets, alleys, back streets, boulevards and avenues. Ha, probably every house has its own street! They ran into a huge building. - What else is this? — Lex asked turning to her friend. - Barn. This is a state of farmers. Vegetables, fruits, seeds and cars are stored here, — Madan said. - What a huge one! — the girl was surprised. - Yes, but he is not the only one. They are scattered throughout the island. So that in the event of a fire, EVERYTHING doesn’t burn, — the guy explained. - Smart. You know, while we were walking, I didn’t feel anything. About Theodore. This is weird. And I don’t know what to do. What do you think? — Sasha asked for advice. — We can live a little in Emrant. Walk around the island every day, maybe we’ll find out something interesting, and you’ll feel the ball, — the blond suggested. - Can. But where should we live? — Lex asked. - In the tavern, — Madan answered. - Where will we get the money? — asked the brown-haired girl. - We still have those precious stones in our backpacks. We’ll sell them, — the teenager decided. - Good idea. We… Sasha didn’t have time to finish. Two tall, powerful creatures in black cloaks, apparently eavesdropping on them, separated from the crowd shunning them and headed towards their friends. Coming from behind them, they took out something heavy and stunned the guys. Lex woke up in a dark room. She didn’t understand how she ended up here. It seems like I was just talking to Madan, but already… here. She tried to move her hands, but it didn’t work. She guessed that they were connected. My eyes had already begun to get used to the darkness. Lex was sitting on a metal chair with her legs and arms tied, about two meters away was Madan, who had not yet woken up from the blow. Badly. Very bad. What happened? Have we been kidnapped? Then what do they want from us? I don’t remember anything from the moment we talked about the stones. Well, of course! They heard about them and decided to profit. And at the same time they grabbed us… It’s bad. So what’s now? Don’t wait for weather from the sea! The girl tried to move her arms again, but the ropes were strong. Must wait. There is nothing more left. It was uncomfortable to sit in this position, but no one asked her opinion. Sasha resigned herself. About half an hour later Madan opened his eyes. He looked around in confusion, but when he saw Sasha, he calmed down a little. If in such a situation you can calm down. A minute of thought process, and Madan also realized the situation. But he wasn’t particularly nervous. Why is he sitting so calmly? Has he already had this? People are accustomed to oppression and violence in their direction. They know that they, as the lowest social class, can do anything to them. Oh, the voice is back. Where were you, dear, when we had a mess with Erya? I missed you! It’s not normal for people to be treated this way! But, although, I knew about this. But for everything to be exactly like this… I couldn’t even imagine! Why didn’t passers-by do anything when they saw that we were stunned? They have no right. In Emrant the attitude towards people is the worst. They are considered absolute slaves. Horror! What will happen to us now? Sasha’s thoughts were interrupted by the sudden switching on of the light, and after a few seconds, when her eyes got used to it, the girl saw two huge orcs. They were terrible! Lex’s body immediately broke out in goosebumps. The freaks wore gloomy-looking black uniforms covered with spikes. And she was covered in blood! It’s like they just killed a man! Maybe that’s true. It’s unlikely that they are used to being gentle. The orcs approached them. One of them took out their backpacks from behind their backs. They were open. —Where did you get the precious stones? Where did you get them? — he shouted right in Madan’s face. The guy shrank and turned pale. - We… we found them! We were walking along the road and saw it! What do you need from us? — the guy mumbled. - Found it, then? Lie! They are too valuable to be left lying around! Answer truthfully! Otherwise, say goodbye to life! — the orc roared. Sasha noticed that her friend was feverishly coming up with an explanation, but nothing worked, so she decided to take matters into her own hands. - We are travelers! We collected them in Liovard and then sailed here! You had no right to drag us here, — she said decisively, hoping that they would believe her. - No one gave women a word! — another creature snapped. Lex jumped as much as possible in surprise. And outrage. In terms of? So, do women have no weight at all? What kind of life is this?! But she gave a hint to a friend. He immediately looked the orc in the eyes and spoke confidently. - Everything she said was true. We didn’t do anything illegal! You must let us go! - What are you, workers collecting stones? I doubt! So the collection was illegal! And for any lawlessness we impose punishment! We would send you to prison, but we learn that you lied to us, you are sentenced to death! — he shouted right in the face of the white teenager with fear. - And, yes! Where did you get the sword from? — the second orc joined the interrogation. - Yes! Where? He was locked in the dungeons! Where did you get it? — as if one complaint wasn’t enough. They also found fault with Meylar! Sasha began to shake. End of adventure! What prevented us from not going to the city? We would have stayed in the fields and looked for the ball! And now humanity will not be freed, and I will perish! Tears flowed from her green eyes. She wanted to live. She was too young to die! - You have no right! We are not adults! You will be sent to prison! It is illegal! And in general, the death penalty has been abolished! But perhaps not in this world. Lex tried to at least verbally fight back, realizing that she had no chance. The orcs looked at her with confusion at first, and then burst out laughing. The blade was already raised above Madan, and he could not even move. He could only look death in the eyes. Suddenly the attacking orc fell dead, felled by a well-aimed shot. The second one lay down dead a second later.