Trapped

-Chapter 5-

I wince as the metal bindings dig into my wrists. The Captain practically dragging me through the streets and I use the semi-break to take in the village. Bars and gambling are at every block and the whole road seems to be covered in a blanket of grit. It emits a dark aura that has me fighting off shivers. I stumble over the uneven brick work, hoping the dark stains aren't blood. It wouldn't surprise me if they kill women for fun on the streets. Huh Vreca is growing on me. The men's yells and jeers fill up my ears and I duck my head from letting them see my emotions that I can't hide any longer.

"Put a bullet through her head!"

"Filthy woman."

"Oh I would like to see her in bed..."

That last one makes me gag but with no way to cover my ears, I take the words like a knife slashing at me, each sentence leaving possibly life-long scars. The small cluster of guards surrounding me laugh like school bullies.

I stand tall, watching the main city bustle with life. Courtiers scurry through the throng of men, all gazing up at the person next to me. I stand just behind but I still see the curled lips and barely contained insults direct at me. Only what rests upon my head keeps them silent. I look beyond the courtyard, beyond the walls, straining to see the line and the broken women beyond. In that moment I knew that I had to leave. To plan for a better future. For not just me, but for every women.

I force my way out from my thoughts and focus on the present. On my sore wrist, on the stifling hot sun and the person dragging me. I couldn't allow such foolish thoughts at a time so imminent to my fate. The closer to the palace wall I get, the more I feel like I'm slipping into enemy territory. But I'm wrong. The moment I step into this city, I stepped in the loins den. I try to rub my sweaty palms on my cloak with little success. Without a moment's notice, my captor comes to an abrupt halt and crash into him. As he turns, his face is of pure disgust and he spits on the ground in front of me. My heart plummets. This isn't the rebel man. I'm going to die because of this gamble. But as any witnesses turn their attention away from us, he steadies me with one hand and offers a tentative smile. That coupled with the X drawn on his throat brings waves of relief. I can't help but thank the gods for the La-Vay symbol's to identify us.

One mark on the temple of wisdom.

One mark on the life blood of dedication.

I'm so lost in my traitorous thoughts that when the captain speaks, I almost jump three feet. Grinding my teeth to stop myself from yelling as the solider laugh at me again, my ears perk up at the possibly-rebel-but-still-the-kings-captain's next words. I add asking his name on my mental list, right after don't get killed.

"I'll take it from here," he practically growls. "If you boys knew what would happen next, you would probably piss your pants." The soldiers scowl but trudge off to what I can guess is the nearest bar.

"Just a little further," he mutters, dragging me round the edge of the palace walls towards a street full of mansions. My eyes grow wide from pure awe as I gaze up at the multi-story buildings, grander than anything I have seen in years. It almost reminds me of my childhood. The white and gold paint gives a sense of royalty and every centimetre of the place is picture perfect. That awe quickly vanishes as I spot the gardeners. While they have one of the best jobs, the burning hot sun and laborious tasks brings only sympathy from me. I don't envy the long walk they have to the Shack either. Before I realise what's happening, I getting tugged up stairs and onto the porch of a house. The door swings open and before us stands a man.

"Mr Casal," the servant says, his keen eyes resting on me. "I see you have business to attend to. Shall the usual room be alright?" The door behind me shuts with a resound snap. I feel any last hope shut with it and I cross my fingers. The servant's eyes catch that movement and the wink he sends almost gives me comfort. Almost.

"Lead the way," the Captain replies and walk along with him, refusing to be dragged any longer.

Forif this is my end, I shall face it with my eyes forward and back straight. 

I'm writing chapters left, right and centre and I'm loving it! My plan for the story is going so well! All good news here, except for the math exam I have tomorrow (on the second day of school!).

I also made a reading list with the stories I'm reading (and absolutely loving) so yeah I'll be adding to that. New chapter coming out very soon. Have a great day!(Or night, my timezone is not matching up with a lot of peoples haha)