Abandoned Prison

Iron pain

Kass had a short nap but he was suddenly awoken by steps coming through the corridor. He prayed that it wasn't the woman that he met today again. 

To his relief, it was the woman that he met yesterday. Even though it was a much better company than he expected the pain in his chest strengthened again as the memories from yesterday came back to him. 

She came to his cell with the guard at her side already. The only words he heard from her were "You are coming with me." Her voice was cold and it didn't look like she was in the mood for talking.

His heart was pounding as the ghost came for him and led him out of the cell. It felt like she was different than the last time he saw her.

There weren't any emotions on her face but she crossed her arms and her eyes were slowly measuring him from his feet to head as if he was just an object or a piece of cattle.

Without talking he was led back to the room from yesterday. He glanced around the room and saw many familiar things. The large wooden table with cuffs attached to it, the desk with all kinds of tools meant to dissect a human, and the fireplace with a couple of iron rods leaning on the wall next to it.

He was looking around the room or at the floor. He was avoiding eye contact with Nadia as if it helped him to get away from that woman.

He didn't even try to resist when he was told to lie on the table as Nadia gave him an intimidating look and he understood that there was no point in discussion here. Then she told the guard to wait outside so it was only two of them left in the room.

"I can see that Ania really did visit you today." she started speaking out of nowhere as she looked over the burns on his hands and knees.

Her voice was different it sounded softer than yesterday.

"She did but it wasn't a very pleasant experience," he said and he let out a relieved breath.

Talking always calmed him down.

To his surprise, a slight smile appeared on her lips when he said it but it only lasted for a moment.

She sighed and said "Everyone has a hard time dealing with Ania. Especially I do."

It was a hint that made Kass figure out that there might be some internal struggles between these witches. Maybe he could use it to his advantage but he didn't know how yet.

Nadia then took a chair that was next to her desk and said by the fireplace showing him her back.

"That is why I took you here. I am tired of Ania and of everything else. I just need some distraction."

Kass saw that while she was saying that she took one of the iron rods that were next to the fireplace in her hands.

He swallowed hard and he asked her "How can I help you with that. I am sure we can figure out something together."

"Just don't go anywhere," she replied.

He didn't even want to think about the torture that she could put him through so he asked. "Maybe your talents aren't being appreciated here enough I think. Or you don't get enough respect from your companions. That could also be a problem of course," he tried to sound as calm as he could in this situation.

"My offer still stands. I could get you a good place in my company. Put you in charge of people so you get the respect you deserve. I am sure a woman like you that is used to living in the wilderness wouldn't have any problem handling few rough men."

She kept sitting by the fire in silence. And because he saw only her back he couldn't see if she was considering his offer. 

"If you want to adjust the terms of the offer I am open to negotiation. Just ask for whatever you want," he said hoping that he could finally convince her.