There and back again - The end of the Journey

CHAPTER 22 - GUY'S CAPTIVITY AND TORTURE,

When Guy opened his eyes the day after his capture, it was stygian darkness and the constant drip of water. At first he believed that he had somehow been stricken again with the blindness he had suffered after his poisoning by Tabitha Hopkins.

His wrists and ankles were shackled, and there was a gag around his mouth, tied tightly behind his head, which he loosened immediately. He knew he was unharmed, as there was no pain, but nonetheless, he ran his hands all over his body for the stickiness of blood and found none. He knew why he had been taken, and wondered when he might be called upon to perform the hideous task, and if he would then survive.

He had already shuttered his thoughts, but reasoned that in her limited magic, the Red Witch would not have the ability to read them. He had counted three others as they had taken him, and he had hidden his magical abilities from all, so that he might use his powers in any escape he might venture.

A short while later, he noticed candle light approaching through a long dark passage and saw the sheen of water on granite tracks. He quickly reasoned that he was in a mine, whether of coal or metal, he knew not, but it was useful information.

Three hooded figures entered through the doorway of the barred metal cage in which he saw he was now contained, after first unlocking the door with a huge bunch of keys, and he noted that he was shackled to an iron bedstead. Looking down at his chains, he gauged their length and knew that he would be able to move freely within it's confines.

There was a feathered mattress atop the bed upon which he lay, with clean sheets, blankets and pillows. In the far corner of his 'cell' he saw a large lidded bucket, and immediately knew its purpose.

There were two chairs and a rough wooden table, upon which the first of the figures placed a triple candlestick and several long candles. They had also brought him ale, meat, bread and fruit, the final hooded figure placing upon it a water jug and bowl, with soap and a drying cloth.

"You will be supplied with anything you might require, at our Mistresses' pleasure," one of them said, removing her hood, "and she has instructed us to see to your comforts. She has no wish to harm you for now, but mark my words well, if you deny her, the punishment will be swift! All that is required from you is your seed and she will need you to lie with her that she may receive it. You would be wise to agree and she may be merciful if you get her with child quickly. If you refuse, there are other methods which can be used and she will torment you with them until you relent. If there is ought else you require, you may ring this bell to alert us, we shall not be far away."

"We have books if you require them and a chess board, if you play. One of us will come daily to spend time in your company, also to carry out the necessary tasks for your comfort, as my mistress does not wish you to be too solitary, lest you become melancholy. You may expect her in an hour and she will want to find that you have eaten and drunk your fill when she arrives. Do not cross her!"

Then the young woman, or witch, he could not tell, knelt as if to examine his shackled wrists, pressing a small, folded parchment into his palm and closing his fingers over it. She looked directly into his eyes and whispered, "I am a friend." Before standing up and following the others back from whence they had come.

He opened the note and read it. "Beneath the table I have affixed a small wooden flask, it contains a potion that will inhibit your passion. Two drops in your ale should suffice, I will bring more as required. Drink it quickly before she comes to you and burn this paper or I will pay with my life! If I should die over the coming days, remember, and do not think too ill of me. Your Aunt Gwyneth's second husband was my father and I have unwittingly become trapped within the darkness of the Red Witches influence. Do not look to speak with me unless I speak first, and only then if we are alone. My name is Angharad."