I really didn't like my family's business, it was so full of pain, those poor people locked in cages tormented my mind. The act of sneaking them food eased my conscience only a little. My father nearly caught me last time and I wasn't able to give them the amount of food they needed. That happened more often than I liked but they seemed to be satisfied with the amount always giving me a smile of thanks.
The only one that would approach me though was the big burly looking man with the disfigured body that told of many tortures endured. He never spoke, but he always had the air of a gentleman who had once been free. His hair dark brown had long since matted to his scalp, not being brushed in the time he was here. His eyes soft yet dark held a knowing and a peace that I wanted, but I was afraid to ask.
The other prisoners were always timid hiding in the corner of the cage that hid them most. I never got a good look at them because of that and it irritated me at times. But I knew if I pushed them then I'd be no better than my father who always forced them out.
I walked down the hall my feet making no sound as I headed for the dungeon a small collection of foods hidden in my cloak. It was nearly midnight and the corridors were void of any life except for the pitter patter of rat's feet. My heart pounded with fear and adrenaline as the sound of a sudden crash of thunder screamed through the silence.
But I didn't waver my steps sure as I neared the door that led to the dungeon. I grabbed the door and turned the nob hearing the mechanisms grind and move loudly in protest as I winced inwardly at the noise.
"What do you think you are doing?!" The loud deep voice from behind me caused my heart to skip and my mind to freeze as I whirled around to see my father standing there arms crossed. The scowl of disappointment and anger made my blood run cold as my body began to shake.
"U-um I was just going to look at your prisoners." I quickly explained as I lowered my head in shame and fear.
"Well if you're going to do that then at least tell me first, here I'll let you choose one for your personal servant if you promise to never do this again." He replied as he guided me into the dungeon. I didn't want a servant, especially not one that was a possible criminal who could harm me in my sleep. But I knew there was no getting away from it without getting into horrible trouble.
We neared the cage that held the prisoners who awaited their demise as my father ranted on about his own cleverness and success. My eyes automatically found the prisoner who I had grown to know as the leader with his dark and tired eyes that followed our movements. He made no move to approach or even acknowledge our presence as he sat with his back up against the wall of the cage.
"What is that one there in here for?" I asked quietly knowing what thoughts were running rampant through his head.
"Oh it's been so long now I don't remember but he never talks even if I'm not there." My father seemed upset. He stared at the prisoner with distain as his hands tightened into fists. But the man he stares at only gives a smirk and closes his eyes as if bored.
"What's his name?" The question came out before I could stop it as my hand found the rebelling part.
My father gave me a sideward glance before motioning for the prisoner to come forward. Obediently he stood and stumbled over his crooked broken body struggling to stay upright. My hands shook as I stared at him, his form frightening and his eyes flaming with disdain.
"Well," my father hissed at him, "aren't you going to tell the girl your name and why you're here?"
But the man just stayed silent and stared at me his eyes seeming to lose their hateful glare. I couldn't help but blush as I looked down at the floor. Father just glared at us both before hitting the cage with his cane causing the guy to stumble back and almost fall. XD
"How dare you look at her that way!" He yelled striking the bars as he spoke his anger rising to meet his ego.
"Father stop; I don't mind. Besides what can he do when he's mute and deformed?" I reasoned quickly wanting to end the torment but not thinking of what I said.
The man in the cage scowled but remained where he was as if he was showing that he refused to back down. His glare made me back up and my father struck the cage again. I quickly went to block him from continuing and earned a strike to my side where I was sure several ribs and vital organs were damaged.
"You foolish girl get away from that cage before he kills you!" My father yelled at me raising his cane to strike again.
"I choose h-him." I whispered through the pain my eyes drifting shut as blood dripped from my mouth. My body started to fall forward when a hand grabbed my shirt by the collar and I suddenly couldn't breath.
"Fine but don't say I didn't warn you about him, and don't come crying to me if he kills you in your sleep." Father growled as he took out his keys not even shocked that I was slowly losing consciousness. The last thing I knew was I fell to the floor as whoever was holding me up let go.
YOU ARE READING
Prisoner's Plight
Mystery / ThrillerA story about a girl who lives in a time that demands your survival. She meets a prisoner who she wants as her servant and is shocked to find out he had been in there for over two years which is extremely rare. When she finds out his secret she want...
