Mass Effect Arks

Escape from Reality (3/5)

The air was cold, a gentle if not dry and cold breeze pulled her from her sleep, the sounds of wheels on rough roads, and her being tossed about a bit on the rough ride woke her up fully. Wanting to rub her face made her discover her hands were bound together by rope.

"Wha??" She asked herself, confused, opening her eyes as she felt the warm sun start to land on her skin.

Her hands were bound and she was looking at the back of a man's helmet, they were descending from mountains, and everyone was dressed in...armor.  It took a minute before anyone noticed her coming out of her sleep, but the man across from her spoke first.

"Hey, you. You're finally awake. You were trying to cross the boarder right? Walked right into that Imperial Ambush, just like us, and that thief over there." the gestured with his head towards the man next to him.

"Damn you Thunderriders. Heaven's Edge was fine until you came along. The Empire was Nice and Lazy. If they hadn't been looking for you, I could have stolen that horse and been half way to Sledgedowns by now." the thief turned to look at Shepard.

"You there, you and me, we shouldn't be here, it's these Thunderriders the empire wants."

"What? Empire? Thunderriders? Where am I?" Shepard asked, dazed and confused, she was....she was an office worker, no, she was the daughter of the Primarch, no the Sky Marshal. 

"We are all brothers and sister in binds now Thief." the blonde man stated.

"Shut up back there." the man in armor shouted.

Looking around, the dull greys, whites and muted greens were getting a bit brighter. She looked around, seeing a man in fine robes and a pelt cape with a gag over his mouth.

"What's wrong with him?" the thief asked.

"Maybe he tried to off himself by biting his tongue." Shepard mumbled, not loud enough to be heard.

"What your tongue! You are speaking to Ultgard Thunder Rider, the rightful king!" the soldier across from Shepard stated.

"Ultgard? Lord of the Frozen Coast? You started the rebellion. If they captured you...oh gods! Where are they taking us!?" the thief began to panic at that realization.

"I don't know where we are going, but....the fields of Thal awaits." the soldier said, ominously.

The dull muted colors faded into more vibrant colors slowly. They were going down hill, taking turns slowly.

"No, this isn't happening, this can't be happening!"

"Hey. What village are you from, horse thief?"

"Why do you care?"

"A man's last thoughts, should be of home."

"Insvaar. I'm from Insvaar." 

Shepard saw a walled town, the carts passing through the gates, before a soldier shouted something.

"Legate Techta! The gallows await!" 

"Good, let's get this over with." a woman said.

Shepard still in a confused daze, looked around.

"Wait...we are being hung?" Shepard asked, confused.

"Ergith, Malso, Tenchz, Korgal! Gods! Save me!" the thief cried out to the sky.

Passing through the town's gate, Shepard could see a pair of women talking on their horses. Slowly the carts pulled around a few buildings.

"Look at her, Legate Techta, the Military's governess. And it looks like the Elf-fuckers are with them. Damn them, they must of had something to do with this." the soldier said.