Chains of Fate

First Day Reporting

Early in the morning, Ralph de Morgan arrived at the royal prison to report for duty.

After meeting several supervisors, he was assigned to work under Warden Bartlett.

"Good to meet you, Warden Bartlett!" Ralph bowed slightly, demonstrating the proper respect expected of a subordinate.

"Don't be so formal, call me Uncle Bartlett! Your father and I once guarded the northern borders together. I can't believe how much you've grown," Bartlett clapped Ralph on the shoulder warmly.

Ralph looked surprised and a bit shy, managing to utter "Uncle Bartlett," but he was skeptical about the claim. He distinctly remembered his sister saying that when their father died, this Bartlett hadn't been among those who paid their respects.

"I heard about your situation; I wanted to help you take over your father's position, but I had little influence back then. Fortunately, you managed to sort everything out yourself. You've done well," Bartlett said with feigned sentimentality.

"Thank you, Uncle Bartlett, for keeping me in your thoughts. I'm grateful. I'm a bit strapped for cash now, but once I get my salary, I'll treat you to a drink at the tavern."

"Ha, you don't need to treat me—it should be me treating you! We'll celebrate together with a drink," Bartlett laughed heartily. After the laughter, he asked, "Did you meet the prison director? How did they arrange things for you?"

"The officers said my father's position has already been filled, and for now, I can only work as a prison guard."

Bartlett frowned, "These people... Well, a guard is a guard. Don't complain, the position might seem unremarkable, but it has its advantages. Come on, I'll take you to get your waist sword and uniform, then we'll go to the kitchen to register your name."

"I'll follow your lead, Uncle Bartlett. I'll do my best in this position, and thank you for looking out for me."

"Don't mention thanks; we're all in this together. No need for such formalities."

Ralph smiled, though he didn't fully trust these pleasantries. He knew that often such warmth was just for show.

Dressed in a dark red prison guard uniform and equipped with a waist sword, Ralph tightened his belt, adjusted his collar, and touched the hilt of the sword at his waist, feeling a mix of pride and solemnity. From today, he was officially a prison guard, securing his livelihood.

"Hey, that uniform looks pretty good on you," Bartlett remarked as Ralph finished dressing and signaled him to follow.

"Stick with me, and you'll be in charge of Cell Block C. Cell Block C..." Bartlett explained as they walked.

Ralph followed closely, passing through several thick wooden doors, dim corridors, and multiple gates, finally arriving at Cell Block C.

The air was thick with a musty, rotting smell that was nauseating. Ralph held his breath for a moment to acclimate. He stepped forward, turned a corner, and a long corridor flanked by cells housing criminals appeared.

"You'll be working here, supervising. This is Blake; he's responsible for routine patrols here, and you'll be working under him," Bartlett introduced Ralph to a burly, grim-faced middle-aged man, "Ralph, do your best. I have high hopes for you."

"I will do my utmost."

After making the arrangements, Bartlett left to attend to other matters.

Blake, as his name suggested, had jet-black hair, piercing eyes, and though not tall, was powerfully built.

"Are you the new guy, Ralph?" Blake asked, his voice gruff.

"Yes, Mr. Blake. I look forward to learning from you," Ralph replied respectfully.

"Come with me; you'll be working with me. If there's anything you don't understand, just ask." Blake seemed pleased with Ralph's demeanor and nodded in approval.

Then, Blake began their first patrol together.

Cell Block C housed pirates, thieves, and various other outlaws. Ralph felt a thrill of excitement about this new environment.

"The most important part of patrolling is to check the headcount. If the numbers don't match, we all suffer, got it?" Blake advised as they walked.

"Understood!" Ralph nodded.

"Also, prevent prisoners from conspiring. The inmates of Cell Block C are all restless; never let your guard down. Another thing—learn to promptly determine their vital status."

"Mr. Blake, how can I tell whether a prisoner is dead or alive?" Ralph asked earnestly.

Blake chuckled and pointed at cell number thirteen. Inside, a prisoner lay on the ground motionless, indistinguishable between life and death.

"See for yourself, is that prisoner alive or dead?"

Ralph approached the cell and observed carefully. The man didn't move, barely seeming to breathe. However, given Blake's nonchalant attitude, Ralph hesitated to jump to conclusions.

"I can't tell. Please show me," Ralph said humbly.

Blake tapped the iron bars of the cell, producing a piercing clang.

The prisoner moved slightly at the sound, then lay still again.

"See that? He's alive. If a prisoner were really dead, we'd have to report it to the officers immediately. We can't have people dying here unnoticed," Blake said with a smirk.

Ralph nodded, noting this procedure as a crucial part of his responsibilities. Even if a prisoner was close to death, early reporting would ensure everyone was accountable.

Their patrol continued, and Cell Block C was nearly full of criminals. Ralph couldn't help but reflect on the severe security issues outside, given the number of inmates.

As the patrol neared its end, Blake led Ralph deeper into the cell block. He whispered, "This last cell is the most important. Check it thoroughly every day without fail. If something goes wrong here, none of us can escape the consequences."

The deepest part of Cell Block C was especially dark and damp, the air so moist it almost dripped, and the floor was slick. As they walked deeper, Ralph felt an ominous presence, as if something terrifying lurked in the darkness.

At the end, they saw a man whose limbs and neck were securely chained. Ralph could barely make out his features under the dim light—his hair and beard were a tangled mess, covering most of his face. His robust physique and heavy breathing indicated he still possessed significant strength.

"It's fine, let's go." Blake seemed somewhat fearful of the prisoner. After confirming everything was in order, he quickly led Ralph away.

Ralph understood that this prisoner was no ordinary man, and the secrets hidden in the depths of the prison were more complex than he had imagined.