Legend of Antalasia

Chapter 17

The sun had almost risen and everyone knew it was almost time for the guards to wake up and start moving about. They watched anxiously as the ten prisoners headed by Angelo returned from the underground cave.

Angelo and the nine other prisoners reached the shed which was adjacent to the guards' quarters when the door opened and a guard took a step out. The ten prisoners hunkered down behind the shed, just out of sight, not knowing what else to do. A few steps further and the guard would see them for sure. 

A voice called, "Celric, where are the maps?" The guard, Celric turned and headed back inside. 

Seeing their chance, the ten hurried to the field and the everyone heaved a sigh of relief.

Celric came out again. Seeing all the prisoners awake and clustered, he paused on his way to saddle the Dragon-horse Rhazaqats and looked at the prisoners suspiciously.

"What's going on here? What are you up to?" he asked.

Everyone remained silent. "Answer me," he shouted.

It was hair raising. The youngsters and the new prisoners were more optimistic. They stood strong and faced Celric fearlessly. Positive that they would escape, they itched to fight with the guard and avenge the atrocities they experienced. 

In complete contrast were the aged and older prisoners. Their eyes darted everywhere, reflecting guilt, fear, and desperation. Trembling, with folded hands and bowed heads they hoped that the guard would leave them alone. To get caught after coming this far would break them for sure.

"Fine. Double-shift for all of you. Move it," Celric snarled.

The prisoners hurried and began working. 

Hours passed and the sun descended and the temperatures fell low. 

"Keep working," the guards shouted. 

Shivering, the prisoners continued to work until the moon was high in the sky. Unable to take anymore, most began to stumble dropping the wool and unable to complete the trip to the shed.

"Alright, we are done. Pack it," shouted a guard. The prisoners dragged their feet. Stumbling and leaning on each other, they slowly walked to the field, their pace as slow as a snail. 

The guards tired as well and freezing, quickly made their way to their quarters. The lamps were soon blown out and it was pitch dark. A thin sliver of the moon provided minimal light. Most prisoners laid flat on the ground exhausted, not bothering to even eat. 

Antalasia, Angelo and three other youngsters quickly checked the surroundings for guards. Seeing no one, they whispered, "It's clear. Safe to talk."

"Are we escaping tonight? Did we finish the tunnel?" asked an old woman who was barely able to keep her eyes open.

"Yes" answered Angelo. 

At the same time, Antalasia said, "No."

They looked at each other in frustration. Angelo, who had headed the party the previous night said, "The tunnel is complete. It opens far away from the Centi Razaqs. Now is the time to escape. Let's move."

She said calmly, "Everyone is tired. Even if we complete the journey, it's impossible to put enough distance to escape the guards on Dragon-horse Rhazaqats in our current exhausted state. It's just one day Angelo."

He shook his head. "Everyday wasted is a chance lost. We must escape now before they come back," he said forcefully.

"Before who comes back? I'm tired of these half-truths. Just tell me what's going on. Who's coming? What are those moans from the sheds? And what else is going on here?" she asked in frustration, her brow scrunched up and eyes flashing.