The Rival of Gods

Chapter Fourteen: Interrogation

Sahshir followed Sen alongside Alkela. Isamu's group was left behind to watch the pier. The lizardfolk was brought through the streets. As they walked, Sahshir noticed little damage in the city streets. The creatures that had fled into the sea had not hurt anyone, though he recalled the ritual from before.

Still, it was possible that it was not an action directly ordered by the Fish King. Even Calisha had those who worshipped Baltoth but acted contrary to his will. Soon enough, Nagos came up behind them, walking his hands in his pocket. Somehow, he'd gotten ahold of a reed, and it was between his teeth.

He was looking down at his feet, seeming troubled.

Sahshir shifted his grip upon his sword. "Nagos, where were you?"

"I was talking with some of the servants in the great dome," said Nagos, motioning with his head. Sahshir looked to where the dome stood, towering over the whole world. "Turns out the priests have a lot of parties. Half the city makes money providing food and decorations for it."

"Why do you care?" asked Sen flatly, who seemed in a fouler mood than usual.

"I like to know about places I visit," said Nagos with a shrug.

"In any case," said Sen. "I'll need your help interrogating the prisoner. You do speak their language, after all."

"Why not get Serna for it?" asked Sahshir.

"Serna doesn't speak merfolk; she just reads it," said Nagos with a shrug. "The pronunciations are a bit weird, and it can break people to learn them all.

"So, here I am."

Soon enough, they came to the prison. It was a large, square building near the city's edges. All the windows were small and barred; most were more than one story up. Lined up along the base of the door was a set of cages. In each one was a man, forced to kneel with hands put out between the bars imploringly.

Sahshir looked at Sen. "Who are these men?"

"Beggers," said Sen. "They couldn't afford to pay for their chains and food. So they remain here and beg."

"You expect men to pay for room and board in prison?" asked Sahshir, feeling a sense of horror.

"I run a business," said Sen. "Not a charity. These men committed crimes or were stupid enough to get on the wrong side of powerful people. Why should I not make a profit off housing them?"

Nagos shifted and quickly drew out several silver coins. He pressed one of them into each beggar's hand, waiting to do each. Sen looked at him in irritation. "Will you hurry up?"

Nagos said nothing instead of going down the entire line. As they did, Sen glanced at Sahshir. "What do they do in Calisha?"

"Calisha does not have prisons," said Sahshir. "It has executions and labors."

"Labors?" asked Sen.

"Oh, I remember this," said Nagos, coming back. "If Baltoth's laws do not demand you be executed, you can redeem yourself. I am usually performing some service. It depends on the class; some have to work it off. Others go on quests, though I heard the domain of Neseriah drafts men into military service.

"And if you refuse, you get crucified."

"Crucifixion is barbarism," scoffed Sen.

"As opposed to a slow, wasting death in the sugar plantations?" asked Sahshir, hating the man all the more.

"At least the sugar plantations produce something of value," said Sen.

Then he turned to walk into the prison.