I stared at him, unwavering in my defiance though inside I was trembling.
/Whatever happens, you must not betray Vrysdale,/ I demanded of myself. /They let you live, you must ensure it does not become something they regret. Give away nothing./
"I'll ask again, what is your name?"
"Jessalee."
"Don't lie to me. What is your name?"
"Please, I spoke it truthfully before. My name is Jessalee, though I have no surname to give as I do not know it myself...Why does my name even matter?"
The man had not released my chin during this exchange, and now he squeezed it painfully as his eyes burned into mine.
"It matters because I like to know whom I am training."
I blinked, confused.
"T-training? I thought--"
"Oh don't worry your pretty little head my dear," he said with a cruel laugh, "you are not to be disposed of! No, no...you have a gift to share with the kingdom. I am going to train you, teach you how to weild your powers to serve our king. Of course, this will all go smoothly for you if you let it. But I have no qualms with...breaking you down first, if need be."
As Lord Balliol was speaking, he'd stood up and wandered to the table on the other side of the little room. His back was to me as he picked up and observed something I couldn't see.
"You speak as if I'm a wild horse you need to tame, sir."
"Horse? So pedestrian," he scoffed, still facing away from me. "We tame dragons here. And, apparently, the occasional Praecant. Enough questions from you, woman. It's time to provide answers. I need to know everything there is to know about you. You will answer truthfully if you know what's good for you. Where are you from?"
I remained silent. Lying hadn't worked--though by some small miracle my fake name had stuck, I knew I could not get more lies past this man. It was not a skill I was adept at. Instead, I would have to simply refuse to provide answers. He turned to me slowly, eyebrow raised.
"Jessalee. When I ask a question, you answer it." His light voice was laced with warning. When he was met with further silence, he sighed and approached me once more.
"Last chance. Where are you from?"
"I'm from Klymor."
The pale blue eyes flashed with irritation.
"Do not test me," he hissed. "Of course you're from Klymor. Which village?"
I met his gaze, but said nothing. My heart pounded in my ears, unsure what to expect next but knowing it would not be good. Punishment was swift. Lord Balliol spat out a word I'd never heard and suddenly there was a jolting pain coursing through my body. I yelped. The pain disappeared as quickly as it had come. I shook like a leaf, breathing heavily and looking at him with wide eyes.
/What in the hell was that?!/
"You aren't the only Praecant in the room. I've been studying magic since before you were born. But you aren't really worth the words. Not yet at least."
He strolled over to the door and rapped his knuckles against it in three short bursts. It opened and one of the soldiers from before entered and came to stand next to me.
"Let's try a different question. Who knew of your powers, and why didn't they hand you over to the king?"
"Nobody knew," I breathed shakily.
My lie was met with a cruel laugh. Lord Balliol nodded to the soldier. A swift punch landed against my stomach, stealing what little air I had. I doubled over in pain as much as my bindings would allow, whimpering.
/Don't give in./
"Who. Knew?"
"Nobody!"
The next punch met my already bruised face with an unrestrained force that sent my head snapping to one side. A warm trickle near my chin told me I was bleeding.
"Who knew?" Lord Balliol snapped, clearly running out of patience. "They are traitors to the kingdom, and you must help me serve their punishment!"
My pain and fear prevented me from speaking even if I'd wanted to.
"Go on," he coaxed, voice softening, "tell me, and your own punishment ends."
Silence.
"Spirited little thing," he muttered dryly. "No matter. We have all the time in the world to break you."
Lord Balliol turned on his heel and left. The soldier gave me a nasty grin and cracked his knuckles. As he raised a fist, I inhaled sharply and squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself the best I could. I was in for a world of pain.