In the dungeon
A man with patched lips was hanged on the wall... his wrists and ankles had dried blood on them as a result of how tight the chains were. His looked unkept and untidy, most importantly his eyes were dim and red as he kept looking forward, not like he had any other choice though, sharp needle were put by the side of his head. So if he were to as much as turn his head to the side, those needles would immediately pierce into his skin.
In front of him was his second senior brother, his sockets that was meant to hold his eyes balls were empty, his mouth was wide open and a tongue was not in sight, he was bleeding from head to toe, his untreated wounds were all infected as maggots stayed on it, making the atmosphere in the airtight dungeon disgusting, both his toe nails and his fingernails has been pulled out. This particular man was barely breathing but he was still alive as he was given a dose of drug that will make him incapable of dying and losing his consciousness.
*Clang*
The sound of doors opening sounded. The man didn't bother looking up as if he was already used to this particular situation.
"Ha ha ha... It's been 2 years. You fools really think you can protect that little brat for the rest of his life huh? Let me tell you I'll find him and when I do I will have my son torture him in the most wicked way ever." Drake said as he laughed evilly.
But he was met with silence, It seemed like this was a very common occurrence as Drake didn't seem to mind. One has had his tongue cut off and the other has lost his voice from years of shouting.
"Oh wait, that's right. I haven't introduced my son to you yet" Drake said as he turned to a guard by the side and continued, "Go escort your young Master here."
A few while later, a young boy of 10 rushed in and called out
"Dadddd..."
"Master, here he is"
"My dear son, come greet your senior uncle's" Drake said with a crooked smile on his face.
Prince smiled at his Father, and turned to look at his "Senior Uncles" but he was shocked by what he saw.
Prince took two steps backwards, Drake noticed the action of his son and grabbed him by the hand fiercely.
"What's wrong? Are you shocked? Or do you feel pity for them? Let me tell you the only way you can survive in this world is if you can stand tall and firm and make all those who oppose you stay below your feet!" Drake told Prince who was already shaking.
"Now open your eyes and look carefully. This should be the end of those that betray you and those that stand against you" Drake said as he turned Prince to the front.
Prince opened his eyes and looked forward, tears were threatening to come out but he didn't dare let it fall for fear that his Father might dislike him.
"B... Tr..ue Ma...ster" The guard corrected himself his back already filled with cold sweat. Thankfully, he corrected himself before he made a huge mistake that could have cost him his life.
Drake has made it to everyone that he is to be called "True Master", and that the penalty if failing to do so is Death!
Drake looked at the guard who bowed his head down, he loosened his hands on his son and walked towards the guard, and said, "Now, this had better be worth my while, else I'll make you regret even been born."
"Yes, True Master. This news is definitely worth it. We have finally found the location of your nephew, Denzell"
This news finally brought about a reaction on Ambrose face as he looked over at them without caring about the needles pricking him.
Drake saw this action of his and burst into laughter.
"Ha ha ha... finally, you must be feeling so disappointed. Don't worry, I'll allow Father and Son to reunite soon enough"
Ambrose moved his lips but no sound came out, Drake moved his ears closer to hear what he was saying but...
"Ahhhh!"
Ambrose bit down with all that was left in him thinking, it will be best if I could tear off this ear if his. Unfortunately, the guards came to seperate them.
"You dog, how dare you bite me?" Drake said as he held his bleeding ear.
"No wait, it's your true nature showing. Yes, a dog you are... You can only bite and remain under my feet forever. But for being such a disobedient dog, I'll make you pay"
Drake glanced at Ambrose eyes and felt terrified by it. It was as if he had returned to the days when, he was treated like trash by his master.
'No no, those days are over now. I am the true King of the Underworld now.' Drake said as a terrifying smile appeared on his face.
"Escort your Young Master back. Let him spend his night in the dark room."
"No Dad, please don't send me there. I'll behave, I'll be good... no I'll be like you, I'll do anything.. please don't send me there" Prince cried out.
Drake nodded at the guard next to Prince and Prince was dragged away.
"Dad, noo... please..." Prince cried out and looked at his Father's back that was turned against him and silently muttered to himself, "I hate you, dad". The guard who was currently escorting Prince silently glanced at him as he made that statement, he was a guy of about 15 years.
Drake who was unaware if what his son said, turned to look at Ambrose.
"I will get him and I will get That. If it's the last thing I do." He said with confidence and he walked out.
Ambrose silently said a word of prayer..., "Please be safe"
**********
Ezekiel stood quietly in front of a cave entrance... Then minutes later, Zell appeared from within.
Ezekiel was surprised and happy, he immediately got on his knees and said,
"Congratulations, my King"
The reason why Zell's Father or even Drake die not allow any one to call them king was because, they both never passed the test and don't have That yet. Anyone, regardless of who they are, if found using the name will be pursed by "Them".
Zeke hurriedly rose and supported Zell with his hands.
Zeke sat Zell by a rock and told him, "We are running out of time already, take"
Zell weakly looked down as saw a strange token, like a medal but with a dragon engraved on it.
Nobody knows but Zeke was a part of "Them" sent to protect the current Master if the Underworld. Even if none of the Master's are qualified to mobilize "Them", they still had to ensure the safety of the current Master.
Ezekiel was given this job to do, at first he hated it, why would he be sent to work for people who aren't even qualified to be the "King". But over the years, he was won over by the Master brilliance, love and intelligence and he slowly came to accept himself as part of the family.
"Uncle Zeke, what's this?" Zell asked.
"When the time comes, you will know. For now, keep and guard it well, don't loose it" Zeke said as he wrapped it around his neck.
"Ok, Uncle Zeke"
"For now, you have to escape quickly"
"But, Uncle Zeke... what about you?" Zell asked, visibly worried.
"I'll be fine. I know how to handle myself. Most importantly, I'll distract them. Now you go ahead and take this pill... it will prevent water from seeping into your lungs".
"Ok, Uncle Zeke. Please be safe and come for me."
"Don't worry, I'll find you wherever you are. Now go"
Zell ran to the edge of the ground,popped the pill into his mouth and jumped into the water and swimming beneath the surface of the water. Since he has taken the pill, he has nothing to fear now.
Ezekiel looked for his trace on the surface till he could find it no more, then he turned to face the direction of the entrance to the island.
"Drake huh? I'll play with you for a while. I wonder where my senior brothers and sisters are now. They are probably wandering around the world, leaving me to deal with this mess. Whatever, waiting is such a bore. Only me knows about the blueprint of this island since, eldest senior sister showed it to me... hehe" Zeke laughed.
**********
"Search. I want you all to search throughly for any clue or sign of that little brat. Even if he is dead, I need to see his body. Got it?" Drake said
"Yes, True Master". About 15 elites followed Drake to this island, both Ambrose and Pride were still locked up at his base so he couldn't bear to take too many guards.