The sound of drums woke them up as usual. Without hesitation, Shamgar got up. He washed face, hands and legs before putting on his old clothes. He had no slippers, so he walked on bare foot. Everyone rushed out to form a line.
" Good morning boys!"
" Good morning Warden." They said in unism.
" I hope you all slept well. As usual, Gad will call out the names after breakfast. I expect you all to do your jobs as you're asked to. The incident of yesterday should not repeat itself. Breakfast is in five. You're dismissed for now!" Warden Lucas gave Shamgar a glance before walked out of the hall.
They ate their breakfast in haste. Thirty minutes later, Gad arrived with the list.
" This guy is really good at keeping time. He is never a minute late." Rajah puffed.
" Who said that!" Gad yelled.
It was dead silence in the hall.
" If you don't bring that person out, I will punish you all for it!" Gad threatened.
It was dead silence again
" I see. You want to do it the hard way." He scowled.
" Guards! Chop off their index finger one after the other!" Gad ordered.
The guards pulled out their knives. They were about to cut off a boy's finger when another boy spoke up.
" Wait! I know who said it." His voice quivered as he spoke.
" Stop!" Gad ordered the guards to stop. The guards put back their knives.
" Who is it!" Gad yelled.
" Him" The boy point at Rajah. Rajah heart skipped a beat when he saw the boy pointing at him. He gulped. His heart beat raised.
" You! Come here." Gad orders pointing at Rajah.
Rajah tried to stand, but his legs were shaky. He staggered back and forth. Walking to were Gad stood, he fell on down.
Gad knelt down, he tilted Rajah's head with his hand. He slapped him hard on the face. Rajah groaned in pain. He had never been slapped this hard before, it was as if Gad's hands were made of iron. Blood oozed out from the corner of his mouth. Gad gave him another slap, this time it was twice as hard as the first one. More blood oozed out of his mouth.
" When I'm true with you, the others will think twice before disrespecting me." He pulled out a knife for his pocket.
" Where should I start from? Your face, or your thigh." Gad lifted the knife to his face, the edge of the knife pierced into his skin, blood oozed out from his face.
Everyone in the hall gasped at the scene. They wanted to help, but were too afraid to.
" Let him go coward!" Boye yelled, gaining everyone's attention including Gad's. Gad was pissed when he heard Boye's insult.
" Leave the boy alone! I was the one who interupted you when you were talking. The kid is innocent."
" I see. The murderer is trying to play the hero. I will let him go, but be rest assured I will chop your head off. Guards!" He yelled.
" Hahaha! I see you're nothing without your men. You're completely useless without them. Face me in a one-on-one combat. No rules. We fight till one of us stop breathing. What do you say?"
" You have no right to tell me what to do. I will never negotiate with a slave." He spat out.
" Just admit it, you're coward. All you're good at is hiding behind your men." Boye Smirked at him.
" I'm not a coward! I accept your offer. Today at noon in the valley of the mountain. Don't be late." Gad jaw clenched while he spoke.
" I won't" Boye replied.
" Let's go guards. This is going to be interesting." He said before leaving the hall with his men closely behind him.