The cell was suffocatingly quiet, the dim light barely illuminating the faces of its three occupants and the cold ground a harsh treatment for their wounded bodies.
Seraphina leaned against the rough wall, her missing arm throbbing incessantly— even now the pain hadn't stopped, the adrenaline was all that distracted her from it. Across from her, Edwin sat with his head bowed, his silver eyes dull with exhaustion.
Samuel slumped in a corner, and stared blankly at the iron bars, the usual spark of mischief in his gaze completely extinguished.
"We can't fight him."
Edwin finally muttered, breaking the silence— his voice was low, almost defeated.
"Not him. Not now."
Samuel gritted his teeth, his hands curling into fists.
"You don't think I know that? But what's the alternative? Lick his boots? Play the obedient dogs he wants us to be?"
"Yes."
Seraphina said flatly, her voice cutting through their arguments like a blade.
Both men looked at her, surprise flickering in their eyes.
"We don't have a choice."
She continued, her tone resolute— she had hesitations as well, even regrets. But now was not the time for that.
This was supposed to be a simple quest, one that would get them some money to refill their low supplies, but it had become something unexpected due to a simple bandit encounter on the road— even if she had killed all the bandits somehow, it wouldn't have changed anything.
They would've tracked them down after some time.
"Either we submit, or we die. And even if we somehow escape, Karel could hunt us down before we reached Vesta— even in Vesta. A rank-two knight wouldn't even break a sweat killing us there."
Her words hung heavy in the air, the grim reality of their situation settling over them like a suffocating fog.
"What are you suggesting, then?"
Edwin asked, his voice cautious.
Seraphina met his gaze, her violet eyes sharp despite the pain etched into her features.
"We play along. We work with him for now— do what he asks, stay in his good graces. But while we do, we gather information. Learn more about him, about this camp, about his plans. A rank-two knight leading a bandit camp? That's not normal. There's more to this than meets the eye."
Samuel's lips twisted into a grimace.
"And when do we make our move? How do we escape?"
"When we're ready. When we know enough to make our escape without being hunted down like animals."
The two men exchanged a glance, their silence a reluctant agreement.
"Fine."
Samuel muttered, his voice laced with bitterness.
"We'll play along. For now."
Edwin nodded, though his expression remained grim.
"It's the only choice we have."
The following morning, the clanking of keys and the grating sound of the cell door being unlocked jolted them from their restless state. A rank-one knight stood in the doorway, his cold eyes sweeping over them.
"Karel wants you."
He said plainly without care.
Seraphina and the others struggled to their feet, their injuries making every movement excruciating. The knight made no move to assist them, instead barking at them to hurry as he escorted them through the camp.
The daylight revealed more of the camp's layout.
Crude wooden structures were scattered haphazardly, with tents pitched in every available space— the numbers of which were simply astounding. Bandits moved about, sharpening weapons, preparing meals, and hauling supplies.
Prisoners were caged near the perimeter, their poor faces and wounded bodies a clear sign of their treatment.
Seraphina's sharp eyes caught glimpses of knight trainees among the bandits, their stances disciplined, something you wouldn't see amongst a group of rogue bandits, even more so the oppressive presence of the rank-one knights patrolling the area.
They were led back to the central tent, where Karel sat at his table, studying a map with a faint smile playing on his lips. He looked up as they entered, his piercing gaze settling on Seraphina.
"You've had time to think."
He said, his tone almost mocking.
"What's your decision?"
Seraphina stepped forward, her expression calm and composed despite the fear gnawing at her insides.
"We'll join you. As you ordered."
Karel leaned back in his chair, his smile widening.
"How obedient. Though I'd be a fool to take you at your word."
He rose to his feet, his towering presence filling the room.
"But you're no threat to me, so I'll indulge your little pledge. Know this: betrayal means death. Not a quick one, either."
Seraphina nodded, her gaze lowering under the man's presence— an instinct her body naturally felt to follow, even against her wishes.
"Understood."
Karel's amusement faded, replaced by a calculating look.
"Good. Then let's see what you're worth."
He motioned to the rank-one knight standing nearby.
"Assign them to roles in the camp. Keep them busy."
The knight nodded, his expression unreadable as he turned to the group.
"You."
He said, gesturing to the older knight— Edwin.
"You'll assist in training the recruits. Someone of your rank should be able to whip these fools into shape."
Edwin's jaw tightened, but he nodded silently.
"Fiery one."
The knight continued, his gaze shifting to Samuel.
"You'll join the hunting party. Bring back food for the camp."
Samuel glared at the knight but said nothing, his silence a rare display of restraint.
"And you."
The knight said, turning to Seraphina with a faint smirk.
"You'll clean the campgrounds and organize supplies. Make yourself useful."
It was a deliberate slight, a clear attempt to demean her. But Seraphina merely inclined her head, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.
"Dismissed."
Karel said, waving them off.
"Impress me, and you may yet live to see another day."
As they were led out of the tent, they were returned to their cell— they would be released every morning to complete their assigned task and were made to go back in at night.
Only once they have earned their freedom through their actions will they be allowed to sleep outside of the cell. That is if they were worthy.