Chapter 20: The Interrogation
The tension in the camp was palpable as Vikram and the leaders regrouped to address the new threat posed by the criminals. The capture of Kael and the discovery of the mind-control tattoo had shaken everyone, and the need for actionable intelligence was more urgent than ever.
Vikram, Arjun, and Rathore devised a plan to capture one of the criminals for interrogation. They set out under the cover of night, moving stealthily through the forest towards the criminals' base. With the help of the enchanted bugs, they tracked a small group of criminals patrolling the perimeter.
After a swift and silent ambush, they managed to capture one of the criminals alive. The prisoner, a wiry man with a defiant look in his eyes, was brought back to the camp and secured in a makeshift holding cell.
The next morning, Vikram and the leaders gathered around the cell. The prisoner glared at them, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and defiance. Vikram stepped forward, his voice calm but firm.
"We need information about your base, your leaders, and the mind control you're using on our people," Vikram said. "Tell us what we need to know, and you might live to see another day."
The criminal spat at Vikram's feet, a sneer twisting his lips. "I'll tell you nothing. Do your worst."
Vikram's expression hardened. "Very well. Rathore, he's all yours."
Captain Rathore stepped forward, his demeanor cold and calculating. He motioned for the others to step back. "This won't be pretty. Best you leave this to me."
Vikram, Arjun, and the others moved away, their expressions a mixture of apprehension and grim determination. They knew what was coming, and they trusted Rathore to do what was necessary.
Hours passed, and the sounds of Rathore's methods reached the leaders outside. Vikram paced back and forth, his mind racing with the implications of what they might learn. Arjun monitored the bug feeds, ensuring that no threats approached the camp.
Finally, the door to the cell opened, and Rathore emerged, his face impassive. "He's broken. He told me everything."
Vikram, Arjun, and the others gathered around as Rathore relayed the information. "The criminals are being led by a powerful sorcerer named Malakar. He's the one using mind control to turn our people against us. They've been capturing and marking survivors to strengthen their forces."
Arjun's eyes narrowed. "Malakar. We need to find him and stop him."
Rathore continued, "They have a fortified base deep in the forest. It's heavily guarded, but we have their patrol schedules and the layout of their defenses. We can use this to plan a coordinated assault."
Vikram nodded, his expression resolute. "Good work, Rathore. What about the prisoner?"
Rathore's eyes darkened. "He's no longer a threat. I've taken care of it."
The leaders exchanged grim looks, knowing that Rathore had done what was necessary. The criminal had paid the ultimate price for his allegiance to Malakar.
Rathore handed over the loot taken from the prisoner: a collection of weapons, supplies, and a few enchanted items. Arjun examined them, noting the quality and potential uses.
"This will help us," Arjun said, his voice steady. "We can use these items to strengthen our own forces."
Vikram turned to the assembled leaders. "We have the information we need. It's time to strike at the heart of their operation. We'll plan our assault carefully and hit them where it hurts."
The camp buzzed with activity as preparations for the assault began. Warriors sharpened their weapons, mages prepared their spells, and scouts studied the maps and schedules provided by the captured criminal.
As night fell, the alliance stood ready, their resolve unshakable. They knew the risks, but they also knew that failure was not an option. The fate of their people depended on their success.
The alliance poised to launch their assault on Malakar's stronghold. The stage is set for a decisive battle, and the survivors are ready to fight for their freedom and future.