Laesh gripped the rope tightly, his small hands wrapped in the makeshift cloth pads Tayiid had provided. The chants of the prisoners grew louder, echoing through the cavernous pit.
"Come on, Laesh! You've got this!" someone shouted, their voice breaking with raw emotion.
The crowd gathered at the center of the pit, their faces tilted upward as they watched the boy ascend. Even the smallest among them, too weak to stand for long, leaned on others for support, unwilling to miss what might be their only glimpse of hope.
Rhaegar stood rooted in place, his eyes fixed on his friend. Laesh's small frame seemed almost fragile against the enormity of the task before him, but with each pull of the rope, his determination shone brighter. His golden eyes reflected the faint circle of light far above––the opening.
Freedom.
