In the archaic, rustic warehouse, sitting on the stone stairs and watching with narrowed eyes the prisoners that we helped escape.
Coughing was heard and terrified expressions of the children were seen.
The Oresas officials, they really were cruel. Not even giving the poor people any treatment for the sicknesses they've developed in prison. Just leaving them to rot away while forcing hard labor on them...
A hand was then placed on my shoulder. Looking at who the hand belonged to, it was Emma. Her face was one of understanding.
"So, what are you gonna do with them?" she asked as her gaze shifted to the line of people.
Looking at her gaze, my eyes closed as I thought.
"What I always do." I replied and opened my eyes then stood up from the stairs.
Walking over to the group of people. "Listen up. My name is Lucas." I said, getting their attention. "I know that some of you might be confused and afraid, but I'm on your side."
The group of now ex-prisoners exchanged glances of skepticism and confusion then looked back at me.
"My team and I...we saved you from that hellhole. Which means that you all are free."
As I said that, the children's faces turned hopeful, but the adults looked at me skeptically, and for good reason. Everyone who has been imprisoned was tricked by the Oresas officials one way or another.
"I can't really prove that I'm not tricking you, but I can grant you freedom." I informed the group. "But how?" asked a little girl with short brown hair. She was holding the hand of who I assumed was her mother.
Looking at the young girl, my expression softened. I then looked back at the group, meeting their worried gazes with my own. "You guys may not know me, but I'm the leader of a rebellion that goes against the Oresas officials. That means that me and my team are being hunted by them."
As I admitted that, some of the expressions of the ex-prisoners turned cautious, but others, mainly the children, continued looking at me, waiting for me to answer the girl's question.
"And because of that, what I can provide to you is limited, but I'd argue it's better than staying in Oresas." I paused for a moment to give them time to process this information as I too, know how it feels to suddenly be thrown into an unwanted situation.
I then began to speak again but before I could, a man who looked like he could be in his early twenties interrupted me. "Then what the hell can you offer us, huh?" said the man as he stepped forward. He wore an expression of irritation.
My eyes narrowed slightly, sensing what kind of person this man was. Emma, who has been watching from a distance, frowned, silently hoping that this situation wouldn't become a problem.
The man twisted his pinky finger in his ear, then flicked the small clump of ear wax away while looking at me with a look of annoyance. "From what I can put together, we can't go back to our normal lives. So what can you possibly offer us, Mr. Commander?"said the man as he stopped in front of me.
Letting out a sigh, one of both slight annoyance and reluctance to tell them their options. My eyes met the eyes of the ex-prisoners as I began to speak. "You won't be able to go back to your normal lives, and what I can offer is probably something you don't want, but it's your best bet." I finished, preparing to give them their second option.
"You can join us in defeating the Oresas officials and take back our country."