"My name is Jean, and your name is Gabriel? Is that right?" asks the commander, his back turned to the runaway slave as he gazes across the valley.
"Yes. What is this about?" Gabriel asks, his eyes fixed on the rabbit he is cooking over the fire.
Jean turns back, scrutinizing the boy's face before saying, "And who accompanies you? I doubt a boy your age lives alone out here."
"My brother," Gabriel says after a few seconds of silence, his eyes laser-focused on the task at hand, refusing to meet Jean's gaze.
Jean doesn't respond, holding a cold, piercing stare. He stands motionless, as though waiting for a reaction from Gabriel.
"Are you going to say anything, Jean, or are you just going to keep staring at me?" Gabriel finally snaps.
The commander turns his back to the boy, his face relaxing slightly. "Well done," he says.
"For what?" Gabriel asks.
Jean shrugs. "Sorry, it's just a little trick we do, we were trying to confuse you. Anyway, where's your brother?"
Gabriel, intrigued by the question, looks up before answering. "His name is Judith. Same age. We're twins."
The runaway shares a long, silent stare with Jean, as if the two are trying to see who will break eye contact first. Gabriel is the first to look away, glancing nervously toward his cabin before returning his gaze to Jean.
"Yeah?" Jean says, stepping closer. His troops begin moving in on Gabriel, who instinctively backs up against the wall.
"I'm going to guess what you're thinking right now, Gabriel," Jean says, his voice calm but unsettling. "You're wondering how I could have possibly found out you're hiding Abe."
"I don't know anything you're talking about!" Gabriel shouts, his voice trembling with urgency and fear.
Jean raises his hand. "Halt," he commands his men before stepping forward and grabbing the boy by the collar.
"I'd recommend that you tell me everything about your past—and be deadly honest. It's the only way you're getting out of this," Jean warns.
The once calm and collected Gabriel breaks down, pleading for his life in front of the Tri Firma soldiers. Jean guides him to sit on a log before taking a seat across from him, the fire burning steadily between them.
"Start talking," Jean says, leaning forward. His tone is deadly serious. "Tell me everything."
"I don't have much of a family," Gabriel begins, his voice shaky. "I was born to slaves, but I don't really remember them. I was raised by Abe's army. It was only a few days ago that I escaped. Are you happy now?" His tone rises with panic. "You're not going to make me a slave for the government, are you?"
"Likely not," Jean replies, his tone measured. "As long as you're of good use."
Gabriel exhales in relief. "How can I help?"
Jean stands, staring down at him. "Where is he?" he asks.
Gabriel freezes, staring at the commander. "I wouldn't know that," he finally says, his voice barely audible.
Jean ignores the comment, turning to his men and raising his hand. "Capture the boy and search the house."
"I didn't do anything!" Gabriel cries as two soldiers grab him and shove him to his knees, restraining his arms behind his back. His pleas go unanswered as the soldiers surround the cabin, weapons drawn, awaiting Jean's command.
Just as the orders are given, Judith rushes out of the cabin, confused. "What's happening?" he asks.
Jean halts his men with a sharp motion. Judith's gaze moves to Gabriel, restrained on the ground, and then to Jean. The commander's intense presence is impossible to ignore.
"You're Judith," Jean states coldly, his eyes narrowing. "I'd recommend you cooperate. Men, commence the operation."
Jean personally restrains Judith, grabbing his arms as the boy swings a desperate punch. Jean evades the attack, twisting Judith's arms behind his back.
"I'm going to tie you up," Jean says calmly. "If you tell us where he is, there will be no struggle. We understand you're likely being forced into this, but you're still committing a crime. Think carefully about your next words."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Judith shouts, his voice a mix of anger and fear. He glances at Gabriel, but his twin offers no response—his mouth now tied shut.
Jean smirks. "You know, when I was your age, I had the same attitude. Maybe you'll be half as good as me one day," he says, binding Judith's arms with rope.
"What the hell is this about? Tell me!" Judith cries. His voice betrays an anxiety that this is about something much deeper—perhaps the crime of killing his father all those years ago.
Jean rises, turning his back. The wind blows through his hair as he surveys the landscape. A faint grin crosses his face before he turns back to the two boys. "Lovely place out here. What brought you to live alone?"
"To be free," Judith mutters, barely loud enough to be heard.
"Or are you trapped, Judith? Tell me," Jean says, his voice probing. But Judith doesn't reply, his reluctant gaze refusing to meet the commander's.
Jean sighs. "Let's just say I know a bit about you. I come from the same small town. But I pity you too much to bring you in. I'll let you off the hook this once."
"Tha—thank you," Judith whispers, finally meeting Jean's eyes.
Jean stares at him, his tone turning sharp again. "It's ironic, though. You're so scared now, but you've always been trapped. Banished to live as an outcast. Why be scared now?" He turns back towards Judith, his voice quieter. "Maybe we're all trapped. Cities run by monsters. Maybe that's it." A rare tranquility settles over the land, the only sound the rustling of trees in the wind.
A young soldier approaches Jean. "Sir, we need you to investigate this. There's no time to spare."
Jean nods. "Untie the boys. We'll bring them with us, they can help"
The soldier looks confused before saying, "you're not serious," although he's met with no response so he obliges.
Inside the cabin, soldiers rummage through Judiths belongings, much to the dismay of both Gabriel and Judith.
The soldier that guided the commander in points to a corner. "Here, sir. There's a large hole under the floorboards. Could be a hideout."
Jean turns to the boys. "Judith, Gabriel, did you let Abe build this?"
"No, sir," Judith says quickly. "Now that you mention it, it's likely it was made from outside the house and dug under the cabin. That means there's an entry point outside."
Jean orders his men to locate and guard the entrance. Four soldiers head into the woods and soon find it. Swords drawn, they wait for orders.
Inside, Jean begins stomping on the floor, breaking through the planks. A hollow echo reverberates as the boards splinter. He kneels and tears the planks away with his hands, revealing a dark abyss. He grabs a lamp from the wall and peers into the shadows.
"Everyone's dead," a raspy voice echoes from below. The lamp's light reveals Abe's wicked grin.
Jean leaps back in shock, dropping the lamp into the hole. Abe retreats into the darkness, the light disappearing with him.
Jean jumps in after him, sword unsheathed. Judith and Gabriel follow without hesitation.
"What the hell are you doing here, Abe? Who built this?" Jean demands, his voice reverberating in the narrow tunnel.
"Slaves," Abe replies, his voice eerie. "We built it to ourselves when it all went to shit. Never thought the Tri Firma would find me. Bravo."
Jean steps forward, sword raised. "I've had enough of you, Abe. Too long you've roamed these lands."
Abe grins. "I'm a dead man anyway," he says somberly, before lunging at Judith in a desperate attack.
Jean strikes him down, his blade piercing Abe's skull. Blood splatters as the madman collapses. His dying words escape in a venomous whisper: "Judith, You… devil spawn."
Abe falls limp, his life extinguished.