Ethan took a deep breath, recounting the events that led to his capture. "I was taken during a hunt, Arin. My parents had sent me out with a group of guards, but we were ambushed by the Kraelion. They overwhelmed us, and I was sold into slavery."
Arin's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. "I'm sorry, Ethan. No one deserves to be treated like that."
Ethan's gaze dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's not just that, Arin. I'm a prince, and I was sold by my own parents. I was only seen as a means to more military might."
Arin's expression softened, and he placed a hand on Ethan's shoulder. "We'll get you out of here, Ethan. I promise."
Together, they began to formulate a plan. They knew it wouldn't be easy, but they were determined to escape.
Over the next few weeks, Ethan, Arin, Thorne, and Elara worked tirelessly to gather information and resources. When the Kraelion soldiers went for their usual hunts, Ethan would disable the locks that kept their spirits captive. Being a prince came with its perks, and as a spiritless one, being able to disable and enable spirits was one of the lessons he valued the most.
Thorne, with his arcane spirit, was able to disable the magical wards that surrounded the camp. Elara, with her aero spirit, was able to scout out the surrounding area, identifying potential escape routes.
Arin possessed a Common Beast Tiger spirit, which provided him enhanced hearing and nimbleness, aiding Elara on her scouts.
Ethan, meanwhile, focused on gathering supplies and creating a diversion. They stole food and water, hiding them in a secret cache. They also created a makeshift map, marking the location of the guards and the camp's defenses.
As the night of their escape approached, the group's excitement grew. They knew it was a risk, but they were ready to take their chances.
"Alright, let's go over the plan one more time," Arin said, his voice low and serious.
Ethan nodded, his heart racing with anticipation. "We'll create a diversion at the north gate, drawing the guards away from the south gate. Thorne will disable the wards, and Elara will provide cover with her aero spirit."
Arin grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "And then we make a run for it."
The group nodded, their faces set with determination. They knew it wouldn't be easy, but they were ready to fight for their freedom.
As the night wore on, the group of slaves continued to discuss their escape plan in hushed tones. Unbeknownst to them, a fellow slave named Zarek had been listening in on their conversation.
Zarek had been a slave for many years and had lost all hope of ever regaining his freedom. But as he listened to Ethan and his friends discuss their escape plan, a spark of hope ignited within him.
He knew that if he could just get in good with the Kraelion, they might grant him his freedom. And what better way to get in good with them than to betray his fellow slaves?
Zarek waited until the group had dispersed for the night before making his move. He snuck away from the slave quarters, making his way to the tent of the Kraelion warrior woman, Lyra.
Lyra looked up from her seat, her eyes narrowing as Zarek approached. "What do you want, slave?" she spat.
Zarek bowed his head, trying to appear as subservient as possible. "I've come to tell you something, mistress. I overheard some of the other slaves talking about an escape plan."
Lyra's expression changed from one of disdain to one of interest. "Go on," she said.
Zarek told Lyra everything he had heard, leaving out no details. Lyra listened intently, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
When Zarek finished speaking, Lyra smiled, her teeth glinting in the firelight. "You've done well, Zarek," she said. "I'll make sure you're rewarded."
Zarek bowed his head, feeling a surge of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he would finally be able to regain his freedom.
But as he turned to leave, he caught a glimpse of Lyra's face, her eyes gleaming with a sinister light. Zarek felt a shiver run down his spine, wondering if he had just made a terrible mistake.