NIMBUS AND THE KNIGHTS OF CENFERUM

Chapter 34

Direful Motivations...

It was truly difficult for Lonios to grasp the situation. So many thoughts were swirling in his head, Nimbus developing a Curse, and now the interrogations. It was the third officer taken to a room adjacent to the cave, returning severely injured, and now they were going back to get one more.

— He died in vain — Valeros spoke in one corner of the cell; his eyes were filled with tears. Lonios had never seen that boy show the slightest sign of losing control; he was always impassive, quiet, and observant. Now he seemed like a different person, dejected and demoralized, unconcerned about what others thought of him, quite different from the determined man he had known.

— Are you okay, Valeros?

— Sir Lonios, it was in vain. My master died in vain. — More tears ran down the apprentice knight's face, who now showed his more fragile side, like a child who had lost what he cherished most.

— Never say that, Valeros. Your master was a knight. Knights do not sacrifice themselves in vain. Are you judging your master's actions? If that's true, he was indeed a fool to sacrifice himself for a lost cause. You're right; he should have waited for us to take control of the situation and then bring down the enemy bridge. He was a fool and should have died.

This shock of reality would bring the squire back to his normal state; fury was the best substitute for self-pity.

— No! — A dark look appeared on the boy who now stared at Lonios. — Are you saying my master was a fool, wandering knight?

— That's right — Lonios smiled; it was happening.

— Never, my master was wise, much more than you! — He stood up and pushed Lonios against the cell bars.

It was done; this was the Valeros that Lonios had known.

— Easy, boy, we should focus our anger on the enemy.

— When all this is over, we will settle this matter. — Valeros poked the knight's chest with his index finger.

At that moment, the guard was bringing one of the officers from the Brand and placed her, severely injured, in the women's cell. Elisis supported her when they threw her on the dirty floor; she seemed to be quite injured, undoubtedly having taken a beating. With the girl in her arms, Elisis asked:

— Why are they interrogating us?

— I don't... I don't know. They wanted to know about the appearance of the Great Leader's daughter, what she was like. — Elisis wiped the tears from her cellmate's face and held her in her arms.

This was important information; this interrogation indicated that they suspected one of the girls there was the heir of the Great Leader. Or worse, they were the ones who had kidnapped her in the previous expedition, but they were unsure which of the prisoners she was. But where could the daughter of the Great Leader be? Was there another cave serving as a prison? In that case, Lonios turned to Valeros, who watched him with a hateful look.

— It is to them that we have to direct our fury, Valeros.

— You're right. — Even before the pirate approached the cell, Valeros addressed him. — Hey, weren't you looking for volunteers for the interrogation? Well, here I am.

— Well, well, we have a brave one here. Think you can withstand an interrogation with us? — The guard pointed to his two friends.

— Want to bet?

— Let's take this one; maybe he'll be useful. Besides, I want to see how much he can endure before lowering his cocky attitude. — The pirate laughed loudly.