Prelude - Prisoners of War
Mattaki and Bhalla spent two days in the hole without anyone so much as throwing down water or food. On the third day, the cage bars were lifted and a rope ladder was lowered. The shouting coming from above was obvious, both were told to climb up, but it took some effort.
Once the two had ascended, they were lead to the large building, but then split up inside. Bhalla was brought downstairs into the basement, the stairs uncomfortably high for her, but convenient enough for her jack-booted wardens.
The basement opened to a large chamber, on each side four prison cells. No natural light came down here, but there were glowing orbs that illuminated the basement without flicker or smoke.
In one of the cells, Bhalla saw a groups of Gnim, their hands gingerly touching the metal bars. Two others on the same side housed an Axtzal, both naked, one chained to the wall, the other sitting against the wall, his arms wrapped around his knees. He showed many injuries.
On the other side, the cells were empty. All except one. She smelled and heard him before she saw him. A giant Ef-Fruk sat in the cell, hunched against the back of the wall. He looked distraught, his skin a dry, cracked grey. The horns that ran from his temples down the side of his head and the fingernails were of a light pink color, not the usual dark, rich red that was typical for the race. At the bottom of the horns, there was even a ring of white.
Near the bars of the Ef-Fruk's cell was a large piece of grilled meat, seemingly untouched.
Mattaki, on the other hand, was taken upstairs and led into another large room, with a long, t-shaped table. On one end, there was a plate with various fruits, bread, and a large bottle of water.
His guards pushed Mattaki into the chair. The food and water was just out reach.
Another German walked in and sat down on the chair to Mattaki's right.
[Language unknown: "Earpe. Tiadur all resa fomiei ioil saekil. A yin rut ome o, thpl ilmesi eswi strersnti, Verwh il houol statr hi."]
The man pointed to the bottle of water and said: "Wasser. Was-ser. Wasser."
Then he pointed to the piece of bread and said: "Brot. B-rrr-oooot. tt"
He nodded his chin at Mattaki. "Jetzt du."