They were building rafts. When I was taken down to the river to wash in the mornings, I could catch a glimpse of them working away at them, even though my guards took care to surround me closely.
In the evening, the Amber Man came into the pavilion where I was tethered and once again showed me the brooch that had been ripped from my tunic. Stepping close to me, he said,
"This is not the first time I have seen this. You will not be able to protect her. Tell me where she is now, and I may let you live..."
I forced myself to look in the lightless caverns of his eyes.
"Rukhsul menu, khagun menu reliku pembu rukhas..."
Without changing his expression, he drew back his hand and struck me across the face, throwing me against my tethers and onto the ground, where I landed heavily on my shoulder. I could taste the blood filling my mouth.
I heard his voice, once again ringing like a bell made of gold.
"It does not matter if you answer me in the tongue of the cursed West, or of the Moriquen, or of the Dirt-men.....you WILL answer."
Lifting my head, I spat on his shoes.
The golden bell became muted, turning to ice and steel.
"So be it..."
