ALL NOVEL And now, we wait
As I entered the cell, the boss whispered to our guard. He looks confused. The boss has told him of the arrangements. The boss leaves and I speak up.
“You, when are you planning on giving us food?”
“Huh? Why should I do that?”
“Are you stupid? Your boss and I already had a talk. Now, go be useful and get our food or else.”
I glare at him and he flinches.
“Tsk.”
He leaves in a hurry leaving us without a guard again. Seriously, a stupid move. I turn to the others. I can see that they look relieved. Time to lower their hopes.
“Right. While the man is gone, I want to clarify things with all of you. Do not interpret the current situation as ideal. All I have done is promised your obedience and discipline while we are all here. That means that all of you will behave yourselves. In exchange, they will be more accommodating to a certain degree.”
I look around. Some of them deflate to my statements.
“There are only two outcomes. Either rescue arrives or we are sold. Who among you knows to fight?”
Lyn, Blanche, and the child were the only ones who raised their hand. Wait, the child? I will ignore her again.
“Then, who among you are willing to fight?”
A few hands were raised. About a fourth of the total.
“I see. If rescue does not come, all of you have a choice. You can accept your fate to be sold or you can fight. I do not care for your choice. I have already made mine and I have no intention of sharing it with you. However, while we are in here. I expect your obedience. Once we are out, all of you can do whatever you want. If any of you disagree, I shall dispose of you myself. Do you all understand?”
The majority nods. I will not bother with those that did not. I return to Lyn and Blanche. As I sit down, Lyn starts a conversation. She lowers her voice so that only we can hear.
“It was him.”
“What?”
“He was the one who knocked me out.”
“I see. So, what do you want to do?”
“I’m going to get my revenge and you’re going to help me.”
“Me? I believe you are mistaken. I cannot help you.”
“Hey, you. Explain it again. I didn’t really get all of it.”
Lyn points at Blanche.
“I do not like your tone. Please ask nicely.”
“Argh. Please explain what you told us earlier.”
“Understood.”
Blanche looks at me as she speaks.
“I have surmised that you have full understanding of our situation.”
“It is not hard to understand. We have all been kidnapped.”
“No, that is not what I meant. I have observed your actions and surmised that you have understood everything. What will happen and what could happen.”
“That is normal. When in a situation, you study and figure out what to do.”
“No. Your previous conversation with the one they call boss was suspicious. You know him, correct?”
I smile at her. It was a smile that did not reach the eyes. Her face is still stoic but I can see the shaking of her hands and body.
“So?”
“Hey, I just wanna to know one thing. Did you plan all this?”
“Yes. I am curious as well. The timing of your coercion, the lack of guards, the arrival of the boss and his cooperation. It all seems rehearsed. It all seems to be pre-determined.”
Lyn and Blanche stare at me. I stare back.
“No.”
A simple answer.
“I understand.”
“But in response to your observations, I shall explain some things to you. I have no control over the guards. The coercion is something that I thought of when we were here and the boss was pure coincidence.”
“Fine. So, what’s the plan now?”
“We wait.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes.”
“Hah. I get it. We can’t do anything.”
“Well, you could break out as long as you abandon us.”
“Yes. You have a high possibility of escaping by yourself.”
“She is correct. You are the strongest one here as well as the fastest one. If you do not care, you can just escape by yourself.”
“Tsk, what do you take me for? I ain’t gonna do that.”
“Good.”
“But you’re still going to help me against that guy.”
“That will depend on what happens.”
“Do you really think rescue will come?”
“It is only a matter of time. You must understand that the three of us have some importance.”
“Three? Wait, how the hell am I important?”
“Think, who are the people who consider you a friend?”
“Ah.”
“Exactly.”
“Knowing of his character, there is a guarantee that he will look for you.”
“That is right. So, the real problem now is if they will arrive before or after.”
“I get it, I get it.”
“I already have a plan. I will tell you once you are needed.”
“I understand.”
“Fine. I agreed anyway so whatever you want.”
The child also nods and looks at me with resolution. She has been listening to us the whole time. Why? I ignore her regardless.
“Good. Make sure that you are prepared to follow my orders when the time comes."
I have memorized the layout of the place. The boss had the keys to all the rooms. Most probably some of the others have keys for some of them. It would be easy to destroy the doors if we have access to magic. Only his office is different from the others. I would also need to acquire his key. I look at Lyn and an idea comes to mind. It is quite risky but it will do. Now, all we can do is to wait. We are severely lacking manpower. I would need a few more pieces as well. It would depend on who locates us first but knowing their capabilities I already know who will find us first. I already know the outcome. What matters is how I change it.