24

CHAPTER 24

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The entire prison hall came to life. Newark started spotting faces from the dark prisons. The good-for-nothing farmer boy was the savior for now.

“How are you all doing today?” asked Newark as if the next moment he was going to sing a song.

“Shut the fuck up and free us from here!” a man shouted from the corner prison. Newark recognized the man; he was Elevarus, one of the commander general of the Aquadoms. Newark went up to him and brought his hand forward for a handshake.

Elevarus pulled Newark by the collar, “Listen up kid! We got no time for handshakes! The keys are behind that odd brick in the wall! Now quick!”

“Alright! Alright! Did any of you see Elena the general’s daughter?” asked Newark as he tried to fight the general's strong grip.

“Don’t you talk about traitors to me!” Elevarus pushed Newark to the opposite wall. Newark didn’t have time to think as to what the general was saying, he was countering many frowns at once.

Newark opened all 20 prison cells, and soon the passage was as crowded as a fish market on a weekend. After countless hug exchanges and not even a single word of gratitude said to Newark, Elevarus took the center stage. He cleared his throat as if he was trying to impersonate a lion’s roar, “Listen up my brother and sisters! This night shall witness the victory of our clan. A very fortunate night it is!”

Elevarus went onto talk for a couple of minutes. Newark was hardly listening; all he knew was that the foolish commander was encouraging every person there, to face the Ferodiums head on. Newark couldn’t control himself and so he interrupted the long sermon, “Let’s get this straight people! We free our Delvors from the stable. Women and children will sail back on them through the Parafacia River and men will attack the Aquadoms!”

“They’ll have our King and our emerald, over our dead bodies” Newark added. His to-the-point strategy was applauded by a loud cheer. Elevarus somehow didn’t like this. Newark secretly thanked the wine which was starting to lose its effect on his mind. A reminder suddenly made Newark shout aloud, “Where is my papa?”

Elevarus casually answered “He is right there in the corner prison! He made a narrow escape from the arena of death, drank some country wine he’s brought along with him. I suppose he’s sleeping like a baby now.”

Newark ran towards the prison; and saw his father mumbling something as he lay on one corner. “Papa!” Newark came running towards the old man and embraced him.

“Nuuuuwaaark” the old man groaned with a big grin on his face.

The silence of the emotional moment was broken by Newark’s question, “Papa, Did you finish all of the wine?!”

= = = = =

If man. Will drink. Yep.