The Dungeons

The people in the public square were murmuring amongst themselves in dissatisfied. Everyone had an expression of disappointment, and some people were shouting,

“I want to see the witch get killed! Kill that demon now!”

But the trial had been postponed according to the minister's orders. Ethan was still laying on the ground, pretending to be unconscious and the minister had tried to wake him up several times.

“Sir, are you okay?” The minister put his hands on Ethan shoulder and tried to shake him up. He then got a glass of water and sprinkled it on his face. Ethan opened his eyes try not to look suspicious. He then tried to stand up and muttered under his breath slowly,

“It's past sunset. Please take me to my room.”

Ethan was led to a huge hallway inside the castle, where he apparently now stayed. He looked around the huge building with tall white walls and carvings of what looked like gods and goddesses of the medieval era. The building looked beautiful, and Ethan couldn't get his eyes off the infrastructure. Ethan followed the minister as he entered a huge room with tall red brick walls and royal red velvet curtains. The furniture in the room was covered with rich purple satin, and the statues of some gods and goddesses were mounted on the walls. There were also some really beautiful paintings of the Sistine Chapel and other paintings with intricate details.

He then wanted to know more about the trial as he was extremely curious. He wanted to know about the witch and why she was charged for treason. As the minister was about to leave Ethan's room, he spoke in an assertive, yet polite manner.

“Minister, please wait, let’s have a word.”

He then pointed towards the couch in front of him and asked the Minister to have a seat.

“Tell me more about the trial,” Ethan spoke as he sat down on another huge cushioned couch next to the one the minister was sitting on, “Who was that witch? And how did she get caught?” he then asked inquisitively, raising his eyebrows.

“Sir, you seem to have lost your memory, the witch was seen around the remains of the last attack. So the villagers suspected her of the disaster. She was brought to the castle two nights ago and thrown into the dungeons. The trial was supposed to commence today. So she had waited there for two nights,” the minister continued speaking, “Sir, these witches have caused the villagers a lot of menace. There are stories of them stealing their babies, and casting irreversible spells ruining their lives. We must have the witch killed soon, sir, or else more people would learn witchcraft and use their powers against us.”

Ethan looked at the mystery and tried to make sense out of what he had just said.

“The dungeons you say? Can I go visit he?” Ethan asked hopefully.

The minister was shocked at Ethan’s request. He spoke slowly, “Sir, it is very dangerous, the witch is very powerful. She might cast spells.”

“I think I will be fine Minister,” Ethan said with a mild smile, “Please show me the way to the dungeons.”

The dungeon was a place beneath the castle with steps that grew darker and darker as Ethan walked towards it. It was a really cold and dark place with very little light. Prisoners and felons were usually tied up here with heavy iron ropes. The witch was kept in one of the corner cells, and both her hands were covered so that she wouldn't cast any spells or cause damage with her powers. Ethan walked towards the cold dark cells slowly and he heard the cries getting louder. The witch sat in a corner and was covering her face as she wept. Her small petite body was covered with blood marks and bruises. And Ethan approached her slowly trying not to scare.

“Miss, are you okay?” Ethan asked in a subtle tone so that she wouldn't feel threatened.

The witch turned around slowly. Her bright blue eyes were teary and her long brown hair was in tangles. She wore an old dress which was almost completely torn and her golden-brown skin was shining. She was beautiful and did not look anything like an evil witch. She looked like a young woman, perhaps 23 years in age and her tiny body looked rather weak. Ethan couldn't believe his eyes. Her magnificent blue eyes and brown hair had caught his attention. She looked very beautiful, and Ethan was getting more curious. The witch squirmed in fear. She wasn't used to people greeting her nicely, so she thought Ethan had come to hurt her.

“But don't worry, I won't hurt you. I'm only here to have a chat,” Ethan tried to speak assuredly. But the witch still seemed too timid to speak to him. Ethan continue talking,

“What's your name is if you don't mind me asking you. And how were you charged for treason? What happened?”

The witch remain silent. She didn't want to talk because she was anxious. But she had to talk to him. She then spoke slowly, gathering courage,

“It is Mia, sir, I have lived in this city all my life,” Mia whimpered, catching her breath, “I was walking towards the market near the village when I heard people's screams. When I found out the demons attacking human world again, I wanted to help, but they said I caused the attack. And so I was charged for treason. Only because I am a witch.

Mia was now crying loudly and Ethan looked at her with pity. Just as Ethan had thought she was innocent. Ethan was not going to let the trial happen and he decided to save her life. Mia continued to speak.

“Believe me, I am innocent. The people of this village have always blamed witches for all the disasters and mishaps. Please let me go sir.”

“Please, Miss call me Ethan. Justice shall rule,” Ethan said as he looked around, making sure no one was near them. He then spoke lowering his voice, “Miss, I will help you escape these cold dungeons and hide you in my room.”

Ethan took out his pocket knife and cut through the ropes that were tied around Mia’s hands. He then tried to yank the iron gloves that were covering her hands and freed her. Ethan looked around anxiously to see if he could spot any guards but there was not a soul around in the dark, empty dungeons. Ethan whispered slowly to Mia,

“You will have to run as fast as you can. Now, follow me.”

Ethan ran towards the exit towards the stairs that led him upstairs. Mia followed him, but Ethan had suddenly stopped in his tracks,

“Wait, I hear someone coming,” Ethan whispered loudly.