Chapter 5 : Shock

Chapter 5: Shock

John and Lyra were overjoyed at their rescue, and they quickly gathered their belongings and followed the soldiers out of the camp. They were grateful to be free again, and they knew that they had the strength to continue their journey.

As they walked away from the camp, John and Lyra looked back at their captors, feeling a sense of satisfaction that justice had been served.

But they were completely wrong...

"Do you know why we liberated you from these people?" said the commander of the soldiers

"Actually… no," John said

"Because you are wanted," the commander sternly said

Hours later, they reached a camp for soldiers in the middle of the forest

John and Lyra were thrown into a dimly lit cell, the heavy door slamming shut behind them. They sat in silence for a moment, both taking in their surroundings and trying to figure out their next move.

The walls of the cell were made of rough stone, with a small barred window high up on one wall. The only light came from a flickering torch on the wall outside the cell.

After a few minutes, John stood up and walked towards the door. He pressed his ear against the cold metal, listening for any sounds outside.

He heard footsteps approaching, the sound of metal clinking against metal. He stepped back quickly, just as the door creaked open.

Two heavily armed guards stood in the doorway, their faces obscured by helmets. John and Lyra stood at attention, unsure of what was going to happen next.

"We know who you are," one of the guards said, his voice muffled by the helmet. "We've been looking for you."

John and Lyra exchanged a confused glance. "What are you talking about?" Lyra asked.

"You're wanted for crimes against the kingdom," the second guard said, stepping forward. "You'll be tried and punished accordingly."

John and Lyra protested their innocence, but the guards were unmoved. They were forced to follow the guards down a long hallway, the sound of their shackles echoing against the stone walls.

As they were led deeper into the prison, John and Lyra caught glimpses of other prisoners, some locked in cells, others being led through the hallways by guards. They saw fear and desperation in their eyes, and John knew that they were in a dangerous place.

Finally, they were brought before a stern-looking man in a black robe. He introduced himself as the chief magistrate, and informed them that they were to be tried for their crimes in the morning.

John and Lyra tried to explain their situation, but the magistrate refused to listen. He ordered them back to their cell, warning them not to try to escape.

As they were led back down the hallway, John and Lyra exchanged a worried glance. They had to find a way out of the prison before it was too late.