The first day of imprisonment

As the wagons trundled through the darkened forest, Elladan and the other captives huddled together, their spirits are broken and their hearts heavy with despair. The raiders showed no mercy or remorse, their faces masked by the shadows as they reveled in their triumph. The journey seemed endless, each passing moment stretching out into an eternity of uncertainty.

Elladan's mind raced with thoughts of escape, but the odds seemed insurmountable. The raiders were powerful, blessed by falna that granted them immense strength and skill. How could he, a young boy with no combat training, hope to overcome such formidable foes? Yet, he couldn't help but hold on to a flicker of hope, a spark that refused to be extinguished.

Days turned into nights, and nights turned into days as the wagons rumbled on. The captives were deprived of food, water, and rest, and their bodies were weakened under harsh conditions. Each passing moment brought them closer to an unknown fate, and fear clung to their hearts like a suffocating shadow.

In the midst of their despair, a whisper of a plan began to form in Elladan's mind. He observed the raiders closely, studying their patterns and behaviors, searching for any weakness or vulnerability. He noticed that, despite their physical prowess, the raiders appeared to be overconfident and complacent. Their guard was not as high as it should have been, perhaps due to their previous victory.

However, his escape plans were ruined, once they reached the final destination - a slave depot. As the gates of the slave depot swung open, a somber procession of captives shuffled forward, their spirits crushed under the weight of their chains. Elladan was among them, his heart heavy with a mix of despair and defiance. The once-vibrant sanctuary of Lady Artemis seemed like a distant dream, replaced now by the harsh reality of captivity.

The depot loomed before them, its imposing walls casting a shadow over the gathered prisoners. The air was thick with tension and fear, as they were ushered inside, their shackles clanking with each step. The oppressive atmosphere seemed to choke the hope from their hearts, leaving only a lingering sense of resignation.

Once inside, the captives were herded into a dimly lit room, its walls lined with rows of cramped cells. The clang of heavy metal doors echoed through the chamber as each prisoner was assigned their place of confinement. The space was suffocating, devoid of comfort or solace.

As the captives settled into their cramped quarters, a harsh voice cut through the silence. The overseer, a tall and imposing figure, addressed the prisoners with callous indifference. He informed them of their fate, the grim reality that awaited them in the hands of the black market. The words hung in the air like a death sentence, extinguishing the last glimmers of hope that had flickered within the hearts of the captives.

"If any of you possess the means to purchase your freedom, you may contact your trustees. They are to deliver the necessary sum to secure your release," the overseer announced, his voice laced with a cruel mockery. "But let me remind you, if at least one of you tries to fool us, everybody is gonna lose the chance for the bailout!"

Elladan's heart sank as he realized the cruel truth. He had no one. His partners, and his connections to the outside world, had all been lost. His last hope for freedom slipped through his fingers, leaving him grasping at the cold, unforgiving reality of his situation. As the news settled over the captives, a heavy silence fell upon the room. Their faces, etched with resignation and despair, reflected the collective weight of their shattered dreams. The atmosphere was suffused with a sense of helplessness, as they contemplated the uncertain future that lay ahead.

Elladan retreated to the corner of his cell, his body weary and his spirit bruised. The weight of his shackles seemed to bear down upon him, a constant reminder of his captive state. Darkness enveloped him as if mirroring the shadows that now consumed his soul. As exhaustion took hold, Elladan settled down upon the meager straw mattress, the discomfort a small price to pay for a moment's respite. The sounds of distant sobs and whispered pleas echoed through the corridors, a haunting symphony of anguish. As Elladan closed his eyes. His body was weary and his mind burdened. In the darkness of his cell, he surrendered to the embrace of sleep. The first day of his imprisonment came to an end, leaving behind a lingering sense of uncertainty…