Transferring Internal Energy

The prison camp in the forbidden zone changed locations seasonally like the rest of the Royal Court, so the facilities were very poor. Most of the prisoners were subjects who had merely offended the Khan for some reason and might be pardoned at any time, so the prison was not heavily guarded. Unless the supervisors were particularly stressed, the torture equipment like the chains were rarely used. So it was very easy to leave the tent, and one might even be able to visit friends and relatives at another camp if one greased the wheels enough.

But it was very hard to run away. There were cavalry stations every three miles within a ten-mile radius of the camp, and every station had fierce dogs with keen senses of smell. And if a prisoner was ever found fleeing, a manhunt would be launched.

According to the rules of the Norland, attempting to escape was a capital crime and the resulting punishment was to be shot to death immediately.