The guards escorted Shobai and Richard to a dark, crowded chamber. Here, hundreds of prisoners exchanged minerals for dungeon rations: stale bread, brown water, and itchy rags. 

Listen, I don’t know what you’re planning to do. Richard said. But I just want to be the first to say this was all his idea!

Shut it, pissy pants. The guard said and slammed Richard to the ground.

It’s not my fault! I have a medical condition.

And what about the fire? She said. I’m still washing smoke out of my hair!

The guard shoved Richard onto a platform and turned to the other prisoners. 

Attention prisoners. She said. Donavon has issued a forty day fast for all excavators as punishment. 

That’s not fair. A prisoner said. I’ve met my quota. Why–

The other watched in horror as the guard's whip tore into his back.

Why? The guard said with a maniacal grin. Because Puddles here broke the rules. If you’ve got a problem, take it up with him. 

A crowd of excavators slowly surrounded Richard, malice in their eyes.

It’s not my fault! He said. Butt Grabber–

But it didn’t matter what he said, the verdict was already set. Fists and feet became instruments of punishment–repayment for years of suffering. They beat Richard like a loose rag, and Shobai was powerless to stop them.

Meanwhile, a few tables over.

How dare you! I explicitly asked for cream pastries. A prisoner said.

And I told you we don’t make those! The cook turned his pot. Now eat what I gave you!

The prisoner slammed the dry bread on the table. Do you know who I am!  I’m–

Tiana? Shobai said. 

You! The prisoner’s face was covered in grime. Her hands, rough and worn from cleaning minerals. But her voice... Her voice echoed a familiar murderous intent Shobai had grown to fear. This had to be Tiana. 

Tiana shattered the plate in her hands and clamped her lifeless fingers around Shobai’s neck. You’ve got a lot of nerve showing your face around here. 

I can explain. 

Not if you’re dead. Tiana said and tightened her death grip. 

I found a way... to Behemoth. His words choked out. Please… mercy.