Prologue

"They're here master," a woman bows in front of a black door, from which behind comes a low, satisfactory growl.

"How many?" a low voice behind the door inquires.

"Only two; the white and the red ninja."

"Do they know about our plans?"

"No master. They crashed here and are stranded here without any knowledge of him or us."

"Keep watching them. We need to be certain of what they know. Bring the prisoner to me and plant a spy among the outsiders."

"Yes master," the woman says and walks away from the back door of the courtyard. She heads to the very right side, where another black door is. The two guards give a cursory nod and unlock the door, then open it. The woman enters into a stone cell with a single prisoner in it. The prisoner, who is only a teenager, is chained to the wall, curled up on the ground. His blond hair is matted and his entire body is permeated in blood. He opens his eyes slightly, seeing nothing but a figure stooping over him. There is no difference between day and night in that place of evil. Who knows how long the teen has lay there, counting the seconds, minutes, hours, or days?

"Get him up. Today is D-day," the woman commands the guards. The men bow and unlock the teen's cuffs, then drag him to his feet, unmercifully. He stumbles and his eyes roll into the back of his head. The teen drops to the ground and the one guard lifts him onto his back, carrying him outside as the other guard locks the door. They bring him to the left of the courtyard and enter another dismal room, a torture room to be precise and chain him to a post, eagle style. The woman goes to a weapon rack and selects a whip. She stands about ten feet away from the captive and lashes him with one, swift stroke. The teen lurches forward, awake and gasps in sudden surprise and pain. Blood oozes from other open wounds he has sustained for quite some time. The woman cracks the whip and lashes him again, smiling in evil delight. The teen bites his dry, bleeding lip emitting a slight groan.

The woman hands the weapon to the larger of the guards and says to him, "Why don't you join in the fun a bit yourself? After all, I can't hog all the entertainment, can I?"

The guard grins widely and speaks enthusiastically, "Thank you Captain Miller." He gladly accepts the whip and takes the woman's place. He delivers several lashes to the teen, with far more force than the captain. All laugh as they watch their young captive in excruciating pain, stifling a cry. He finally lets it out and they laugh all the more.

How much longer will I survive? the teen thinks to himself.