Interrogating the Prisoners

February 12, 1696.

The prisoners sat bound in the center of the Elysean military encampment, their hands and feet shackled together. Their bodies bore wounds from the previous battle, but their expressions remained defiant. The jungle surrounding them was quiet, save for the distant rustling of leaves and the occasional murmur from the Elysean soldiers preparing for the next phase of the campaign.

General Armand Roux stood before them, his face impassive. He had seen men like these before—warriors who refused to break, who clung to their beliefs no matter the suffering inflicted upon them. But Roux was not a man who tolerated wasted time. He needed answers.

Beside him stood Chief Ibara, leader of one of the allied tribes that had sworn loyalty to Elysea. His people had suffered at the hands of these warbands as well, and he had no love for them. The captured warriors glared at him, their eyes filled with hatred.