The morning after that particular event was difficult for me. I found it hard to sleep as my mind kept wandering between the past events and the potential outcomes of the future. I felt relieved that my neighbor had not spoken to me since then, as it gave me some space to process my own thoughts and emotions.
I stood up and did some stretching. It felt like a boulder was placed on my shoulders. The burden of sentencing many people to death was hard on me, however, it wasn't my first time doing so. My mind clearly was set on survival of the fittest, whether it was in mental or physical strength.
When I woke up, the food arrived a few minutes later. The wooden tray had a greyish soup with a delicate slice of bread on it. However, what I was really interested in was the water. During my stay in the destroyed Gierchen, I learned how to deal without food for a few days. The only supply I needed daily was water, and at least that was tolerably clean.
As I drank my water in a single take and went on to slowly eat the provided food, a familiar voice resounded from the outside. It was the warden.
"Stand up and head towards the wall." He ordered me. I followed his command and put my hand on my back, knowing that he probably would handcuff me.
He came in and did as expected. As I turned around, he explained the situation.
"Warden Edwards has silently taken out around a fourth of the list of suspects. All of them turned out to be rebels. Otherwise, the 'accidents' inside the mines were unfortunate and also clearly the responsibility of our guards. A severe punishment has been given to them. That's also why, conveniently, a free spot opened up in our ranks." He stared at me intently, I nodded in reaction.
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"Welcome to the armed forces of the Isha kingdom. Even if it is only a low-rank position. I am positive that you will accept it gratefully." He exclaimed, a fake smile sitting on his face. Though seeing him this happy irked me, I just returned his happy demeanor.
"Thank you, sir!" He seemed satisfied and led me out. Before we were about to leave I gestured for the warden to wait.
'Let me see your face, you bastard! I will punish you before I escape!'
I opened the sheet covering the window of the cell. Just as I was about to look at that guy's reaction to my promotion, I now knew what felt weird about him. This guy had knowledge about my plan. Not only that, he also knew about the riot and the fate of the people I betrayed.
'How would he know?' However, this question would stay unanswered, as nobody was inside the cell I thought he was in. My eyes went wide in confusion and disbelief.
Turning to the warden, I could see his own questioning stare. There was only one way to confirm. There was no way he could've left in any way. Once you come here, you stay here for a long time. With a shaky voice, I asked him what I wanted to know.
"Sir, who was the guy inside this cell?" He looked at me, now even more confused than before.
"Nobody was inside that cell. Except for you, the solitary confinement block was completely empty." A crazed, single laugh came out of my mouth following his statement, sweat flew down my face in streams.
"Empty huh." My mind went ballistic on me.
'What the hell was he? Now that I think about it, it sure was strange that the only one the guard reprimanded for talking seemed to be me, was I going crazy or something?' Trying to calm down, I breathed rhythmically. Before I could relax mysel, the warden seemed to grow impatient with me and lightly pulled on the chains connected to my cuffs.
"Hurry up, we need to report to Sir Edwards." At least he had shown some consideration, even when he probably thought that I was being suspicious. I knew that I had to be careful now.
Wrapping myself up and for the last time looking inside the cell, I calmed myself and decided to think about what happened when I was gone from this place.
"Alright, let's go, Sir," I said, leaving my worries behind for now.