Preparing for the Unexpected

The silver haired woman and the two guards had remained just outside the door to the stone hut when Gonyaul had been ushered in. The heavy door was shut behind him. What was transpiring on the other side of the door meant little to him once his eyes had adjusted to the low light from the smoldering fire and locked on the available food, water and clothing.

Now that he had met his basic needs, Gonyaul realized that one prison had been apparently traded for another. He also learned that not all prisons were created equal. This one was dark and more confining spatially, but at least it was protecting him significantly more from the environment. Though truly, it was the food and water that made it seem so much better. He was sure that if that was the last of the food and water that this hut could easily feel like a torturous prison of solitary confinement all over again.

It was obvious now that his captors held some purpose for him, lest they could have killed him instantly or let him wither away in the hole. In addition, they required a certain level of cleanliness and appearance … lest they could have left him looking and dressed as he was. Perhaps he would be meeting someone of significance? Gonyaul took this time alone again to begin braiding his hair in a beautiful ceremonial style fitting of an important event. He may have looked a mess emerging from the hole, but they would find a well groomed vaux whenever they reopened the door.

If they were trying to break him somehow they would find the young Vaux more resilient then one might guess. While his body was exhausted, his spirits were still holding strong. As he waited, a serene look of peace washed over him. He got into a fetal position on the floor to rest, Gonyaul liked sleeping on his side.

They would hear him from outside, speaking in vauxian; reciting the tattoos on his body and whispering words of gratitude.