The Queens Visit

She edged her body along the wall trying to keep from frightening it further and eased downstairs to open

The young man barked back. The same irritatingly bright, light shone in the cell, and reflected off of the metallic basin that stood in the corner. Jamming his eyes shut as tightly as possible didn't do much to hinder the effect it had on his already sore head, made even worse by the guards' delivery of him into his new room. It was a cell, a solitary one, the sort they kept for those accused of the sort of crime that he was - political ones with a high potential for escape attempts. A few more heavy boot-induced bruises were added to his newly acquired collection before the guards seemed pleased with their handiwork. They unlocked his wrists and set to finally leave, locking him away for the remainder of the light cycle.

At the end of the hall was a few creaky iron stairs. He wasn't surprised. He began walking upward and soon found himself in something much more complicated than a bunker.

Gwen spun on her heels and continued her hurried gait toward the dungeons, Fredrick not far behind, and nothing left to say. At least nothing that she would listen to right now. They were at the stairs that led to the cells below in no time and not breaking her stride, Gwen hiked up her skirt so far that she bared more ankle and calf that would send some eyebrows skyward. In fact, she tucked the fabric and a kerchief into her bodice so that her legs were free from obstruction even when she was on the ground floor and winding her way through the maze of crowded cells until she stood before

She slowly walked down the stairs to get the door. She took a deep breath with every step she took, as she put her hand on the knob she felt

The ominous creaks of the weathered wooden floorboards reverberated in her ears. Visions of the tribulations of her past consumed Dora’s mind as she feebly maneuvered her way through the deep blue chamber of anguish. Her aging bones groaned in agony as she moved through the gas chambers, driven by

“Last cage…” Scarlett whispered to Harkens so he would know what was happening. She looked in and saw a young woman curled up in a ball. She was as far away from the cage door as she could and she was visibly shaken.

The They disappear down into another dark cave. Young ladies feared where it might lead. As a warrior cut loose, the captive in front of Tiffany and dragged her to a vacant stone, Tiffany suddenly became next. A hand immediately reached out for her, another shot up in front. The spoiled young lady listens intently, understanding nothing as they talk. Still attached to Elizabeth, the one watching over them led them down into the cave, spared any pain, for the moment, they wonder why, a warning?

There is a thick cloud cover with a strong breeze but no chance of rain in New York. Busses zip along the streets carrying people from place to place. The city continues its normal rhythm as Selison, Zalminis, and Xasalamel appear on a sidewalk. Zalminis looks around for a moment

Morgana sat on the cot, her head buried in her hands, wild hair spilling down her arms. She raised her head at his final approach on the other side of her cell bars with a group of faces known and unknown to her. Bloodshot eyes, haunted and confused, met his before the moment passed and the coldness returned upon recognition. She pulled herself to her feet with as much grace as her weakness would allow, slightly swaying in the balancing of her stance.

“Gemma,” I called, approaching. “Jared,” she said. Surprise and relief crossed her face, “Jared what—” “Gemma we have to leave now.” “Is something wrong?” “Yes,” I said, “there is something very wrong. Quick we need to leave." Suddenly a thudding noise echoed. My eyes shot up, and I could see all the doors had closed, guards standing in front of them. We were locked inside. There was no chance of escape now.

When she didn’t speak, Samael continued. “This is it, Lili.” He smiled warmly and motioned around them. His chains kept his hands close to the floor. The dull, metallic sound and the power that came with it echoed again in her head. It made it hard to think. The chains seemed to be bidding her to flee from their prisoner. Run! they whispered, no good can come from staying. Flee. Now. She wished he would stop moving. “This is why I’ve been on your heels all these centuries. For this meeting, now. I’ve - I’ve been waiting longer than you could imagine.”

“Why not call in the National Guard too? I told you we should have taken her back for further questioning. And you know what the boss is going to say.”

But suddenly… Suddenly someone opened the door on top of the ladder and jumped in to the room.

Using her arms to shield her breasts, Vanessa made her way back towards the entrance (her only exit), nervously contemplating her next move. Before making further progress, with great dismay, the door began to swing open — people were coming!