The underground holding chamber beneath Alta's temple was quiet.
Teclos sat with his back against the wall, wrists cuffed, ankles chained, and neck locked in a blessed collar... this world just loved placing collars around his neck. He sighed at that last thought.
The bandages around his hands had already turned red where the Cross of Truth had pierced him, and the holy runes on the walls made his skin itch with constant, irritating pain.
He stared at the paladins outside his cell.
They stared back silently, their weapons ready to be drawn should he make any sudden movements.
Teclos sighed. "You know, I am beginning to think this is not the friendly guest treatment."
The guards still ignored him.
He tilted his head. "Still nothing? Wonderful. I love a lively room."
Then, finally, footsteps came from the corridor after an awkward silence.
The guards straightened at once.
