The prisoners were dragged across the courtyard in chains.
Their wrists were bound behind their backs, their clothes torn and dirty from days spent being transported here.
Adina stood at the center of the courtyard, watching them without a word.
A prison guard stood beside her, holding a long scroll. He cleared his throat before reading the first name.
"Gareth. Former warrior."
The said man was shoved forward.
"Crime: refusing to swear allegiance to the Dark Lord."
Gareth lifted his head. "I refuse to swear allegiance to a monster."
Adina's expression didn't change. "Send him to the dungeon," she ordered.
"Take him away!" Two soldiers grabbed Gareth and dragged him toward the dungeon entrance as he struggled against them.
"You're all fools!" he shouted. "He will kill every one of you when he's finished using you!"
Adina watched him disappear through the doors.
The guard continued. "Second prisoner. Mara." An elderly woman was pushed forward.
