Sienna didn't want to open her eyes as Elias carried her up the steps leading to the courtyard. But she was forced to when she heard someone screaming, only to be greeted by a sight so absurd it could not have been imagined by a comedy playwright. Two enormous iron pots bubbled furiously over wood fires, steam rising high. Five servants scurried about with ladles the size of giant spoons, throwing spices and vegetables into the water. Guards stood around stiffly, clearly uncertain if they were preparing for a feast or execution.
Dangling from a rope that was tied to a tree was Susie Wiener. The rope was thick enough to restrain a giant bull and it bound her whole body, arms inclusive. Her hair was wild, her face streaked with dirt and dry tears, and she glared at Sienna with the venom of an enemy who would go to every length to kill her.
Liman severed the rope and Susie fell down with a grunt.
Sienna blinked, then looked at her husband. "What ....is going on?"
