Marke didn’t receive any food the next day either. More alarmingly, the guards did not refill his water that evening. Marke only had a couple ladles left in the bucket. Two days without food had sapped his energy and he had trouble focusing on Priority Mind, even with 3 more points in Inteligence. Priority Mind and Hide had both reached level 2, as they were not physically taxing. Marke hadn’t been willing to spend the energy to practice Grace or even Basket Weaving.
Marke was pulled from his cot the next morning. He blearily tried to keep his feet under himself as the guards dragged him through the hallway to sit in the Captains office again. The Captain sat at the desk this time, though a stranger stood behind him. The stranger had gold on their uniform in addition to red and white. Another platter of food sat on the desk and next to it was a large mug full of liquid. Focus on Priority One! Kente yelled in Marke’s mind. Marke closed his eyes and took a breath. The smell of the food and drink nearly overwhelmed him, but he shakily focused Priority Mind on Priority One. His mind calmed and he could feel a strong impression that the food and drink would lead to mind control. Mind control would cause him to suffer. Refusing to give in would keep his mind free. With his defenses in place, he opened his eyes to look at the Captain.
“Hello.” He croaked out. He hadn’t had the chance to drink the last of his water.
“Prisoner. Why do you not eat?” The Captain asked Marke.
“Poison.” Marke said simply.
The Captain shook his head. “There is no poison. You starve yourself unnecessarily. We offer you this fine food to sustain your health. The drink is pleasant and will improve your mood.” The Captain gestured to the items on the desk.
Marke didn’t see any way in which this conversation would benefit Priority One, so he remained silent. The stranger behind the Captain frowned and leaned forward. Their voice was terrible, like a dying violin. “You will die if you do not eat.”
Marke reeled back in his chair. The voice was quite painful. “I do not wish to suffer.” He said evenly. “So, do not speak.” He heard in his mind the sound of Kente choking in astonishment.
The stranger’s face darkened almost instantly. Veins popped out on their forehead and neck. The Captain looked uneasy and shifted in his seat. He swallowed visibly. “Prisoner. There is no need for such rudeness. You say you do not wish to suffer, but you are suffering from hunger and thirst. This food is yours to take. Whenever you wish to stop starving yourself, you can tell a guard and food and drink will be delivered to your cell.” The Captain tried a small smile. “If you do not eat or drink when we offer it freely, we will be blameless in your death.”
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Marke felt his resolve waver to not suffer by mind control. He needed to be sure, so he looked down and focused on the food, then the drink.
<blockquote>
Platter of Food
Mesmerizing (Strong)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Spiced Tea
Mesmerizing (Strong)
</blockquote>
The identifying boxes were very clear. The food and drink were drugged. Marke looked at the Captain again. “You eat it.”
“Prisoner. This food has been made especially for you, it would not be appropriate for me to take it from you after it has been offered freely.” The Captain stopped smiling. “I do not wish for you to suffer or die. Please eat.”
Marke gave up on the conversation. The situation was clear enough; Marke would willingly become mind controlled, he would escape, or he would die. Two of those options were contrary to his Priorities.
Marke, I have to say this. Kent thought to Marke. There is a chance the mind control won’t be complete or permanent. We might have more opportunity to escape if we comply now. Kente sounded anxious.
True, but we will be completely dependent on the actions of others to accomplish Priority One for us. That risk is unacceptable. Marke thought back. In any case, I have an idea. He picked up the mug of tea. With a touch of Grace, he threw the liquid in the face of the guards behind him. “Oops.” He said. He turned to look at the guards. They stood with faces covered in tea and with slack expressions. “Protect me.” He commanded them. He stood and walked towards the exit door. The Stranger shouted behind him in anger and confusion. The two guards snapped their focus towards the stranger and drew their short swords. Marke opened the door right as the Captain shouted, “Stop this! Obey my orders!”
Marke stepped out of the office and turned to the startled hallway guard. “It’s a mutiny.” He said and pointed into the room. He ducked as one of the mesmerized guards was thrown through the doorway. He stepped behind the open door and focused on Hide. The hallway guard looked from the thrown guard into the Captain’s office to see the other guard grappling with the Captain. He shouted and rushed in to help, getting in the way of the stranger who was trying to exit and catch Marke.
Marke continued to focus on Hide as he jogged down the hallway. He hadn’t been in any other parts of the building, but he had seen guards at all the entrances he knew of. To avoid capture, he needed to move in improbable directions. He took the stairs up to the roof. The calmness from Priority Mind was a bit of a hinderance in climbing the stairs; a bit of adrenaline would have boosted his speed. He slipped through the trapdoor to the rooftop right as he heard a loud ringing bell. That’s the alarm. He thought. The sound actually came from his right, he looked over and saw a stout bell tower with a swinging bell pulled with ropes from lower down.
“Now what?” asked Kente. “Also, what the heck? How did you know that would work with the tea?”
“Didn’t.” Marke said. He surveyed the surrounding buildings. One might be close enough. He lined himself up with it, took a deep breath, and sprinted towards the edge of the roof. On the last step, Marke activated Grace and leapt towards the other building. Inside his head, Kente screamed. If I pass out, try to keep Hide active for me. Was Marke’s last thought before he tucked his shoulder to try and roll across the roof. He tumbled wildly, then struck the edge of something and fell into darkness.