I said, softly. “Likely.”
Asgall said, “What did ye say, bitch?”
Magnus’s breathing was heavy. “Ye take?—”
I said, “Only my friends can call me ‘bitch’. You and I are barely acquainted.”
He laughed, a menacing, overly loud laugh. “Ye are both in a great deal of trouble. I truly hope yer mother trades well for ye, and fast.”
From behind Magnus’s shoulder, I asked, “Curious… what are you asking for in trade?”
“Riaghalbane. That kingdom will complete m’collection.” He drew in another long puff of the cigarette.
I asked, “Where are we?”
He stood and chuckled. “Och, ye wouldna think as highly of me if I were that dumb — right, bitch? Why would I tell ye that?” He jabbed the second cigarette out on the steps.
I said, “Because what does it matter? There’s nothing we can do about it.”
He humphed and stood on the top step, leveling his eyes on Magnus. “Emperor Asgall... say it.”
“Say what?”
“Say‘Emperor Asgall.’”
“Umpire Arsegall is an arse of epic proportions.”
“Ah yes, hopefully yer mother will trade for ye soon, every minute that she waits will become more uncomfortable for ye.”
Magnus stiffened.
Asgall stepped fully out through the door and closed the hatch over us, blocking the last of the light with a finality that was terrifying.
CHAPTER 57 - KAITLYN
A CELLAR UNDER A BROTHEL IN STAUNTON, VIRGINIA - 1775
The hatch was bolted above us and we were in total darkness.
I could hear Asgall’s footsteps recede on the damp ground, then I heard his creaking steps above us as he crossed the wooden floor.
Then I realized, very far away, like on the second floor I could hear moaning,what was...?
Someone was having loud sex.
I said, “Someone is having sex? What is happening?”
Magnus’s voice through the darkness near me. “Aye, tis a brothel. I want ye tae stay behind me.”
I stepped closer and stood there, both of us facing the door until it became obvious that no one was coming for us. That was it, we were locked in a dark basement.
He asked, “Dost ye hae a knife on ye?”
“I did, for the first time I did, Magnus, but they removed it before they threw me onto the helicopter.”
“Och nae, ye finally learned the lesson and yet were foiled. Well, we need tae find something tae cut the bindings from my wrists.”
“Yes, definitely.” With my hands in front of me I felt around at the height of my waist, but then finding nothing I started looking higher, being very cautious not to... I banged my knee hard. “Owie.” I rubbed it.
