A/N: Here is the next chapter!

SgtGroganSG : Thanks for bringing the mathematical error to my attention. Math never was my strong point! :)

Thanks to all the other reviewers! Keep it up!

Chapter 4

The guards roughly threw Evan and Laura to the ground in front of the throne. The walk from their cell to here had taken a pretty severe toll on Evan. He was laying on the ground, squeezing his eyes shut.

"Who are you?" the bitter prince asked. Before he even gave them a chance to answer, he stood up. "Why are you here?"

"We're peaceful travelers. We came in hopes of trading for food. We'll leave if you just let us," Laura answered, wondering how many times she would have to tell them this. "My friend is hurt, and he might die if you don't let us go."

"Why would we do that? You really shouldn't have come here anyways," the prince said. Laura glanced towards Evan. He was now struggling to sit up. Why did he have to come with her? The prince snapped his fingers, and two new guards stepped forward and pulled the two captives to their feet.

"Which of you is in charge?" the prince asked.

"Honestly, we can't quite agree on that. But for now, I'm in charge," Laura said, stepping forward.

"Nope. I out-rank you, and you know it. Don't try to protect me," Evan explained, stepping forward as well. The two original guards shook their heads. It was obvious that attempting to separate the two of them would be impossible, or at least frustrating.

Evan and Laura found themselves being dragged down into a dungeon like place, which is unnerving whatever the circumstances. What made it even more unnerving were the bindings lining the far wall, made of some kind of barbed wire.

"What are you gonna do, torture us?" Evan asked, in a voice reminiscent of both dread and annoyance. He and Laura were both painfully aware of what was coming next. With out a word, Evan and Laura's wrists were clasped in the jagged cuffs, with their faces against the cold concrete. Evan's earlier question was quickly answered.

"Would you like to tell the truth now?" the prince asked. When no answer came, he snapped his fingers. "Thank you for coming on such short notice, master.You can get on with it now."

"My pleasure," said a new voice. Evan wondered why the prince had called him master. It was almost as if he was an expert called in just for this. He had seen on the history channel when he was on earth that back in medieval times, kings called on masters of torture, who traveled to different kingdoms, just to extract information from prisoners. His thoughts were cut short when his back erupted in searing pain. He bit back a scream.

After the initial blow, there were four more, before it finally stopped. "Are you ready to tell us why you are here?"

"She already did. Why don't you believe us?" Evan said, through gritted teeth.

"We make a point to never believe anything people tell us when their not under the influence of torture. How about you miss, do you want to answer us?"

"I have nothing left to tell you," Laura answered sharply. The 'torture master' turned his vicious whip on her. With every blow, she tried to hold back screams, but failed. Hearing her in pain was more torture than when he was the one at the receiving end of the blows.

Surprisingly, after that, every one of their captors exited the room, leaving Evan and Laura alone.

"Are you alright?" Evan asked her, looking over, wincing as his wrists tugged against the restraints.

"Been better," Laura answered. "I've been thinking. It wouldn't really be that difficult for one of us to make it back to the gate. If you could make a good enough distraction, and give me a chance to escape, I could make it back to the gate lickety-split and get help."

Evan opened his mouth to speak, but paused. Regaining composure, he began again. "Did you just say Lickety-split?"

"Yes, I think I did. Weird!"

"Anyways, please explain to me how that will even work."

"Well, I'm assuming that after we're done here, they will lead us back to our cell. If they happen to be the guards from earlier, their idiotic enough that my plan may work. If you like, faint, or fake a seizure, or something, and distract them long enough, I'll run for the forest."

"What forest?"

"The one by the building to the left of where we were being held. The trees are thick enough that it should provide enough cover. Once I'm hidden, I'll be able to navigate myself back to the gate, dial home, and get help."

"How exactly are you going to fight past the guards at the gate?" Evan asked.

"Did I not mention this? I thought I had. Any ways, while you're creating a distraction, I'm going to grab the gun that the fat guard has strapped to his thigh," she answered, getting quiet immediately when she heard footsteps behind her.

Evan nodded. Her plan could actually work, since she seems to have it planned out so well. He wondered when she had the time to think it all through. She always has been able to multi task, and coming up with an elaborate escape plan while being tortured was nothing compared to the singing while reading while watching a movie that she has been known to do.

And the torture ensued.

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