There was cacophony in the yard as the Warriors called for my head

Terror clenched my gut and I my eyes widened in horror. They were going to kill me for attacking one of them.

The sound of screaming metal broke through the yelling. I heard a crack as wood creaked and gave. The metal was wrenched free from its holding. Twisting my head I saw that somehow, Bane had pulled his arms down from the bar. Manacles hung from his bloody wrists. There was fire in his eyes and his sharp teeth were down.

Evan released me when Bane grabbed my arm and pulled me to stand with him.

"If you wish to touch my slave," Damien boomed, “you go through my brother. We decide its punishment."

The yard got quiet and the only sound I heard was Bane's breathing.

“It attacked Torus," a man yelled out.

“Ah, yes," Bane Laughed, “and I saw that mighty Warrior run from it!" The cries for my head still came, but they were less now.

ALL the sound died suddenly and I knew who was here. Automatically, I moved closer to Bane for protection.

“Your punishment is not done boys. Why did Bane step out from under the bar?" the General asked casually.

“Only proving a point, General," Damien answered.

“Our slave saw our punishment and feared for us. It sought to defend those that protect it. We do not wish to punish it."

The General stepped onto the platform and closer to me. In reaction, I huddled to Bane’s massive chest. The General took a visual appraisal of me before looking at the structure Bane had pulled down from.

“The slave comes with me," he said simply.

“Damien, you and your Brothers take the rest of your punishment."

I clung to Bane as he stepped back under the bar.

"Go," he ordered softly, “follow the General and do what he says."

My eyes met Bane’s and I saw his assurance. Those eyes promised safety. I moved quickly to catch up to the General. It was what my family wanted me to do.

We passed through the other Warriors and toward the General's quarters. He moved through his door and held it until I entered. Once we were inside he stood staring at me.

The big man moved until he was in my face. Rage was coming off of him in waves. Gone was the calm, cool man that the compound saw. This was the raw beast that Lurked beneath.

"You," he growled, “are important to the women. Damien's family is precious to the women. It would not do to have you injured, but I will not stand to have you disrupt my compound!"

The General‘s hot breath brushed my cheeks as he spoke. His voice had risen and I saw the fire burning in his eyes.