Sworn to Secrecy

Prologue

Thunder rumbled as a cloaked rider galloped into the fortress on the sea. The gates were quickly shut behind him. A hostler took the man's horse, allowing him to jump off. A flash of lighting momentarily illuminated his tall, lean frame, concealed by his soaking wet cloak. "Where are they?" he asked in a clear, low baritone.

"There's someone to show you the way," the hostler answered, biting his tongue before using the man's proper title. The man nodded and swept inside, where a servant was waiting. Without saying a word, the two climbed the stairs and walked down hallways until they came to a remote corner of the fortress. Screams of pain could be heard from inside.

"Right in there." The servant stepped back, and the man entered the room. Once the door shut behind him, the details faded into servants' gossip.