BattleTech Legends: Freebirth by Robert Thurston

Author:Robert Thurston
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Catalyst Game Labs
Published: 2016-11-27T08:00:00+00:00

An hour later, Horse did find himself strung up. Strong, exceptionally bulky ropes attached to his arms and legs had been secured to the thick branches of a pair of trees that he was now suspended between. The trees were just at the edge of the wood, and Horse could easily see Lootera across the open area between here and there. The robe given him earlier had been ripped open in several wide gashes, the rending accomplished methodically with a special cutting tool normally used for slicing open the innards of ‘Mechs. The ropes on his arms were so secure that they stretched and strained his muscles. The ropes on his legs were looser, but tight enough to keep him from bringing his legs together. His head was held straight because of a cushioned metal collar on his neck.

“This particular punishment is quite primitive, I admit,” Howell said with some pleasure in his voice. “But it has ancient precedents. I want to give you ample time to consider your present plight.

“We will send emissaries to feed you once a day. For an hour each day, your bonds will be loosened sufficiently for you to take some food and to exercise your cramped muscles. We would not want you to miss our excellent meals or to die of starvation or from atrophy. You will have to work to find a way to die. Perhaps you can summon one of your jade falcons here and it could peck you to death.”

The Jaguar warriors standing at the foot of the trees were evidently amused by the remark. They laughed heartily, nastily. Horse tried to spit at them, but the collar prevented him from aiming well. Most of his spittle dribbled down his chin onto the collar.

“And you will not be lonely, Horse. We will visit you, to heap taunts upon you and to hear your feeble responses, responses that will no doubt become feebler as the days pass and you foolishly resist.

“You may avoid all this by capitulating now. Do you?”

Horse grunted.

“Be glad you are allowed this ceremony, Horse. You are a filthy freebirth, and you always will be! You are Jade Falcon scum, as long as you resist! Think of the honor we offer you. Think of it. Think of it all night.

“I believe a storm is developing in the mountains and is heading this way. Perhaps the winds will be violent. Such a storm could conceivably shake the trees enough to pull your arm out of its socket, to break a leg. Perhaps the cold will numb you and your limbs will become fragile and snap off. Perhaps a branch will crash out of the trees and collapse your skull. Much could happen. You might prefer to end your life in one of these ways, but I certainly would be sorry to see you die so ignominiously. There is nothing sadder in legend or history than the final humiliation of a dead hero. There is still time, Horse, for you to accept our Clan now.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.