Sneak Peek!

Train to Anguish

by: S.E.Isaac

(Chapter 4’s snippet)

 

I don’t know how long I was in the simulator or how long I sat in the darkness crying. I heard the door open and I wiped my eyes. I turned my head in the direction of the light and saw War Advisor Jennings standing there.

“You may exit, Armistice.”

I slowly moved off the chair and made my way out of the cursed room. They were all staring at me.

“What information were you given, Armistice?

“Nothing, sir,” I said facing the wall in front of me.

“I will not ask you again, Armistice. What information were you given?”

With my head held high and eyes puffy, I turned my head and faced him. “Nothing, sir!”

His face grew angry. “Final answer?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Take her to the water tank!” he growled.

Two of the councilman took me by my arms and walked me down the hallway, with War Advisor Jennings and other councilmen following behind. I didn’t say anything because I honestly didn’t care what they had in store for me next. They had subjected me to watching the one person I loved most be tortured.

They walked me through the dining hall and the room fell silent. I caught Trials looking at me in horror as I was led through the room. He began to rise from his chair but Aiyetoro held him in place.

We walked through the doors and down a set of stairs. They opened a door marked ‘Tank’ and pulled me through it. In the corner of the room was a giant glass tank with stairs leading up to the top of it. The two councilmen released my arms.

“Up the stairs, Armistice,” War Advisor Jennings said.

I didn’t argue, simply walked up the stairs like a robot. The top of the tank was open.

“Into the tank, Armistice!”

I climbed into the tank without dispute. A lid lowered from the ceiling and fastened down onto the top of the tank.

“What information were you given, Armistice?”

“Nothing, sir.”

“Armistice,” he warned, “If you fail to tell me, the tank will begin to fill with water.”

“So be it.”

I turned my back to War Advisor Jennings and the councilmen. The tank began filling with water. My feet were soon submerged, then my waist. Finally, it reached my neck.

“Tell me the information you were given.”

“No.”

The water continued to rise and soon was up to my nose. Water trickled into my nostrils. I tread water to keep my nose above the surface. There were only a few inches between the water line and the lid. I continued treading water. Right as the water was about to engulf me, I took a sharp breath in and held it. I turned so the councilman could see me.

“What information were you given?” War Advisor Jennings shouted.

I shook my head no. I could feel my lungs tightening and my body wanted to take a deep breath. I had never been one for underwater swimming, so I knew my lung capacity was not my strong point.

“What information were you given?” Again, I shook my head.

I could feel myself getting lightheaded and my vision blurred. The room began to spin. My pulse was pounding heavily in my skull. War Advisor Jennings and the councilman soon vanished from my view. I let go of the world around me and was taken by the darkness.

I woke up being carried in someone’s arms. I opened my eyes slowly. I was being carried through the dining hall and once again, everyone was staring. Water dripped from my body and splashed as it hit the floor. I could no longer hold my head up. My head fell back and blackness prevailed.