***
Chahzuu strained his body in a spasm where every single muscle contracted to the point of tearing. His back arched as much as the restraining straps would allow. Agony coursed through every cell. His mouth was wide open in a soundless scream.
The pain stopped and Nemesis leaned over. “What are these?” He held up the two Articles of Power. Chahzuu didn’t answer. He couldn’t. That wasn’t important. Nemesis was just asking to get the answers to creep across Chahzuu’s mind.
“It’s so much easier after you’re dead if the information is right there at the front,” he said, and touched the pyramid/crystal again.
Pain danced through Chahzuu’s body like lightning, frying every nerve ending, and cauterizing them with acid. Again his back arched, the straps stretched and his mouth opened in silent gasping.
Chahzuu tried to order his thoughts, to focus on anything but what Nemesis wanted. He tried to bury the information so deep, it would never be found.
Another wave of pain hit. Fresh fire engulfed his mind, ripping tendril by tendril; shredding, then discarding.
“What are these used for? What is their purpose?” Nemesis chuckled. “You know it doesn’t matter. The thoughts will rise sooner or later. It just depends on the amount of pain you want to bear.”
Nemesis turned, and another wave hit, this one even greater if that were possible. Chahzuu felt muscles tearing, and wondered if his skin were ripping too.
“Save the agony. You’re going to die anyway. Just let go your thoughts just a little, and this will end. I’ll remove your crystal quickly so I can suck what I need out of your puny mind.”
Never! Chahzuu thought. But in the end he knew Nemesis was right. He’d won . . . again.
There has to be a way! It was hard to think, to try and avoid the thoughts Nemesis was trying to raise up, and think of a way out at the same time. I just can’t.
Another wave hit. This time Chahzuu clenched his teeth, and felt one break. The pain was barely noticeable compared to the other pain wracking his body and mind.
“How did you find them?” Nemesis droned. “Think, animal! What are they? How are they used? Where did they come from?” Again Chahzuu heard Nemesis’ low laughter as another wave shattered his mind, piercing down through his body, leaving it flailing now with weakness.
“It shouldn’t be long now,” Nemsis said.
I can’t let him win! I won’t! Chahzuu knew he was getting tired of trying to find another thought, trying to find a way to escape. I can’t give up! Can’t reveal anything! He tried to force his mind to go blank. Think of nothing! My Place!
“Oh no you don’t,” Nemesis said, slapping him hard across the face. “You can’t escape through the Passage. I won’t allow it!”
Chahzuu felt the restricting bonds of the Power on him again.
“The Guardians failed miserably when they sent you to try and stop me.” Another shattering wave of pain seared his senses. He couldn’t even strain against the straps now, being held in place by Nemesis’ power. “You and that other pathetic fool don’t stand a chance!”
The Other! Chahzuu thought. The other Pale One! I must . . .
Pain lanced through his tortured body as he was trying to ignore it . . . trying to focus his mind . . . searching . . . calling . . .