Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One

Pakistan sultanate, Dungeon of Lahore fort, 31 march 1557.

’Splash!’

"Ha! Huf... Huff!" Shahrokh gasped, jerking awake as cold water splashed across his face. His vision swam in the dim light, only able to make out the flickering shadows of torch flames far in the distance. Two figures loomed before him, but his sight remained blurry.

He instinctively tried to rub his eyes but quickly realized his hands were bound. The rough weight of shackles tightened around his wrists, neck, and legs. Taking slow, deep breaths, he forced himself to calm down. As the haze gradually lifted, his surroundings came into focus.

Standing in front of him was Bairam Khan, stroking his pointed beard. His bald head gleamed under the faint light. Beside him, a masked figure dressed in dark clothing remained still.

Shahrokh’s heart sank. He was chained inside some hidden dungeon, most likely deep underground, where time didn’t matter. The last thing he remembered was enjoying the company of two alluring dancers. Then everything spiraled, the world turning dark before he woke up in this miserable place.

"Hope you enjoyed the gifts. They were the finest quality," Bairam Khan said with a sly grin.

Shahrokh’s eyes narrowed, rage flickering in his gaze. "You despicable bastard! Release me at once!"

He clutched his chest dramatically. "Oh, Shahrokh, this wounds me. I personally selected those gifts for you, and this is how you repay me? I trust they were... to your liking? Or is this fury because of your own poor performance?"

Shahrokh strained against the chains, the metallic clank echoing through the cell. Gritting his teeth, he growled, "You’ll regret this, Bairam Khan. Persia’s wrath will descend upon you like a storm, and your pathetic sultanate will be wiped from existence."

’Bam!’

Shahrokh’s words were abruptly silenced by a punch to his gut. Kasim, the masked figure, struck with ruthless precision. Shahrokh doubled over, coughing violently as blood dripped from his lips. Bairam Khan raised a hand, signaling Kasim to step back. Seizing the moment, Shahrokh gasped for air, his glare sharp with defiance despite the pain.