Chapter 171: The Death Of Innocence
Laesh gripped the rope tightly, his small hands wrapped in the makeshift cloth pads Tayiid had provided. The chants of the prisoners grew louder, echoing through the cavernous pit.
"Come on, Laesh! You’ve got this!" someone shouted, their voice breaking with raw emotion.
The crowd gathered at the center of the pit, their faces tilted upward as they watched the boy ascend. Even the smallest among them, too weak to stand for long, leaned on others for support, unwilling to miss what might be their only glimpse of hope.
Rhaegar stood rooted in place, his eyes fixed on his friend. Laesh’s small frame seemed almost fragile against the enormity of the task before him, but with each pull of the rope, his determination shone brighter. His golden eyes reflected the faint circle of light far above––the opening.
Freedom.
The rhythmic chants grew louder, reverberating against the smooth stone walls. Laesh climbed higher, the rope creaking faintly beneath his weight. His muscles strained, his breaths heavy but steady. He didn’t falter, didn’t look down. Every inch he gained seemed to light a fire in the hearts of those watching below.
"He’s really doing it," a voice murmured.
Rhaegar swallowed hard, his chest tightening with a mix of awe and disbelief. Laesh’s movements were precise, almost mechanical, as though he’d rehearsed this moment in his mind a thousand times.
Far above, the guards began to notice.
"What’s going on down there?" one muttered, leaning over the edge of the pit. His voice carried a hint of annoyance, but as his eyes fell on the scene below, a smirk spread across his face. "Ah, another climber. Let’s see how long this one lasts."
Within moments, more guards gathered at the edge, peering down with a mix of amusement and curiosity.