Page 52 of Captive
That caught their attention. Strategic advantage they could understand, even if they distrusted its source.
"Then we question him properly," Moonsinger declared. "Extract specific details. But not you alone - the council should hear what he offers."
Boarstaff hesitated. Having the entire council confront Sebastian might destroy the fragile trust building between them.
"If his transformation means what you believe," Thornmaker said, reading his hesitation, "he'll provide details regardless of who's present."
"And if he refuses?" Rockbreaker asked.
"Then we have our answer about his true intentions," Thornmaker replied.
Boarstaff looked around the circle of faces, seeing the wisdom in their caution despite his reluctance. "Very well. We'll question him together."
The worn wooden steps felt different beneath Boarstaff's feet as he followed them downward. Behind him, eleven sets of footsteps created an ominous rhythm that echoed off the living walls. Each step took them deeper into the Heart Tree's core, where ancient magics flowed strongest.
The crystal formations grew larger as they descended, their illumination shifting from the gentle blues of the upper levels to deeper purples that spoke of older powers. The air thickened with ancient energy that made several council members shift uncomfortably.
"The prisoner will sense our approach," Murkub warned from the rear. "His senses grow stronger with each passing hour."
"Good," Thornmaker replied. "Let him know he faces the full authority of our people."
The passage curved ahead, revealing the entrance to the sacred chamber where crystal light danced across ancient bindings. Boarstaff raised his hand, signaling the others to wait.
"I'll enter first," he said quietly. "Let me assess his state before—"
"No," Thornmaker interrupted. "We go together. No more private conversations."
Reluctantly, Boarstaff stepped aside, allowing the council to file past him into the chamber. The crystal formations flared brighter as eleven armed figures entered the sacred space, their collective hostility charging the air with tension.
Sebastian was indeed awake, and his reaction was immediate and visceral. His eyes went wide as he saw the approaching figures, fangs descending fully as predator instincts recognized mortal threat. His body tensed against the ancient bindings, every line of him screaming danger as he bared his teeth at the assembled council.
"Easy," Boarstaff said firmly, positioning himself near the binding circle's edge. His presence offered protection without blocking the council's view of the bound vampire. "Easy."
Sebastian's wild gaze flickered to him, confusion joining the fear in his eyes. His breathing came sharp and uneven, responding to his elevated state.
Without hesitation, Boarstaff stepped closer and reached across the binding circle's edge, his fingers finding Sebastian's chin and lifting gently. "Look at me," he said quietly, his thumb tracing along Sebastian's jaw. "Look at me, not them."
Sebastian's breathing slowed as their eyes met. "I want to bite them for coming in here like they did with their weapons drawn," he said, his voice rough but controlled.
"I know you do," Boarstaff replied calmly, his thumb still tracing Sebastian's jaw. "But you need to show restraint. Prove to them what I've seen of you - that you can control yourself."
Sebastian considered this, his fangs still extended but his posture less aggressive. "I need blood soon," he said quietly.
"Later," Boarstaff promised, his voice pitched low enough that only Sebastian could hear. "I'll join you after we conclude our council business."
The fangs remained extended for another moment, then slowly, deliberately, Sebastian allowed them to retract, the movement visible and trusting as Boarstaff continued to hold his face. The decision wasclearly conscious - not just calming down, but choosing to demonstrate the control Boarstaff had asked for.
Behind them, Boarstaff heard the subtle intake of breath from several council members. This level of trust, this intimate exchange between warchief and vampire prisoner, was not what they had expected to witness.
"They're here for information," Boarstaff explained softly, his voice pitched for Sebastian alone. "About the child. They want to help her."
Understanding dawned in Sebastian's expression, followed quickly by determination. When Boarstaff finally stepped back, Sebastian's gaze moved to encompass the council with renewed purpose.
"All of you," Sebastian observed, his voice steadier now. "For the child's sake, I'll tell you what you need to know."
"We need specifics," Thornmaker said bluntly, though his tone had lost some of its earlier hostility after witnessing the exchange. "Real intelligence."
"Then you shall have it," Sebastian replied without hesitation. "The citadel has five defensive rings. The outermost consists of twelve mechanical scouts following patrol patterns I designed myself."
