Pharaoh of Fire (Land of Fire Book 1)

by Chadwick Duncan

  Irabor continued down the corridors, passed more cages and prisoners. He heard chatters up ahead. He paused for a moment and realized the chatters were becoming louder and louder; it was approaching him. He saw a passage way on the right up ahead, where light was coming from. Irabor quickly looked around and tried to assess the situation, whether he should flee or fight. As the light became brighter and the voice louder, Irabor realized the cage to his right was unoccupied and open. He began to open the gate but it creaked as it moved. Irabor cringed at the sound, knowing it might give him away. Nevertheless, he slipped inside the cage and closed it behind him. He laid next to the wall and held the chained cuffs in his hand. He faced towards the wall, with his back to the guard when he finally arrived.

  “I could’ve sworn I heard something!” the guard proclaimed as he arrived by Irabor’s cage.

  He continued, “I hate working down here by myself. It fucking stinks and it’s dark and scary. The guard then looked around and noticed Irabor.

  He looked towards Irabor, whom was facing away from him and gripping the chains so it appeared he too was chained up, “Well aren’t you big! How did we catch you!” he began to smile.

  The guard then gripped the cage door and slightly nudged it in the excitement of seeing Irabor. Suddenly, the cage slightly swung open. Irabor recognized the creak and knew the guard had stumbled upon his little secret. The guard looked down and realized the cage was not locked. He slowly looked back towards Irabor, his eyes filled with horror. As soon as the soldier released his grip on the cage and took a step back, Irabor leaped up and charged towards him. His scarlet eyes glowed as the light of the guard’s torch hit them. The guard dropped his torch, but before he could cry for help, Irabor flew out of the cage and slammed him against the opposite cage bars. The slam rattle the cage and those adjacent it. A few prisoners woke up from their slumber. He gripped the man’s mouth shut with his massive hands then whispered in his ears.

  “If I heard correctly, you are down here by yourself. So if I snap your neck, no one will hear it?”

  He continued, “Well, beside for these prisoners. But I doubt they will be running off to tell anyone about me being here.”

  The soldier mumbled then Irabor continued, “Okay, I will ask you a specific question and I expect a specific response in return. If you can help me I will spare your life, but if not, things will not be pleasant for you.”

  The soldier nodded so Irabor continued, “Where is Commander Didi?”

  The soldier frantically mumbled so Irabor released his mouth, “Oh, Didi? He is locked up down here after that stunt he pulled in Death Valley. I am assuming you are one of the two slaves after him. I can take you to him.”

  Irabor nodded, “Please, and make haste.”

  The soldier picked his torch from the floor, which was still miraculously lit and they journeyed down the hall, through the passage this guard initially came from. The cages became rooms with solid iron doors. Each door had a thin slit in it so a guard could peer through it and see who and what was taking place in each room.

  The guard began, “These are where we keep the more dangerous criminals. The guys you saw were only convicted of petty crimes such as theft and disobedience. But these criminals were convicted of murder, treason, rape, and sodomy. They are all due to be hung or beheaded.”

  “I see. Unfortunate souls.”

  The two arrived to a door and the soldier stopped, “The Sultan requested that we pair Didi up with another criminal, to rub salt in his wounds. The criminal’s name is Jago. He is a murderer, rapist and child molester. So be prepared when you get inside.”

  Irabor nodded, “Thank you, you have done me a great service.”

  “So, I am free to go, correct?” he said timidly.

  “Once you open the door then yes,” Irabor gestured towards the door.

  The soldier placed his key in the whole and turned it. The sounds of the mechanism unlocking echoed in the halls, but before the soldier could fully turn the key, Irabor grabbed his head and snapped his neck. The guard’s head nearly spun completely around on his neck with the torque Irabor exerted on it. Irabor pushed his lifeless body to the side and completed unlocking the door. He grabbed the guard’s torch and walked inside the room. Once inside, Irabor saw a stout man lying on the ground. He laid on his side against the wall, Irabor could tell he was not only obese but rather tall. The heavy set man was naked, and Irabor could see him clenching someone within his shackled arms; it was Didi. Irabor realized the large man was cuddling a naked Didi within his arms. Suddenly, Didi began to open his eyes, then he whispered in fright.

  “You-you’re the slave! Please, I beg you, help me!” Didi plead, his tears and mucus was dried on his face and nostrils.

  Irabor chuckled, “Seems like I am your salvation more so than your reckoning.”

  The large man began to awake. He spotted Irabor at the door and began to stand to his feet. As he stood, Irabor could see that his large genitals were covered in dried blood. The man had a gold hoop septum ring and many earring hoop earrings. He breathed heavy and hot as he stood upright, his stature was that of Irabor. Didi began to scurry off on all fours but his chains restricted his movements.

  “Who the fuck are you?” the man inquired as he scratched his genital region and then sniffed it.

  Irabor made up his face in disgust and then answered, “So you must be Jago? Well aren’t you a sight for sore eyes. I’m here for Didi, so step aside.”

  Jago answered, “You think you’re taking my ass!? Fuck off!”

  Irabor began to get irritated, “Listen, I don’t want to kill you so just shut up and stand aside.”

  Jago walked and stood over a whimpering Didi, “You will have to come and take him then.”

  Irabor sighed, “I will never understand why some men forfeit their lives so easily.”

  Irabor placed the torch in a torch holder by the door and rushed towards the obese naked man. Irabor threw a punch, but Jago’s chubby cheeks absorbed the blow. Jago countered with a punch to Irabor’s face in return, the blow jolted Irabor, which made him realize that this was not going to be an easy fight. Irabor threw repeated punches at Jago, he filled his stomach and face with a rapid barrage of fists. The attacks forced Jago towards the wall. Jago grabbed both of Irabor’s arms to cease the attacks, he then head butted Irabor, breaking his nose. Irabor then mustered up enough strength to free his arms from Jago’s grip and elbowed him in the face, breaking his nose in return.

  Jago held his face in discomfort, allowing Irabor to land a clean uncontested punch to the side of his head. The punch dazed Jago so Irabor repeated with another punch to the opposite side of his head. He went back and forth punching each side of Jago’s head, causing him to bleed profusely. Irabor was certain his victory was imminent, but to his astonishment, Jago grabbed his left fist and countered with an uppercut. The punch was delivered with such force that Irabor was certain it shattered every teeth in his head. Jago spat blood out his mouth and began punching Irabor in his face. Irabor, whom was a composed fighter, raised his forearms to block the punches after Jago landed a few. Jago realized his punches were not going to get through Irabor’s muscular forearms, so he grabbed one of his legs and sent him toppling to his back.

  Jago jumped onto Irabor, his large body nearly pressed all the breath out of his combatant. He sat up on Irabor stomach, and began wailing on him. Even though Irabor blocked each punch with his forearm, the force behind them made his head repeatedly bang on the ground. Irabor’s pupils dilated and his scarlet irises widened. His muscles began to slightly increase in size as blood coursed through his veins. He grabbed both of Jago’s fists and crushed his knuckles. Jago screamed as he heard the bones on his hands buckle under Irabor’s pressure. Irabor threw Jago off on him and slowly got back up to his feet. As Jago attempted to stand, his genitals were exposed and Irabor ran and kicked him in his sack. The kick was delivered with such force that Irabor could feel his scrotum shatter on his foot,
which caused Jago to instantaneously pass out. But before Jago fell to the ground, Irabor delivered a grizzly punch to his face which sent him flying back, the chains connected to his arms kept him from traveling any further however.

  Irabor fell to the floor and exhaled an enormous amount of air. He laid on his back and breathed heavy and fast. His arms were aching, his face was sore, and his lungs were on fire. He heard chains rattling and looked over to his right, he saw Didi curled up in the corner of the room. Irabor slowly rose to his feet, then forced his broken nose back into place. He wiped the blood from his face and walked over towards Didi. Irabor stood over Didi as he cried and whimpered.

  Irabor began, “It seems like you have suffered enough. I shall make this quick.”

  Didi balled as he replied, “Please! No! I’m sorry! I beg you! I am so-so sorry!”

  “Apologies will not bring back Tayo’s life. Now accept your fate and leave this world with the little dignity you have left.”

  Didi sniveled and then climbed up to his feet. He readied his fists and glared at Irabor, “If you wish to kill me then come on!”

  Irabor took a step forward then Didi threw a right jab. Irabor evaded the lazily executed attack and grabbed Didi’s face with his left hand, which he then squeezed and slammed the back of his head against the brick wall. He instantly crushed the back of his head, splattering the wall with blood and brain matter. Irabor wiped his bloodied hands off on his pants, but before he could take his breath of accomplishment, he heard a voice yelling. The voice got louder and louder and it was accompanied by rapid steps so he knew someone was not just heading his way, but running. Irabor stepped out the room and grabbed the body of the guard he killed and threw it in the room with Jago and Didi. He pulled his keys from the door and outed the flames of the torch. He quietly closed the door as he awaited the arrival of the person.

  “Abdel! Abdel! Where are you! Come quick! We caught one of the slaves! We caught one of the slaves Didi warned us about!”

  Irabor thought to himself, “Slaves that Didi warned them about. Dammit! That must be Ida. That stupid broad, I told her to follow me!”

  The guard continued, “Abdel! Abdel? Where are you? Did he leave his post again? Idiot.”

  The guard’s voice became fainter and fainter, Irabor assumed he was leaving the dungeon. Irabor waited for a few moments to make certain he was gone, he patiently stood by the door and did not hear a chirp. Irabor sat on the ground, crossed his legs, and began to plot his next move.

  Chapter 18: Deliverance

  Irabor pondered what could he do to help the captured Ida. He made certain that their mission has been fulfilled, and could easily slip back out through the sewage and leave her, but that idea did not sit well with him. After all he and she has endured, he could not simply turn his back on her, especially with her in a precarious situation as this. He was certain the Sultan would skin her alive once they figured out what he has done in the dungeon. He had to decide quickly what he intended on doing, lord knows what they are doing to Ida as he sat. He then looked over to his right and saw the keys. Suddenly, an insane idea hit him, so he sprung up and grabbed the keys.

  Irabor exited the room and head down the hall to where the cages were. A few of the prisoners were awake, but were frightened by Irabor’s presence and remained silent. Irabor stopped at a cell and stared at one of the prisoners. The man had many wounds on his body, with several of them festering. He was dark skinned yet pale, his eyes were lifeless and he coughed as Irabor watched him. He looked up towards Irabor and the little life remaining in his body nearly sprant away. To him, Irabor appeared as a large demon; his body towered over him, his face was covered in shadows but his eyes were glowing a vibrant red.

  Irabor began, “You look dreadful. How long have you been in here?”

  The man stuttered, “I-I don’t know.”

  Irabor asked on, “How did you get those marks?”

  Sheepishly the man answered, “Th-The guards. They beat us at random and wh-when we disobey.”

  Intrigued, Irabor crossed his arms and asked, “What did you do to end up here?”

  The prisoner looked away, “I robbed a man.”

  Irabor replied monotonously, “I bet you won’t steal anymore.”

  Irabor looked to his right and saw a woman staring at him. She was bald and topless, her breasts were nonexistent and her rib cage pushed up against her skin. He walked towards her cage, but unlike the previous prisoner, she did not flinch, “Why are you hear?” Irabor asked.

  “I stole food for my children,” she answered sternly.

  She lifted her left arm but it lacked the left hand, “And you’d think them taking my hand and locking me up would be penance for my sin, but those monsters executed my children as well!”

  Tears began running down her face, “So if you are here to kill us too, then hurry up! I am tired, I want to see my little girls again!”

  Irabor stared into her eyes, he could see the pain coursing through them. He lightened up and replied “I am not here to kill any of you. Instead, I wish to thank you. When the second guard came running through here, none of you said a word, I appreciate that.”

  A prisoner from an unseen location shouted, “Fuck the guards! I wished you killed him too!”

  Irabor chuckled, “I had to let that one live. Too much suspicion if two guards just go missing. Now then, I have a proposition for you all.”

  He continued, “I can see you are all miserable and disgusted to be here, so I shall grant you a fighting chance. I will release you all and give you the right to fight for your freedom.”

  Irabor heard a voice behind him so he turned, there was a figure sitting in the cage nearly completely shrouded in the shadows, “Are you mad? We are all weak and bruised. Weaponless and without proper garments, let alone armor. Those guards and soldiers would carve us up in an instant! I rather sit here and die a somewhat peaceful death.”

  Irabor walked over to the cage. The figure leaned forward so some light could hit his face, his eyelids were stitched shut. He had a scruffy beard and patchy hair on his head. His teeth her rotten with many of them missing. But his eyes intrigued Irabor so he began, “What happened to your eyes?”

  “The Sultan took them from me. Penance for my sins.”

  “What sins?” Irabor asked.

  “None of your concern. Now go before I change my mind and begin yelling for the guards.” Irabor sighed, “I am offering you all a chance to fight for freedom and you would rather sit here and die?”

  The blind man sternly responded, “Yes. Besides, how are you not locked up? If you really wished to help us you would sneak us out opposed to egging us on to throw our lives away.”

  The other prisoners began muttering amongst themselves so Irabor began, “I was already locked up down here. I was locked up by myself in one of the rooms around the corner. I spent my days loosening my handcuffs from the wall, so when the day came that a guard finally opened the door to check on me, I pounced on him. I grabbed the keys and freed myself.”

  The blind man quickly responded, “Lies! The guards hardly ever open the doors. They throw scraps through the opening in the doors. I might be blind but I am not a deaf fool. I hear almost everything that takes place down here.”

  A prisoner spoke up, “I think he speaks the truth. I remember seeing him fighting with one of the guards. Their fighting rattled my cage and woke me up.”

  Another prisoner added, “Me too! I remember seeing him holding the guard up against the cages.”

  The blind man responded, “What happened to that guard?”

  Irabor answered, “I killed him. That is why that second guard couldn’t find him. Now you believe me?”

  The blind man grunted and then replied, “Whatever, leave me out of this! I won’t be much use anyways.” The grumpy man retreated back into his darkness and became silent.

  Irabor walked away from the cage, he was upset at the prisoner’s disposition. He needed a way to convince
them to fight. He needed them relinquish their doubts and seek vengeance against the guards. He grunted for a second, then ran back to Jago’s room. He grabbed Jago’s legs and dragged his large body. His blood and sweat was smeared across the ground as Irabor pulled him. Prisoners watched in surprise as he pulled the body, Irabor then let go of the body for all the prisoners to gaze at the corpse.

  “I am assuming you all know who this is,” Irabor boasted.

  A prisoner murmured, “J-Jago. You did this!?”

  Irabor smirked, “Yes. This is a testament to my strength. This is the assurance I am giving you all, if you fight for your freedom, I will fight by your side. We may be unequipped but with your determination and my might, we can endure.”

  He continued, “These guards and the Sultan have treated you all like rubbish. Now is your time for vengeance. You see what I am capable of, and there is more in Jago’s cell if you wish to see it.”

  A prisoner began, “You are but one man, you can’t take on all the soldiers.”

  Irabor turned to him and responded, “I never said I would. We all must fight. I will tell you now, some of you may die – no – some of you will die. But as long as I fight by your side, you will have a chance at freedom.”

  The prisoners chatted amongst themselves as Irabor grew impatient. Every second that passed was a second longer Ida had to endure in their clutches. He was scared the Sultan might chop off her hands or pull her eyes from her head. He was also worried that guards could come downstairs in any minute, especially since the prison guard was missing as far as they know. Irabor knew that he needed the prisoners to decide quickly or all his hard work and preparation would be for naught.