Bonesplinter Ravine [M] Viva La Vida

A glacial stare was directed at Hasdrubal, the Abbot retreating from the boy with a brow that raised further, an ember of vexation kindling within his chest. The tension in the air thickened, poised to erupt, and at last, he could contain himself no longer. A thunderous laugh escaped his lips, reverberating throughout the basin and echoing ominously against the stone walls.

An army sent to collect a mere slave? Oh, my, my, my! he chided, his voice dripping like honey as he shook his head, a serpent coiling in delight. Is Pharaoh so desperate to preserve his menial help? So utterly threatened by the loss of one servant? Another bark of laughter escaped his lips, and the assembly around him, sensing the shift in atmosphere, joined in his mirth, their relief palpable as they echoed his mockery. Why, it is nearly beyond belief, is it not? A pity that such a proud lord would stoop so low!

Herod turned his gaze upon the woman, his head cocked to one side, an expression of twisted amusement etched upon his features. She was nearly comical.

Alas, I must express my reluctance to permit our esteemed Prophet to be dragged back into the chains from whence we valiantly rescued him, he declared, turning to cast his voice to the assembled throng, who leaned forward, caught up in the cadence of his words. We shall keep him safe, keep him free, keep him home! The crowd erupted into a cacophony of cheers, their alacrity rising to a fever pitch, a tide of fervent loyalty that only stoked the flames of the lion's arrogance.

With a complacent grin, Herod’s gaze returned to the woman, triumph etched across his features.

Bring rope. We shall leave her for the army to collect.