The clanging of a hammer, connecting against steel would wake Korval. Though the heat of a hearth comforting, he would attempt to fight. Perhaps out of instinct, Korval would slug one of the guards from his back in attempt to free himself. Three others would pounce on him, pinning Korval to the table he lay upon. Though he was to strong. Korval kicked one guard, sending him back before rolling onto the floor. Another would attempt to swing a sword at Korval, who would catch it in his grasp. Korval would roar in pain, as blood seeped from his grasp. He would lash out at the guard, knocking off his helmet. Korval would then grab him by the hair and force the guard’s face into the forge.
As this chaos proceeded, an ever watchful eye would just look over the madness from shadow. Two of the guards would recover, grabbing loose hanging chains from the ceiling and would throw them around Korval’s arms. In almost a tug-of-war they would pull, binding Korval. Korval would fall to his knees, letting out another ferocious roar. It was then, the man from the shadow would approach. Lord Fergal, the man who would purchase Korval would grin wide, laughing at the misfortune of his own guards.
“This! This is why I knew! You do not know me, Beast… But you belong to me now.”
Lord Fergal would hold an iron rod. He would proceed to stick it in the forge, heating the blunt end. The guards would continue to struggle as Korval would still fight, but he would grow fatigued. Lord Fergal would circle Korval, the end of the iron rod glowing. Korval would puff and pant, exhausted from his attempts.
“You defeated my champion. You will repay this debt, by becoming my new one!”
And in one vicious act, Lord Fergal would press the burning iron rod hard, deep into the flesh of Korval. His screams would echo throughout the room, as Korval will forever remain with the branding of his new owner upon his shoulder. Lord Fergal would continue to laugh, tossing the rod into a bucket of water. He would proceed to get down on one knee, looking Korval in the eye.
“Welcome to the family…”
He would then motion to the guards to take Korval away. They would drag him across the room before tossing him into a small cell at the end of it. Korval would lay helpless, as another three men would scarper as he hit the floor. The door would slam shut, as Korval would regain some of his senses. He would look among those locked with him, all branding the same mark. Korval would shut his eyes, silently weeping as the pain still fresh. It was then a woman could be heard entering, her cackle almost as manic as the Lord of the house.
“My dear, Fergal… And what delight have you brought me this time?”
Turning his head ever so slightly, Korval would witness Lord Fergal kiss this woman, before turning to face him. The room would fall silent, with only the sounds of Lord Fergal’s footsteps approaching the cell to be heard. He would just gaze upon Korval, as others would remove the burnt guard from sight.
“This marvel, my dear, Elis… This ‘Beast’ will be our new champion!”
The manic laughter and cackling would continue as Korval would just shut his eyes once more. The others in the cell would hoist Korval up and bring him further into the room. They would lay him on the cold stone bed, as the door outside of the cell would close as Lord Fergal and Lady Elis would leave. Korval would just lay there in silence, as the others would sit and watch him. They were all branded, sharing the same fate… or so it would seem.
