Alain and Devan stood silently on opposite sides of the dimly lit chamber, their attention unwaveringly fixed on Rashan as he methodically proceeded with the interrogation of the restrained elf. Their roles were precise and essential: steady restraint, quiet intimidation, and unwavering support as Rashan calmly and deliberately carried out his unsettling technique.
Alain, with approximately a decade of experience serving as a Blade, watched Rashan intently. During his years within the Empire's elite intelligence corps, Alain had encountered leaders ranging from fiery and impulsive to cautious and overly hesitant. Rashan was distinctively different—quietly authoritative, with a presence that commanded respect without ever raising his voice. The young Redguard's measured instructions conveyed absolute certainty, leaving no ambiguity or room for misunderstanding. Alain, betrayed and abandoned by the Empire he'd faithfully served, recognized in Rashan the exact qualities he sought—a commander who thought carefully before every action, valued loyalty deeply, and would never leave anyone behind.
Yet, Alain occasionally felt a brief pang of disbelief. Rashan was only seventeen—barely older than some recruits Alain had once trained, yet already displaying a level of composure, decisiveness, and strategic wisdom beyond many seasoned veterans. Earlier, Alain had witnessed Rashan perform an extraordinary surgical procedure—carefully extending the elf's existing wound to address internal injuries directly, meticulously aligning shattered ribs, and methodically applying precise restoration magic. Battlefield healers typically resorted to crude methods, relying purely on powerful but imprecise spells. Rashan's surgical precision had deeply impressed Alain, revealing a depth of knowledge and skill previously unseen in any healer he had encountered.
Devan, formerly of the Morag Tong, observed with equal focus but through a lens refined by a lifetime of precise and disciplined violence. Accustomed to measured brutality, Devan found Rashan's methods intriguing yet unfamiliar. The "waterboarding" technique Rashan employed was something Devan had never encountered before, though he immediately appreciated its ruthless effectiveness.
Rashan approached the elf methodically, placing a thick cloth gently but firmly over the captive's face. Alain and Devan simultaneously tightened their grip slightly, steadying the elf against involuntary struggles. Rashan calmly raised a pitcher of water, tilting it slowly over the cloth-covered face. The liquid flowed steadily, soaking through the fabric and creating a suffocating seal around the captive's mouth and nose.
The elf's reaction was immediate and visceral. His entire body convulsed sharply, desperate for air as primal panic set in. Limbs jerked involuntarily against Alain and Devan's iron grips, muscles straining beneath their steady restraint. The elf's chest heaved violently, attempting to draw breath but meeting only the soaked fabric. Devan, familiar with precise techniques of torture and interrogation, silently noted the effectiveness of this method—the induced terror was overwhelming yet carefully controlled, causing intense panic without inflicting permanent physical harm.
After a carefully measured interval, Rashan lifted the cloth, allowing the elf to cough and gasp desperately for air. Rashan's questioning remained calm, composed, and repetitive, providing the elf minimal relief before repeating the entire procedure. Each round lasted longer than the last, intensifying the elf's panic and weakening his resolve further.
Alain admired Rashan's precise balance of psychological and physical pressure, noting how each repetition systematically eroded the elf's defiance. Rashan's calm demeanor never wavered; he showed no frustration, anger, or impatience—only relentless professionalism. This method of interrogation was far removed from the blunt force typically seen on battlefields; it was clinical, precise, and remarkably effective.
Both Alain and Devan silently exchanged glances, their mutual approval evident. They recognized in Rashan a uniquely effective commander, capable of executing strategies with meticulous discipline and unwavering resolve. Alain found in Rashan a pragmatic ruthlessness, tempered by strategic patience, essential for victory. Devan saw a precise, disciplined strategist capable of securing the future he desperately sought for his family.
With every cycle of waterboarding, their respect for Rashan deepened. Each carefully controlled pouring of water reinforced the clear message that Rashan understood exactly what was necessary—and was willing to carry it out without hesitation. Alain and Devan saw in Rashan not just a capable commander, but a leader uniquely suited for the harsh realities of war.
As the interrogation progressed, both men silently committed themselves further to Rashan's command, recognizing a leader who, despite his youth, could confidently navigate the brutal complexities ahead, one who would lead them unflinchingly through the darkness toward their shared goals.