Ancalagon watched this part of the torture with a slight frown, and when Shyrath pulled back for the final blow, he saw an opportunity to secure their loyalty. His hand darted out as the whip snapped in, and it slammed against an invisible shield, hastily conjured and held to protect Shale from the last strike.<br/><br/>Looking at Shyrath, Ancalagon said aloud, "I think they understand what the punishment for disobedience will be. And that it will be much worse for harming anyone under our protection."<br/><br/>He then walked to his mate, and gently rubbed her cheek, and said, softly so only she could hear, "There was a method there, and I will explain it later."<br/><br/>Turning to the guards Ancalagon walked around them, examining them, and says, "You three will be returning with us. My mate will take you two first, while I stay here with the prisoner. At your new home, you will do as ordered, or we will make that punishment look like a repreive. Understood?"