The jerk of the rope brought a scream from Jude's lips.  'Focus' had seemed so<em>easy</em>when he was practicing in his comfortable den at home...  But at least the physical pain helped his mind cope with the psychological agony of the situation.  He started walking, remaining just close enough to Moka that he'd fall if she fell.  He didn't want to be pulled down by that rope.  His book dropped into the hole with him, its bright ABC color scheme a comfortingly familiar sight.<br/>--Oooh, kinky.  If this is what they do on their holy ground, I have<em>got</em>to meet their gods.--<br/>--Do you feel sleepy?--<br/>--You're always sleepy.--<br/>--No, she's right.  This rope is robbing me of my energy.  That's the last time I use a verbal contract.--<br/>--Until you get desperate.--<br/>--I prefer to think of it as something really, really important coming up.--<br/>--I know what you prefer.--<br/>--Mmm, and I know what<em>both</em>of you prefer.--<br/>--You joke.  We're being dragged by the dick through this blasted forest while our energy is leeched away, and you joke.--<br/>--He is right, you know.--<br/>--Greed, you're suddenly so very agreeable.  Are we seeing your hidden nature?--<br/><br/>The conversation of the Sins provided some measure of passing time as the trek continued.  Moka remained silent, as did Jude.  What did you say in a situation like this?  Eventually they arrived at a village.<br/><br/>--They live in a cave.  But what would you expect from a civilization with no men?--<br/>--Orgies?--<br/>--Let me rephrase Pride's comment.  What would any sane human being expect from a civilization without male leadership?--<br/>--Food?--<br/>--He makes a point.  It's been a while since we've eaten.--<br/>It was at this point that they untied the rope and threw Jude into a hole.  It as he tried to stand up and explore his surroundings that he realized he'd broken his leg during the forced fall.  --Don't cry, little one.  Let me make it all better.--<br/>--True, with the rope gone, I don't feel the same weariness I did.--<br/>"Are you all blind?  Someone who'd never even<em>heard</em>of magic could tell those bars were enchanting.  I give you one guess as to what type of magic they have<em>on their prison pit.</em>"<br/>--You're right, you're right.  And while I'd be happy to challenge it normally, they obviously have something very strong at their disposal.  My Claim can stop the high-energy beam weapons that they mount on<em>starships</em>and they punched through with enough force to kill me if they'd wanted to.--<br/>"I can understand Wrath, but do all of you feel it necessary to resolve things with a fight?"<br/>--Not at all, darling.  But I really would like to handle that leg for you.  May I?--<br/>"Just for a moment.  I'd really like to resolve this peacefully."<br/>--You're in denial.  I know what repression looks like, little one.--<br/>The designs covering his body seemed to flicker and twist, and his leg straightened.  "Thank you."  Jude's voice sounded like he was mildly in shock.<br/>--Oh, don't mention it.--<br/>--We have a word for people like you.--<br/>--And for people like you.--<br/>Jude left them to their argument and began to explore his prison.  He ran his hands over the walls, jumped a few times, checked the floor to make sure no previous occupant had defecated anywhere, and sat down to read his book.  Eventually he'd get thirsty, but it wasn't worth forcing the issue until then.