"Someone, come here and untie him," the man barked an order, his loud voice bouncing back from the walls.
A man scrambled forward, his movements clumsy, maybe because of the sheer fear. Using a sharp knife, he cut the ropes that bound Denis to the chair. As soon as he was released from the restraints, Denis rubbed his aching wrists.
The first thing he wanted to make sure of was Anne's safety. "Are you okay?" He stepped toward her, reaching out to her.
Before he could touch her, the man's sharp voice echoed again. "Stop right there, if you want her alive."
Denis froze in his tracks.
"Come on, and defeat me," the man provoked, motioning his fingers, challenging Denis. "One-on-one combat. I swear my men won't touch you."
Denis turned to him, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. 'What kind of game is he playing now?' he thought cautiously.
