5. enslaved

Draco pov. “GANBULLAJIIIIIK!” Volga bellowed at the top of his voice, making me cower in fear. His eyes were red and the veins bulge in his neck, as he stared at me with wide eyes. I could see that he was trembling in anger, as the muscles on his jaw and shoulders tensed and his fists balled into balls.  He was still screaming nonsense. My heart thudded frantically in my chest. Though I didn’t understand his tongue, it was apparent that I had upset him.  “Shaaaaaaa!” I gasped when he started to advance at me. Taking an involuntary step back, I frowned, worried about what might happen.  With two long strides, he was right in front of me. He was bigger and he easily towered over me. He grabbed my arms with all his might and shook my small body compared to his. I winced in pain. I was sure he would leave bruise marks on my arms. But that was the least of my concern. I was more worried about what he might do to me.  He screamed some more gibberish which I certainly didn’t understand and pointed frantically at the freaky insect-like things and a huge pot that was on the stove. Oh, maybe he wanted me to cook. After all, I was supposed to cook their food.  I took timid steps towards the pot which already had some broth boiling in it. Should I put these freaky things inside? I bit my inner lips and gulped. I looked at the insects and then at the pot. I was not sure. But I was too reluctant to ask Volga anything. It was clear that he hated me already.  Well, here goes. Let’s hope that my wild guess saves me. I took a deep breath and took the little insects one by one and put them into the pot. I could sense Volga watching my moves attentively. Perhaps this was supposed to be a soup. Shaking my head, I took the spatula on the counter and started to stir the broth.  To my amazement, it started to emit a nice aroma. A small smirk curved my lips. Yes!! I did it! But then my stomach grumbled. I was hungry since I hadn’t had a decent meal the whole day. But I was taken out of my thoughts when I felt Volga’s tough grip on my shoulder. “Gah!” Volga grunted and pushed me away. I stumbled across the kitchen with the force he pushed me with and fell onto the hard, tiled floor.  I watched, open mouthed as he stirred and tasted the broth and then nodded in satisfaction. Well, at least he looked pleased with that. He poured the broth into a set of bowls and set them on a tray. Which I suppose was being taken to the dining room so that the royals could feast. He dropped all the used dishes into the sink and as he passed by, he spat on me.  “Dullah thioli.” He grumbled through gritted teeth and pointed towards the huge pile of dirty dishes in the sink.  I scoffed as he walked away. So much for being the kitchen helper. I don’t even get a thank you. Scowling, I slowly stood up and sighed as I made my way to the sink. I guess I had to do the dishes. Perhaps I would have to do all the cleaning too. I was their ‘slave’ after all.  I wonder if I will be able to have any food here. Frowning in worry, I continued to wash the plates one by one. I glanced secretly at the pot I cooked the broth in, wondering if any of it was left. Maybe I could taste some of it...... I was hungry enough to try anything. But first, I knew I had to finish my chore. Or else God knew what awaited me.  Is this my fate? Will I ever be able to escape this hell hole?  Hey.....maybe I should. There is no harm in giving it a try. But to do that, I will first have to learn about this stupid place. There must be an escape route. I had a feeling that somehow, there should be a way that my world was connected to this strange place. If I was able to come here, there should be a way to leave as well.  I continued to grit my teeth as I washed the dishes. This shouldn’t be what I must be doing. I had my whole life in front of me. I had so many plans. So many places to explore. But I just had to choose the Bermuda triangle to be my next destination. I should have gone climbing the Himalayan mountain range. Or Mount Everest. I should have gone to explore the secrets of the cannibal islands. But here I am....stuck in this weird place. So much for my curiosity. Still cursing myself for being such an i***t, I thought about the reason why I came here in the first place. So many ships and aircraft had gone missing here. I just wanted to find out what had happened to them.  Suddenly, my heart skipped a beat. Was it possible that those who got lost earlier faced a similar fate as me? Perhaps they too were being enslaved in this strange world. Who knew.....or worse, maybe, they died... Maybe they were killed. Maybe they didn’t survive the whirlpool... Or maybe, they were still wandering in the wilderness of this magical world. So many possibilities. My heart started to pound. I must find out what had happened to them. But where do I look?  A frown wrinkled my forehead as I placed the last plate in its place. I looked at my fingers which were wrinkled by all that washing. My back was aching and my arms were tired. I could use some rest. I saw a small stool on one side of the kitchen. Sighing deeply, I sat down on it. This was better than nothing.  “I had never washed so many dishes in my entire life,” I murmured as I leaned against the kitchen wall. Sitting down on this uncomfortable stool barely gave any rest to my tired bones. But it was better than standing the whole time nonetheless.  Taking deep breaths in an attempt to relieve some of the soreness, I placed my elbows on my knees and lowered my head.  “I must look around this palace. I’m sure I’ll find something.” I muttered to myself.  “But I wonder if they would ever allow me,” I replied and chuckled to myself. I never thought I would end up talking to myself. I just hope I don’t go insane. Just then, Volga stomped into the kitchen with the tray filled with used plates and dishes. I watched in utter dismay as he dropped all the dishes into the sink and glared at me. “Gah!” he bellowed. “What the f**k! Not again!” my tongue moved before I could keep my mouth shut.  I slammed my hand on my mouth as soon as those words escaped my mouth but it was too late. The damage was already done. Volga screeched as he took intimidating steps at me and grabbed my shirt by the collar. I watched completely appalled as he balled his fists and punched my nose, making me bleed from it.  I staggered backwards with the force until I stumbled over the stool I was sitting on and banged my head on the wall. It took a while for me to regain consciousness. My eyes started to water when he hit my nose. I blinked, trying to focus on what was in front of me. Volga was staring at me with wide, angry eyes. His huge chest heaved as he took furious gasps of breath.  I raised his massive hand, once again to hit me. But I covered my face in fear. “I’ll do it! I’ll do it! Please.... I’ll do it!”  I screamed, not wanting to get hit by this huge mountain of muscle. I didn’t want to die yet. I had so many secrets to uncover.  He growled before he left me alone. But I was relieved that he did. At least I was safe from his punches. I was certainly not interested in finding out what other forms of punishment he would use. I’d rather just obey his every order.  Groaning in pain, I dragged myself towards the sink to wash the second pile of dishes. To my complete shock, the sink was once again piled with dirty dishes. What? How many plates and bowls does a family need to use during their mealtimes? I thought, but I dared not voice my opinion.  I was already suffering from a bleeding nose and a throbbing headache. I better get this over with and try to find some ice to relieve my pain. I was barely done when Volga returned with a mop and a broom. My eyes widened. Does he expect me to sweep and clean with this bleeding nose?  “Gah!”  His gruff grunt sounded more like an order. Wiping away the bloody snot that was streaming out of my broken nose, I silently took the broom and mop from him. Without any complaints, I started to clean the place. I didn’t dare look up as long as I felt his presence.  But as soon as he left, I scowled at the doorway.  “Doesn’t he talk? Is all that does is grunt? Sheesh!” I murmured, angrily.  I was angry at them for enslaving me. I was furious at Volga for hurting me without a good reason. And I was fuming at myself for wanting to explore the devil’s triangle. I was being so weak and vulnerable in this place. No wonder it was called the devil’s triangle.  Shucks! I should remind myself never ever to indulge myself in such activities in the future – if I ever manage to escape from this damn place that is.