"I mean I'm glad to see you, I have information about Danny! Please excuse me, I've been on the run for days. I am in desperate need of sleep - and a toilet." Cyril covered, deciding to keep things simple for now. He could think up a plausible story after he had a few minutes to collect his wits.
"Hannah!" yelled the Baron, at which a plump girl of perhaps fourteen emerged from another room.
"Yes, Sir?" she asked timidly.
"Show this man to Barry's last room, and inform the guards to keep an eye on him. Tell them to bring him here in one hour. If he fails to follow you, run for help. Have him locked up, then let me know."
"Of course, Sir." she replied humbly.
Mr. Preda then turned to his "guest" and smiled, in a way that would make the Cheshire Cat look like an angel. "I hope you will find the facilities satisfactory. Take some time, bathe and clean off that travel dirt, then we can chat before you get some much needed sleep. You will find that I am very generous to those who defect from the Pizza Baron. I must say, I am curious about why you are on the run from him..."
"Thank you, kind Sir. I look forward to it, once I am refreshed." he replied, knees weak as he followed the young servant.
"Help the Predas." said a voice, coming from everywhere and yet nowhere.
"That's what I'm doing." he said aloud.
"Excuse me, Sir?" asked the girl, curious.
"Did you hear anything, Miss?" he asked hopefully.
"No, Sir. What did you hear?" she asked, obviously confused.
"It's not important. I'm just tired." he replied, sighing.
Very soon they were in front of a room which Cyril Pikers noted had an automatically locking door. It could easily be opened by anyone on the outside, but the occupant would be trapped inside. He shuddered.
"Enjoy your stay, Sir." said Hannah, in a voice which tried to be cheerful.
"Thank you, you have been very kind." he replied sincerely. She had been the only one in that place to show even a shred of kindness, and he genuinely appreciated it.
Bladder empty at last, Cyril soaked in the old fashioned bathtub. It felt like Heaven! Instead of thinking about what he would say, he drifted off into a deep sleep. Seconds later it seemed, there was banging on the door. Cyril quickly put his grimy clothes back on, and joined his escort on the short walk back to the Oil Baron's office.
Right before he entered, he heard the voice again. "Tell him about the plans Danny Rupert has for making his lands more self sufficient. And also about the Pizza Initiative."
"Never!" he thought furiously, horrified at the idea of betraying those who trusted him.
"Very well. I will tell him for you." replied the voice, obviously amused by his discomfort. Cyril marched into the room, determined to keep his secrets. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't the one in control. He could see and hear everything, but was unable to control his own body. It was a surreal experience.
"Mr. Preda, it's a pleasure to be here. First let me tell you about the Pizza Initiative." said the malicious entity which had invaded his mind and body...
Cover image made in Canva using their gallery