Introduction: A life of slavery is not an option. Not for Shadow. With the help of a wizard, he and other refugees can cross the Barrier and escape the teeth of lizardfolk. But when the operation fails and Shadow is caged in the Fortress of Stahl, he must find a way to escape before he is sold to the highest bidder. Something stirs within him, is it rage...or something more powerful? Regardless, Shadow is not afraid to die freeing himself, because death is a better alternative to a life in chains.鈥擳rigger Warning: This story contains depictions of slavery and torture....