CHAPTER 14
“You’re called Simon, right?”
Simon ignored the old man and kept working. He had already learned after just three days in the mines nothing positive ever came from conversing with another prisoner. He wasn’t Simon anymore. He was 39846. His only purpose in life was to keep from falling behind. There was nothing more important than keeping up. If the overseer didn’t beat you for failing to meet quota, your fellow slaves took matters into their own hands. Simon’s physical build seemed suited for mining, but he still hadn’t fallen into rhythm with the others. He ignored his comrade’s question and continued to dig as the shouts of the overseer reverberated just around a dark corner.
“My name’s Mal-Chin.” The man’s voice sounded stronger than his white hair and leathery skin sugge
