**Chapter 6: The Journey to Lars's Estate**

The sun had barely risen over the Southern Isles, casting a pale light over the crumbling buildings and dusty streets. The air was crisp, with a hint of salt and dampness, and the sound of seagulls echoed through the air. Hans was dragged from his cell, his wrists and ankles bound by heavy chains that clanked against the stone floor. He stumbled and staggered, his mind still reeling from the darkness that had consumed him. Lars watched with a mixture of concern and curiosity as Hans was hauled out of the dungeons, his eyes fixed on the man with a calculating gaze. As they walked, the streets seemed to blur together, a haze of color and sound that Hans couldn't quite process. He muttered and raved, his mind racing with thoughts and emotions that he couldn't quite control. The guards moved swiftly, their footsteps echoing off the buildings as they led Hans through the winding streets. The journey to Lars's estate was a blur of movement and color, a kaleidoscope of images that Hans couldn't quite process. He was dragged through the streets, his chains clanking against the pavement, and his mind reeling with thoughts of escape and freedom. But it was no use - the guards were too strong, and Hans was too weak. Finally, they arrived at Lars's estate, a grand and imposing structure that seemed to loom over the surrounding buildings. Hans was dragged inside, his chains clanking against the stone floor, and his mind reeling with thoughts of despair. The interior of the estate was cool and dark, the air thick with the scent of wood and stone. Hans blinked in the dim light, his eyes adjusting slowly to the change. Lars led the way, his footsteps echoing off the walls as he guided Hans through the winding corridors. They arrived at a large and comfortable-looking room, with a big bed and a fireplace that crackled and spat. The room was warm and inviting, the fire casting a golden glow over the furniture. But Hans was not interested. He stumbled and staggered, his mind still reeling from the darkness that had consumed him. He fell onto the bed, his chains clanking against the frame, and his body shaking with violent convulsions. The sound of his own ragged breathing was like a scream in his ears, and the feel of the bed beneath him was like a physical blow. Lars watched with a mixture of concern and fear as Hans's body seemed to contort and twist, his face distorted in a snarl. He knew that he had to act fast, or risk losing Hans to the darkness completely. He turned to one of the guards, his eyes cold and hard. "Restraints," he said, his voice firm. "We need to put him in restraints." The guard nodded, and produced a set of heavy leather straps. Hans struggled and fought, his mind racing with thoughts of escape and freedom. But it was no use - the guards were too strong, and Hans was too weak. They strapped him down, his wrists and ankles bound to the bed by heavy leather straps. Hans struggled and fought, his mind reeling with thoughts of despair. But Lars just watched, his eyes fixed on Hans with a calculating gaze. "He's gone," Lars said, his voice barely above a whisper. "He's completely gone." The guards nodded, their faces pale and frightened. They knew that they had seen something terrible, something that would haunt them for the rest of their lives. And as they left the room, Lars was left alone with Hans, his mind racing with thoughts of what to do next. He knew that he had to act fast, or risk losing Hans to the darkness completely. He picked up a piece of paper, and began to write. "Dear Anna," he wrote. "I need your help. Hans is in a bad way, and I need someone with a compassionate heart to care for him. Will you come?" Lars folded the paper, and sealed it with a wax stamp. He knew that he had to act fast, or risk losing Hans forever. He called for one of his servants, and handed him the letter. "Send this to Anna," he said, his voice firm. "I need her help, and I need it now." The servant nodded, and took the letter. Lars watched him go, his mind racing with thoughts of what to do next. He knew that he had to save Hans, no matter what it took. And he was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen.