Ventus by Karl Schroeder

Karl Schroeder / Ventus / Page 401
if the thief would break down. The rope tightened around his
neck, but he didn’t struggle as he was lifted skyward.
"Stop! Cut him down!" Lavin strode over to the
scaffold. Surprised soldiers jumped to untie the rope from the
horse’s harness. Enneas fell to the ground, choking, dirt
grinding into his bloody back.
They hauled him to his feet and unwound the rope. He
coughed and gasped, and blinked at Lavin with his good eye.
"You have your life," Lavin told him, "if you tell me
what you know, and if I judge that it will be of use to me."
Enneas’ knees buckled. He managed to croak, "Done!"
before he fainted.