Chapter 19: The Great Escape

It took a moment for his eyes to adjust in the dim light of the room. The figure of Thalia sitting on the bed, frowning at the window, soon came into focus. Smiling, he thought she would not be happy at her appearance. Always neat and tidy, her ordeal had caused strands of hair to escape its bindings, and her clothing was rumpled and partially untucked. Worst of all though, her face was scratched and covered with smudges of dirt. Fortunately, she seemed otherwise unharmed. That lifted his spirits.

Using his arms, he eased himself to the floor. Once he regained his balance, he sidled over to her, making sure to stay clear of the door. All the while he chanted his mantra, 'I am not here, please do not see me.'

As he approached Thalia looked around the room in consternation. Inch by inch he moved along the wall between the door and the bed, and her head turned as if she was searching for something.

'Thalia,' he whispered.