It's getting dark, as night falls. I can barely see my own hand. All I can do is sit and think. I close my eyes, forcing my thoughts into an organized pattern.
Thoughts of my friends came to me ... of Ana and Rast; of Rhia, Cait, and Kom. I focused on each of them in turn, as I realized how much I truly missed them. Seeing each of them in mind, I felt a little less alone despite my isolation.
Moving on, I brought to mind Raak and Altheric. Inwardly, I cringed, thinking badly I had bungled things with both of them. How to fix it I ...
The door opened, and I bolted upright as I heard the man almost cheerfully say "good morning sunshine." Struggling to my feet, I said to the darkness, "why? Why are you doing this?"
"Nothing personal, " he replied, "just profit. The ransom letter has been sent. Soon, you'll be back home ... so long as no one does thing stupid."
"If it's money you wanted, I could have given you some!"
"While I appreciate your charity," he replied, his humor taking on a sarcastic edge, " price I'm asking for is 50 coins."
I stared into the darkness incredulously, "50 ... Gold?!" I about choked.
I heard no response, only the sound of the door closing. I was never going to get out!
