Shail's heart hurt it beat so fast. Why would Gemini offer something like that? He didn't understand. Did she want him to suffer indefinitely? Did she want him? Logic played no role here. Otherwise he might understand the situation more. He just knew the tone of the village head's voice scared him.

"Then there is no way we can say no."

Shail's heart dropped all the way into his stomach.

"I don't know what you want with the boy. I worry for him, but...I speak for the village. Do as you will." With that, he turned away and grudgingly, the man at his side followed. Together, they and their soldiers went back to their home and their families, leaving Shail all alone. It hurt to breathe. Not knowing where he could escape to, but not wanting to stay either, he slipped into the nooks of the cave wall to wait for a chance. He couldn't get past without being noticed now, but she would expect him to be in the alcove still and when she passed by, he would take off. He just didn't know if he could do it.