“Damp in ’ere” was the guard’s only comment as he peered around the cell, trying to figure out what the holly was going on. “You say ‘e got thinner. That don’t make no sense!”

As the guard stalked toward the window to see if the lad had somehow wriggled through the bars, Shiv was already backing toward the wide-open door.

It was time for Mucum to make his move. If he could only slide silently to the floor and slip out of the cell, they’d be free. The plan had a few problems. With such a tiny room, any sound was amplified. Even as Mucum slowly lowered himself, a plank behind his back did what all planks do best. It creaked.

Alnus spun around, a look of genuine surprise plastered on his face. “Where’d you come from?” he sputtered. But the guard wasn’t about to wait for the answer. He’d already pulled out his stiletto from its sheath and was advancing toward Mucum.

“Calm down, mate. I was jes’ practicin’ me climbin’ skills. No ‘arm done, eh?” Mucum retreated, Shiv cowering behind his knees.

“Thought you’d fool me? You’re like all the others. Let’s play a joke on Alnus, they say. He’s always good for a laugh!” The look on the guard’s face indicated that there were no fun and games to be had at this particular moment. “Well, I’m gonna make your disappearing act permanent!” Both blade and man leapt through the air, aiming for Mucum’s chest, hoping for bloody impact.

Mucum saw the knife flying toward him. He wondered if he had time to pull out Flo’s thoughtful gift, currently tucked into the inside flap of his cote. By the time he reached the blade, he’d be dead. Far better to play this the old-fashioned way. He’d been involved in some good fights with the local lads in his time, and the rule of the wood was simple: There were no rules, only survival.

At the last second, as the sharp blade was inches from his rib cage, Mucum leaned back on his left foot and stepped out of the way.

Alnus didn’t have time to be surprised as his stiletto stabbed empty air. He was more than surprised, though, when he felt a very well-aimed kick connect between his legs and crush a particularly sensitive part of his anatomy. “Eeeeek!” he screeched in a ridiculously high-pitched voice as the knife tumbled from his hand and clattered onto the floor. It was shortly joined by a body as Alnus collapsed, both hands clutching himself and trying to contain the utter agony that quickly sent him toward unconsciousness.

“Don’t be such a wimp!” snarled Mucum, standing over his victim. “My friend was far braver than you’ll ever be!”