‘Grace, I believe you were under strict instructions to check the consciousness of our guest and return to us immediately. Which part of those instructions did you not understand?’ The voice was harsh, croaky. Alice didn’t have to see the woman who spoke to know that she was cruel and toad-like.

‘She was injured. Had I not stayed down here to tend to Alice’s wounds, she would’ve been dead by now and all the effort you put into organising her capture would have been wasted. So, you’re welcome.’ Grace was defiant. Alice wondered how this ferocious woman would exist inside the talkative and tender person she had so far shown herself to be. Alice couldn’t decide which Grace she liked more.

‘Insolent child,’ the woman croaked. ‘Get out of my way.’

‘No. She’s not ready.’ Grace stood even taller, blocking Alice from the interlopers.

‘I don’t care what you think, child,’ the woman sneered and then Grace disappeared from in front of Alice, crashing into a wall at the side of the cell. She landed in a crumpled heap and groaned. ‘Now, what have we here? You’re awake then, girl?’

Alice looked up into the wretched face of the woman who had cast Grace aside and felt a rage burning inside her. Rage that overcame her fear, her confusion, and her need for answers. She fought against the pain of her stiff joints and muscles and pulled herself to her feet.

I don’t know who you are, or why you need me, but you hurt her again and I will make you pay! was what Alice desperately wanted to say, if she could channel even an ounce of Grace’s courage. Instead, she avoided the woman’s eyes and stayed silent.

The woman cackled and croaked, and her companions, whom Alice could now see clearly, also exchanged amused smirks. ‘We’ve got a talkative one. Brilliant,’ the woman replied, condescension clear in her tone. ‘Unless you want to stay down here for another week, I’d advise you to get a grip of yourself and follow me.’

‘I-I demand that Grace accompany me,’ Alice squawked. Her stutter negated any self-confidence she had hoped her demand might convey.

‘You are in no position to be making demands, little girl. No, Grace will join us later and only if she behaves. For now, you will come alone.’

Alice’s wrists flew together, and the cold pressing of metal manacles appeared out of the darkness to attach them together. The icy gaze of the toad-faced woman confirmed to Alice that she would have to follow them, willingly or not, but she felt like it would probably be less painful if she just followed, leaving Grace behind to regain consciousness. It was less painful on her body perhaps, but her heart ached to walk away from Grace’s crumpled body and the protection she promised.

They left the damp cells behind and went up a dimly lit staircase, then walked down dark corridors, twisting and turning. The walls turned from damp stone to polished oak, which wasn’t any less oppressive, but it was at least a warmer atmosphere. The manacles felt like glacial ice around her wrists, so any change in atmospheric temperature was welcomed. The winding walkways felt like a rabbit warren, with passages and corridors and doors snaking in different directions. Alice knew if she lost sight of the people leading her, she would never find her way back to Grace, let alone to wherever they were going. After what felt like an age of walking, Alice felt the strength return to her limbs and her aching muscles were grateful for the movement and the opportunity to stretch and strengthen. She felt an ounce of her courage and a beacon of hope beginning to glow in her chest. With her strength returned, she might be able to figure out a way to escape. She was careful, however, to keep herself limp, to drag herself along as if she were half-dead. If they underestimated her, she would have a greater chance of overpowering them.