Timothy told her that Arthur and the others never remember the horrible things Peter does. If they did, would they be happy here? Maybe some part of them does remember, and that’s why they run.

“Jane.” Her mother speaking her name draws her attention. “Take those swords. I need you to guard the entrance.”

“Yes, Mama.” Jane bends to pick up Arthur’s dropped sword.

Something about Peter’s blade makes her uneasy, and she doesn’t want to touch it. She can’t see where Tiger Lily kicked the other boy’s sword, but it doesn’t matter. Even if she handed one of the weapons to Timothy, he wouldn’t take it, determined that he’s been “kilt” by Arthur’s sword all because of Peter and his ridiculous rules.

She wants to ask her mother what she means to do, tell her that this all feels wrong, but surely her mother knows. Surely after coming so far to find her, her mother would never do anything to put them in more danger. Moving on stiff legs, Jane crosses to stand next to Timothy. The sword feels strange in her hand, lighter than she expected, but still awkward. What if Arthur comes back and brings the others? What if she has to use the blade?

“No matter what you hear, don’t come any deeper into the cave. Do you understand me?” Her mother’s expression is the same she used to summon Peter to her side. Still caught in her mother’s grip, Peter looks stricken, miserable. Jane swallows hard.

She nods, not trusting herself to speak; the look in her mother’s eyes frightens her. What’s deeper in the cave? What does her mother mean to do? Peter’s eyes widen, his body ever so slightly trembling. He glances at Jane, and for a moment, his expression turns imploring, as though she might stand with him against her mother. Jane quickly looks away.

“Let’s go.” Tiger Lily tilts her head, indicating the direction of the orange glow.

A look of fear passes over her mother’s face, lightning-brief, then she nods at Tiger Lily. Jane bristles. Why should this stranger go with her mother, while she must wait here? Jane glances down at Timothy. He’s a small, pale shape in the dark. Her mother can take care of herself, but Timothy cannot. It isn’t that Jane is abandoning her mother, or even the other way around. Jane lifts her chin, putting her shoulders back. She is choosing this. She will stay behind for Timothy.

She sits, putting her arm around him. Timothy’s expression is grateful, but even so, Jane’s heart sinks as she watches her mother and Tiger Lily drag Peter deeper into the cave.