[Mattius]

With a terrifyingly loud slam the heavy stone wall to the library closed behind them. It would be impossible to open again.

Jack's legs burnt in pain as he carried Jadae in one arm and helped keep Arethin's arms up so he wouldn't suffocate. Finally the stone stairs flattened out and he placed his two companions on the cold floor before collapsing into a heap himself. His heavy breathing continued for a good few minutes before he opened his eyes and looked up at the dark ceiling. With a great effort he sat up and took a look at his friends. Arethin winced and smiled through the pain and Jadae even managed a small laugh.
"Jack was nimble, Jack was quick," she giggled. Satisfied they were okay he fell back down onto his back with a loud laugh.

After another good few minutes of rest he forced himself to get to his feet. He tended to Jadae's leg as well as he could and helped her to her feet. With Arethin on her left and Jack on her right they formed a curious dancing line of the exhausted, broken and pierced. They used their arms to support each other as inch by inch they made their way down the dark corridor in search of either of their missing friends.