Chapter 17: Stranded

ALIAH

There was little light outside the cave, and even less when they got inside. Seamus reached out and Aliah heard some shuffling, then with a 'snick' the darkness was brightened with light.

'My father's men have used this cave before. Each person replaces the torch before leaving so the next inhabitants have light.' He was still smiling as he pulled Aliah further inside the cave. He used the light from the torch to check they were the only life in there. Once he was satisfied, he put the torch up in a groove in the wall.

A shivering Aliah had already taken off her waterproof cloak and was beginning to open her pack for dry clothes when Seamus interrupted her. 'Fire first for survival.'

It was all she could do to stop herself from rolling her eyes.