by Chris Smith
Hidden against one of the black panels the dark figure crouched down low. He waited with anticipation for the boy to entire the trap he’d prepared. He’d do his job, no more or less. Having been vigilant in his endeavours to remain concealed, he’d witnessed every step to date of the boy’s remarkable progress. Perhaps he’d become complacent, or maybe the boy’s intuitive sense had developed, because he’d almost been caught out. He wasn’t ready to be discovered yet; that wasn’t the plan.
The dark figure waved his hand across his chest. The door responded to the command and slammed shut behind James who jumped at the noise. The dark figure was so amused by this reaction that he had to smother an inclination to laugh. What did he think was going to happen? Did he think this place was an amusement park? Now what? Come on, get that brainless look of your face dunce, work it out — you’re in a cell, the dark figure thought. Large plates, which fitted together in a giant jigsaw construction, created the mosaic-styled walls of the prison. The tiles on the left side of the cell were all shiny white, while the right ones were a deep matt black. The dark figure hid against the backdrop of the black panel. He’d camouflaged his escape route to perfection, almost undetectable to the eye, but not quite. What’s the fool doing now? James ran his hands over the door. Jesus, he’s looking for a doorknob. Dickhead, does he think he can go back? The dark figure watched James scratch at the doorframe trying to prise it open, his efforts wasted. The door fitted perfectly into the stonewall frame. He’d made it foolproof, escape proof. Once something is done it can’t be undone. Didn’t the boy understand that yet? Every step in the shadow world once taken is irreversible. The moment someone passes through the guardian snakes’ entrance he cannot go back. The boy had been given his options.
James picked up a stick. He pushed it into the doorframe in a vain attempt to force it open. The door didn’t budge. Searching the area he found a large rock and threw it at the door. The dark figure couldn’t contain a snigger. The boy reacted; his piercing blue, lifeless eyes looked straight at him. Had James seen him? Yes? No? Wait — keep still and see what he does. The boy relaxed. The dark figure followed suit a moment or two later. That was a narrow escape. He needed to be more careful.
