Quietly scampering over to the bookshelf, I fill my arms with any treasure within easy reach. After briefly hopping up on my toes to blindly scoop more from the upper shelves, I realize my tiny arms are already too full and spilling over. No, no, this won’t be enough. I quickly scan the room for any solutions.

  It’s perfect! I hurriedly throw all my new treasures inside before swinging it around to flawlessly fit upon my back and shoulders. This alone may be worth the trip! It’s so much better than those giant packs from the other big, big ones. Why must they make everything so big? It’s always so tediously difficult to use their stolen tools and things.

  What’s next? A pot sits over a pile of burning embers near the table where they held me earlier. Are they also mixing? Scurrying over, I stick my head inside to observe their work. A vile, nasty smell slaps my face, rising up from the gooey, grimey depths. What is this awful slurry? It’s like some kind of disgusting, clean mud. Are they mad? And they’re heating it, as the young one did with his pot as well. Is that actually a good idea when mixing? Hm.

  Forget this worthless junk, I need to keep moving before they get back. A series of medium sized metals hang on the wall by the pot. Appraise says ladles, spoons, prongs, and more. Whatever, rare metals go in the bag since they’ve never done me wrong. As long as they’re not too big!

  All along a nearby counter, my eyes spy a series of beautiful, crystalline other world rocks.

  I don’t understand what these are, but they’re going in the pack.

  Finally, one more item strikes my interest. Lying out on a small table in the corner is an incredibly gorgeous, ornate, perfectly round stone. It sparkles in the light, calling to me. Completely hooked, I carefully approach it to appraise.

  Excellent, excellent treasure. This definitely goes in the pack.

  Protective instincts raging, I find myself refusing to stay any longer. Someone may come back at any time. I must get out early, before that. No waiting too long! Skittering towards the entrance, I hesitantly pause just before pushing on this “door” that blocks it. That creaking sound will be the death of me. Instead, I take a smaller chair in hand, moving it below one of the darkest windows. Climbing up, I peek out and see a narrow space between this big one refuge and another nearby. Perfect! I shove as hard as I can until it swings completely open and then hop out.

  Freedom never felt so good! However, the realization of omnipresent whispering and shouting immediately sends me down, cowering into a crouched pile under my cloak. It’s so loud out here. Yes, yes, I remember. There were so many outside!

  After at least a minute’s wait and no one pestering me, I risk peeking out. At the end of the narrow space between the structures must be the trail that we took to come here. Do I risk it? Is there another option? I don’t know how to navigate through all the twisted paths of this cursed dungeon. All I can do is guess my way back the way we came, hoping to remain as unnoticed as the first time. That’s the only option. All others stink of danger.

  Standing up, I fix my cloak, comfortably hiding myself beneath it as best I can. I pull the hood closed as much as possible, maximizing the shadow it leaves on my face while keeping it open enough to create a narrow opening for my eyes. I can’t leave my head down in fear this time. I must be able to see, it can’t be helped.

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Taking a deep breath, I step out of the shadows into the main trail between the structures. It’s so busy here. All kinds of big ones are walking every which way. Some also stand or sit on the sides inside raggedy wooden structures piled up with odds and ends.

  Fish? Inside this place? But there’s no water for them anywhere. What kind of twisted mockery is this?

  No, no distractions! I match pace with all the others so as not to stick out from the crowd. I’ll try to follow where most are heading. If I go towards the most popular destination, then that will almost definitely lead outside this wretched place, no?

  Yes, I must believe that my genius will deliver me. Follow I shall.

  Eventually, I reach a central point where crowds from all directions gather. The space is covered in a meticulous stone floor that seems special somehow. On one side, a long, twisting line of big ones has formed. A single big one stands at the front of the line, facing it. Idly waiting there, he converses with the first in line. Not knowing where else to go and having grown more comfortable mingling amongst the chaos undiscovered, I move closer in order to listen.

  “Where to today?” the front man asks the one in line.

  “I need to get to Center City. How much?” the line man asks back.

  “20 silver and no tax to enter,” the front man answers.

  “Sheesh, that’s steep. You guys are really growing money on trees out here, aren’t you?” the line man grumpily argues back.

  “Hey, it’s a lot of energy from all the way out here. Next in line will probably have to wait ten minutes because of you,” the front man lazily retorts.

  “Whatever, just do it,” the line man demands, handing the other a small bag of something.

  Then with a wave of his hand, a giant, shiny bubble forms in the air next to the front man, and the line man immediately walks inside. The previous displays of this ritual having been previously blocked by the crowd as I drew near, my eyes widen in fascination at the shocking sight. This is amazing! What is it? It’s exactly like that wonderful, sparkly stone. I eagerly appraise it.

  Hm? No condition or description this time. I wonder what that means?

  I deeply wish to steal it, but how could I sneak up there in this large crowd? No, it’s too risky. Maybe if I wait until nightfall? No, no, that’s too long. Too long. Too risky.

  As I wait, considering my options, another large bubble safely forms far away from the line of big ones on the opposite side of the stone circle. Out steps two big ones dressed in silly, frilly clothes. Briefly fascinated again as the new bubble disappears, I watch as these new big ones exit the stone area completely. Calmly strolling closer while imitating the easy gait of the crowd, I discover that their destination is a large, idle beast attached by string and metal to a big wooden contraption.

  Hm, interesting. They’re climbing on top of this wagon, and one of them appears to be urging the beast forward. It’s pulling them all in tow now, fascinating. Lucky for me, they have to navigate slowly through the crowded trail, so I can easily keep pace with this normal, unsuspicious stroll.

  After following for a time, I spy in the distance the familiar arched entrance that dragged me into this hell. This wagon is heading straight for it!