With her
eyes closed, Fiona realises that she's enjoying the ride. The way
the bear has her cradled is remarkably comfortable. Its fur is soft
and smells of something vaguely familiar, while the arm itself is
firm and somehow generally comforting. She feels safe and secure,
that nothing can threaten or endanger her. With her eyes closed to
avoid seeing the madness around them, she thinks that she could even
have a little nap.
“M'lady,”
says Strauss, interrupting her reverie, “We have arrived.”
Fiona opens
her eyes to find they are standing in front of a hole in the ground
with a ladder descending into the darkness.
