The Eye of Minds

When Bryson’s body vanishes, the attack abruptly ends. Sarah and Michael continue silently on, horrified by what they witnessed but too afraid of further attack to discuss it. Michael manages to code their silence, which helps them move undetected. The still forms of Bryson’s attackers remain unmoving even when Sarah and Michael must climb over them to get to the door at the end of the hallway.

They pass through the door to a thick forest, where a man in a cloak awaits. The man explains they are in “Forest Mendestone, a place of darkness and death” (222). He warns them not to fear, however, as they will find “food and shelter [and] protection from the things that slay” (222). Michael, seeking reprieve, wants to follow, but Sarah is skeptical. The man warns, however, that following him is the only way to the Hallowed Ravine.

As Sarah and Michael follow the man, they debate the meaning of Bryson’s final words, but cannot find any answers to their many questions. Michael frets about the strange creature that seems to be the cloaked man’s pet. He grows increasingly anxious when he sees more and more eyes peering at him from the woods.