They arrived finally at a clearing in the trees.
“Now,” said Jonathan, looking at the two women. “I have a little task I want you to perform.”
Amy c****d her head questioningly.
“I want you to escape.”
“You want us to…?” She was confused.
“Escape. Run away. Go on. You think I’m joking?”
Amy stood rooted to the spot.
“RUN!” he yelled, taking a riding crop from his boot and catching Paula across the backside before she moved away.
It was the most extraordinary order, but they obeyed with no further hesitation. Across the clearing they flew, then into the trees, plunging along a small animal trail.
“What’s—he—doing?” Paula panted, out of breath.
“Don’t know,” Amy responded, feeling her heart pounding though not quite as short of breath.
They kept moving, along a ridge, then dow
