In the dank, clammy labyrinth, Charles ran frantically with his crew, his face grim.
"Mr. Charles, my friends can't keep up!" Lily shouted anxiously from Charles's shoulder.
"Tell them to climb onto James's back! Hurry!"
The mice quickly scrambled onto the back of the shrinking Giant. James now looked as if he were wearing a black cloak.
"AHHHH!!"
"AHHHH!!"
"AHHHH!!"
The heartrending screams ahead grew louder, overlapping in a rising chorus, but nothing could halt Charles's steps now.
If Bandage was right and the island had already sunk beneath the waves, they would all sink with it into the abyss if they didn't get out in time.
No matter what lurked in the deep sea below, it was no place for humans.
The oppressive, damp air weighed down on them, tension etched into every face. But seeing Charles, their anchor, leading the way, no one panicked.
