*
A short way along the next tunnel, a glow appeared in the distance. Eager for the warmth it offered, they ran towards it. It was further away than either expected and they leant against the soft walls to catch their breath, lifting their faces to the dim pink light on the ceiling. Ash felt for Peggy who had been hanging from his back pocket and plucked her out, holding her in the comforting light. Her spirit stirred.
“You don’t realise how much you really need the light till it’s gone, do you?” said Ash.
“Yes, I suppose you’re right,” Will answered, glancing up and down the passageway. “How far off the lake would you say we are?”
“We might have missed the turn,” said Ash, patting Peggy before returning her to his back pocket. He froze and slapped his hands to both pockets then sidestepped about searching, scanning. “I’ve lost Eski!” he cried, circling with his hands on his head. “We’ll have to go back. Hey, have you still got Edward?”
Suddenly the walls around them flipped open like windows on an advent calendar and an assortment of animals sprang out wielding swords, spears, sharp teeth and claws. They shouted, barked and howled, till various blades pointed at their throats. Then there was silence.