Right now I’m saving all my sparkles for Ludo.
12
Ihave thought for long enough.
Time for action.
In my contemplations, I’ve concluded the walls, door, and floor of this cage are all unyielding.
But every building has structural flaws.
I look upwards again, at the tiles above my head. My eyes fix on the centered canister light. Reinforced glass covers the bulb.
A weak spot.
As is the six-inch square ventilation grate set into the ceiling. Achilles' heel.
If I stand under the vent and reach up, even at full stretch, my hand falls short.
I tried jumping, but my fingers barely grazed the metal grid.
Not good enough.
So I will have to use the only tool provided to me; a steel toilet bolted into the concrete floor. It would have been simpler if thevent had been situated above the toilet, but unfortunately, that is not the case.
Time to work.
Bracing my back against the cold wall, I plant my heels against the rim of the bowl and pray for Theseus’s strength and Sisyphus’ perseverance. This is the boulder, and once moved, I will begin the Hero’s Journey.
I drive my legs forward.
My broken ribs scream.
And the metal pot rocks a little.
Reset and strike again.
And again.
Again.
Again.
One more surge of effort, and something gives.
Finally.
Another body blow and the toilet bolts shear away.
The accompanying rush of water is expected and unavoidable. I have no way to cut the supply. But I’d checked and made sure the cell door was sealed tight. No flood will flow into the outer corridor and bring attention.
Move faster, human.
Yes, minotaur.
Though guards have only been down on this level once since my arrival, my beast may sense something I cannot.
I heave the heavy steel unit toward the edge of the room, and step onto the rim.
