Daffyd’s bare feet slapped against the stone floor. He looked back and wished he hadn’t. The two older boys were catching up. Gritting his teeth, he pushed himself to run faster. Desperately he took turns and dashed through doors at random. The castle that housed the Academy was built sort of strangely. Ahead a window gaped open, promising freedom. If he could just make it-

A hand fell on to his shoulder and yanked him back.

“You thought you were gonna get away, didja?” Jerry asked between breaths. His crony, Justin sagged against the wall behind him.

The young boy struck out in every direction, fighting like a pinned cat. He wasn’t sure where he struck the older boy but it worked. Jerry lost his grip and Daffyd was running again. Ten steps and he was on the window sill. Daffyd realized he’d made a huge mistake. The window overlooked fierce waves that crashed against a rough cliff side far below. Just under him, a narrow ledge beckoned.

There was nowhere else to go. He gulped and lowered himself down.