The Dungeons of Maldread

SISTER ALICE was troubled. She mulled it over in her head once more. The orphanage of SOLANCIA was her life and that life was slowly dying out. Every month that went by there was less and less money for supplies. The women were having to go without to feed the children and the threat of more casualties, caught in the middle of the constantly warring factions of this treacherous place, loomed over them all.

As the years had passed, the good people who could, and were willing to, contribute to a place which had cared for them and their forefathers had grown tiny indeed. The women had tried to contact all those they had records for but most were either penniless or in no position to help. Some did not even want to know and SISTER ALICE was rapidly losing hope.

AVRIL, a fine-looking woman in her mid-twenties and the newest recruit to SISTER ALICE'S caring profession, entered the room and sat down. "You are as painfully aware as any of our current predicament." Spoke ALICE. "Yes Sister," came the reply. "I am more than willing to help in any way I can."

Looking up, SISTER ALICE continued "Hmmm. I seem to remember you having kept in touch with that boy whom you were so close to once. Know you where he resides now?"

"Well Sister, the last time he wrote to me was more than four years ago but I possess his location then. He lived a few miles to the east." AVRIL paused. "Do you wish me to contact him?"

"Yes, go to him," urged the elder, encouraged by the response. "He always seemed fond of you and was quick-witted, strong and kind as I recall. You should leave tomorrow at first light."

On the subsequent journey AVRIL pondered her feelings. There had been a mutual affection between the two companions when growing up and this had eventually turned into something more. Yet the relationship had remained purely platonic and seven years ago they had both gone their own ways. Would AVRIL be remembered and, if so, would he be willing to help ...

It was late in the evening when AVRIL finally arrived at a small but sturdy hut, deep in the forest. Did he still live in this humble abode? The threatened storm had finally materialised and the heavens opened as AVRIL strode towards the small building ...