He couldn’t leave Avi alone with this man. Not after the threat he had just uttered

“RUN!” Elchanan yelled. “Avi, MOVE!”

He spun around, darted to the side of the leering man with the thin lips. They could get away, disappear among the trees, find somewhere to hide until the search parties would arrive. He half-turned to see if Avi was behind him, when his partner let out a scream.

Elchanan skidded to a halt, grabbing on to a tree trunk for support. The man had caught Avi, and twisted his arms behind his back as Avi frantically fought to free himself. The man was laughing soundlessly, a slightly crazed look in his eye. But when he spoke to Elchanan, his words were deliberate.

“You run away now, boy, and you’ll never see your friend again.”

Elchanan’s body was frozen. His mind felt detached, numb, and horrified all at the same time.

This must be a dream. I must be dreaming.

He took a step toward Avi.

“Elchanan…” Avi croaked out, his eyes terrified. Was he asking him to go, to run and get help? Or to stay with him, save him… save his life?

He couldn’t believe he was doing this. One foot, another, stepping toward his doom.

But he couldn’t leave Avi alone with this man. Not after the threat he had just uttered.

Elchanan forced his feet forward. We’re going to escape, he told himself. We’re going to find a way… to get out of here.