Being a non-person to some extent, he was free to move around the fortifications and he wandered aimlessly, if only to lessen chance of encountering other captives. The old stone stronghold was a maze of steps leading to more steps and dark passages. It was during one of his explorations that he discovered a dungeon of sorts, musty and dripping, with low rooms secured by metal grills.

He edged along the central corridor, negotiating the mossy flagstones with care and was on the point of turning back. A shape moved in one of the alcoves and hands gripped the bars. He froze, as though confronted with a wild animal.

A pale, angular face drew close to the bars. Even in the gloom he could see that it was the woman who had attracted the birds several days before. He remained immobile, fearing repercussions from the unknown as much as the opprobrium of authority. She was silent but regarded him intensely and the simile of a captured animal strengthened in his mind.

Their unspoken words in no way diminished the communication between them. Her active imprisonment was in marked contrast to his passive freedom. He keenly felt the pain of her being caged within a cage, sensing that it could be his turn one day. Instinctual selfishness guided their motivations and linked their lives.