i

It is so hot in this cell. The air does not move at all. How I long for a cool drink.

This place has defeated me. I sprawl on the floor, weak and flabby.

I stare at the bars on the window and the narrow - oh so narrow - gaps between them. If only I could follow my dreams through one of those gaps. Down through the town and to the sea again. To freedom.

To freedom and a cool drink.

I discard the weight of my defeated self and like a wild idea I slip out between the bars. The light of the afternoon is dazzling.

I am in the prison yard.

The fence on the other side calls to me. I'm sure I could fit through a gap over there and be away. But if I move away from this wall, all is lost. The guards are lazy and stupid, but if I move out across the yard they will see me and I will back in the cell.

Or worse.

I wait for the sun to go down and in the darkness I creep across the prison yard.

The old fence is no barrier to me now and I am through and running down the hill. Soon I am down amongst the buildings of the little town in the bay. Just nine of them. Six houses, the church, the general store and - out by itself along the beach - the tavern.

Which of these buildings do I head for?

Yes - the tavern. I can go in and negotiate my passage away from this land. Even better, I could start with that precious cool drink I've been yearning for all these months.

Or at least I could, if I had money.

What do I have? The same as I started with: nothing.

I walk along the beach and slump on the sand, staring out at the ocean. Out of my cell, but defeated all the same.

Who can I turn to for help? No one will help you when you have nothing.

Use the sea.

With pockets full of gold I stride into the tavern, sure now of a welcome. I can buy a place on a ship.

But that is mere detail. Right now only two things matter to me.

The bar tender turns to me and smiles. "Good evening to you sir! What can I pour for you?" he asks.

"and?"

You win! Thanks for playing!