And now I was here, running for my life, but I wasn't aroused. It was different, it was real and brutal. Nothing erotic about it. Besides, I wouldn't give these creatures my body, not my flesh.

Suddenly, the roar of an engine, sharp and aggressive like a chainsaw. A loud scream! Not from me. Not from the men with the axes. A black Jeep sped around the corner, its headlights shining like angry eyes. The Jeep raced straight towards us. A splintering sound! Then a bang – not from the Jeep. A gunshot! A second one! The men with the axes stumbled back, their shadows swirling. Their silent determination shattered.

They hesitated. A window of the Jeep rolled down. An arm stretched out. A pistol! Another shot! The noise echoed between the trees like a hammer blow on an anvil. The pursuers ran off and disappeared into the black maw of the forest. The Jeep braked abruptly beside me, dust swirled up and scratched at my throat. The driver's door flew open. "Get in! Quick!" a deep voice roared over the engine noise. No time to think. I jumped in, the door slammed shut, and the Jeep accelerated so abruptly that I was thrown against the seat.

The Jeep's tires spun gravel as it almost skidded onto the narrow road. Its headlights cut through the twilight like swords. Two more sharp bangs—warning shots—echoed from the pine trees. The heavy, dull footsteps behind me fell silent. I didn't look back. In the rearview mirror, I saw the bulky figures disappear into the forest, swallowed by the shadows. The smell of pine and exhaust fumes filled the Jeep, pungent and acrid. My hands trembled uncontrollably in my lap. The coin chain felt ice-cold against my sweaty wrist.


Slowly, my pulse returned to normal, and I calmed down. Was I really safe now? I took a closer look at the man. Athletic build, black beard and short black hair. He looked well-groomed and was nicely dressed, wearing an expensive watch on his wrist. He was perhaps 35 years old, but I wasn't entirely sure. After what felt like an eternity, the man spoke to me. "My name is Egon, Dr. Egon Mars." It took me a few seconds to reply... "Sarah, Sarah Mohl, a reckless tourist, I haven't come up with a better title yet."