"There's also a side tunnel leading back to the surface near the border of the property. We need to find that tunnel before her people block it.'

They set off, making the best speed they could.

As they moved through the earthen tunnel, they could see the flames of their candles flicker wildly.

"I think we are getting close to the opening to the surface.." Napoleon said as they stopped to get their breaths and bearings.

"Yes.. I think so."

"Yes gentleman, Another 40 or 50 years, if I am correct." Lovecraft replied to both their queries.

Napoleon thought of something.

"Lovecraft, our bond? Is it strong enough to get Illya off the property...alive?"

There was only silence. Then Lovecraft answered, "it might be. All you can do I would think, is to try."

Illya nodded. "Then we try, If I could have left two days ago, I most assuredly would have."

"Let's get moving." Napoleon took Illya's free hand and they took off in a half run for the surface.

Luck was with them, there was no sign of anyone around the tunnels small opening. The agents blew out their candles and removing the candles from the heavy silver holders, now carrying the holders as weapons.

They slowly and quietly crawled out of the tunnel.

'How far to the border Lovecraft?' Napoleon asked their unseen third partner.

'Just past those trees to your left. About 30 yards or so.'

Napoleon took the blond's hand again.

'We make for the tree on on my mark, okay?"

'Da. The sooner the better.'

Napoleon counted to himself, but knew that Illya could hear clearly his thoughts.

'One....Two....THREE!'

As one, the two men ran for all they were worth. But just as they crossed through the trees, Illya cried out in pain and fell to his knees. They were off the property, however, and he was still alive. Napoleon wasted no time. He pulled his friend and now forever bond-mate up and sied him over his back. Then he started to run again, as though the Devil himself was after them. And in a strange way, that was who was chasing them..

"Where...are we... going Polya?" Illya asked between spasms of pain.

"To the Professor's place. I think we're going in the right direction."

"The Professor's place? Who..?"

"Later. save your breath Illyushka. Is the pain still bad?"

Napoleon felt Illya's head shake.

"Nyet, it is less than it was. I can run for myself now, Polya. Stop and let me down."

"No doing." the senior agent replied. "You have been through hell. And anyway. We shouldn't stop... I have a bad feeling that time is not on our side."

"I fear that may be so Mr. Solo. But we/you are off the property alive at any rate."

"But we are still not out of the woods." Napoleon answered.

"I just want us to go home. And leave the devil to his own." Illya added.

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