“They’ve taken Maria captive and they’re killing her—!”

Freder reeled. Josaphat dragged him towards the door. Like a log, Grot stood in his way, his lips mumbling, his eyes glaring.

“The woman who killed my machine—!”

“Shut up, you fool—get out of the way!”

“Grot!” A sound born half of madness....

“Yes, Mr. Freder!”

“You stop with the machines!”

“Yes, Mr. Freder!”

“Come on, Josaphat—!”

The sound of running, running, retreating, ghost-like.