ARIADNE'S THREAD Book 1 Canto 3 'The Gatehouse' I have travelled far through the shadowy passageways of the labyrinth, finding my way with the help of Ariadne's thread. My keeper Malakili refuses to believe me dead, despite his discovery of the Athenian hero's bloodied sword near the entrance to my lair. Having cared for me from birth, he knows me and my prison better than any man and keeps the torches burning for now in the hope that I have somehow survived. I must hurry my escape before they decide to search the labyrinth for my carcass. Bagged and dragged, I've brought my three companions as comfort. Icarus, Yorick and Wilson were marked by me with the meagre paints gifted by my keeper to help with the endless boredom of my dark abode. Having arrived at what I imagine is the gatehouse, I carefully approach a large wooden door that is slightly ajar. The thread winds its way through here and I must follow but instead I stop abruptly and listen. Two guards beyond the door are talking quietly but excitedly and I hear the names of Theseus and the Princess Ariadne mentioned as they shuffle nervously towards the strange thread that one of them has newly discovered. The guard delicately lifts it to be examined more closely as his companion joins him with interest, both unaware as yet of who it is that holds on to the other end....