"Eaten?" Helen asked.
"Yes,"
"By what?" she frowned.
"The engine," his words made her pale. She watched his leaving back and gave up looking for Lizzy for now, and followed him to a corner.
"Wait, what engine?" she asked and he turned and sat on the floor, resting his back on the wall.
"The Nether engine," he answered and she joined him on the floor.
"What is the nether engine?" she asked.
"You are really not from around here, then. Everyone knows, the Nether engine swallows the night, and heaven's eyes watch the day," he said.
"Was it what swallowed me into the ground?" she asked.
"That was the Nether people and their machines; those guards from before. The noise of the night attracts them,"
"How does it happen; getting eaten by the engine?"
"Look up," he said and she did as told.
"See those iron railings? They open and a large claw appears and grabs chains and people too," he answered.
"What do you want?" she suddenly asked him after pondering for a few seconds.
"Why do you think I want something?" she asked.
"You knew I was not from here and approached me. Is one to mistake this, goodness of your heart? It is obvious I cannot be of help because I do not know anything about this place," she said.
"You do not let your guard down, do you?" he chuckled.
"Tell me," she insisted.
"People from far away may have tricks up their sleeves. Many of your kind have escaped this place. I will exchange anything for your help," he revealed and she frowned.
"What do you have that could be of use to me?" she asked.
"I have a Black Iron train pass. The train passes here just before dawn. If you help me leave, we will be out of here before the Nether people can reach us," he said. His mouth seemed to not be moving, yet his voice sounded in her head.
"How do I know you are speaking truth?" she asked.
"I'll make a blood oath," he said and she paused. She was from a martial arts clan. A blood oath was bound to one's life.
"I have a condition," she said and he frowned.
"I am looking for my companion. She was taken the same time as I, but was not in my in the dark room with me," she explained.
"Then she is in the Nether halls. Some are sent there to become slaves. If she did not enter the dark room with you, she is not here. The only other option is there," he said.
"You said you can get me on the train, what about her?" she asked.
"I can get at least ten people on the train," he said and she nodded.
"But, how do I get in?" she asked him.
"You wish to enter the Nether halls to find your friend? I can get you in, but I will not go with you," he said.
"Okay, I agree to your terms," she said and he seemed to release a breath.
"How do we get out?" he asked her.
"The claw will take us," she said and he paled.