The horrible pit fell into silence, with only a light breeze sweeping over things and causing bits of dust to take flight. The sun had risen some time ago, although none of the hiding pirates could quite say when. Their attention had been on the predators surrounding them that had now vanished inexplicably. After a few minutes had passed, a handful of gulls landed to pick at the spoils left in the pit.
"Mace," Ilona said, "what's going on? Can you see anything?"
Slowly, Mason rolled to his back and scanned the sky above. It was empty.
"I... I don't know," he replied. "I don't know where they went. It doesn't make any sense."
"What should we do? Should we try to run?"
