Chapter XII begins at the cusp of a daring escape through the guarded corridors of Phutra. Disguised in the shed skins of Mahars, the group—composed of the narrator, Perry, Ghak, and the ever-cunning Hooja—moves in silence, relying on the unlikeliness of their ruse to mask their desperate bid for freedom. The dim torchlight flickering across the stone walls casts long, eerie shadows that match their fear of discovery. Every step echoes with risk, as Sagoths patrol the halls with lazy suspicion, unaware of the bold plan unfolding beneath their noses. This infiltration is not just a physical act but a psychological test, where the weight of possible failure hangs heavy over them. In that moment, survival means more than speed—it demands composure, luck, and an unwavering commitment to the cause. Trust in disguise becomes their shield.

As they reach the grand avenue of Phutra, the disguise is stretched to its limit. The busy space is crowded with activity, and the group must move with calculated ease to avoid suspicion. Sagoths and enslaved humans bustle around them, creating a tense maze of motion and surveillance. The slightest misstep could unravel everything. Eyes brush over them, lingering a second too long, but never shouting alarm. Through clenched jaws and held breath, they make their way past the city’s edge. The first breath of open air feels like rebirth, but the shadow of pursuit clings fast. There is no celebration—only the need to keep moving before their escape is discovered.

Once outside the city’s grip, the terrain offers both sanctuary and new threats. The forests are dense, offering cover but demanding stamina. Perry’s condition begins to slow them down. The older man, exhausted and wounded, becomes a liability in practical terms, yet his wisdom and loyalty are irreplaceable. An argument brews, with some urging for speed over solidarity. Ghak’s voice rises above the rest—calm but firm. He refuses to abandon anyone, even in the face of death. His decision affirms their unity, setting a moral tone for the journey ahead. The group’s values are tested not by the Sagoths, but by their response to weakness within.

To improve their odds, Hooja is sent ahead to rally the Sarians. His role, while important, is also strategic—distance him from Perry and others who now slow the group. Trust in Hooja remains fragile, and his reputation casts a long shadow. Still, with time running short, the decision is made. The path forward leads them through rugged hills and uncharted woodland, each step echoing with the fear of pursuit. The terrain, while natural, feels alive with unseen dangers. The Sagoths may not always be visible, but their presence is felt—lurking, tracking, always just behind.

Their journey transforms into a test of endurance. Hunger gnaws at them, sleep comes in fractured bursts, and nerves fray beneath the constant pressure. The Sagoths do not relent, driven by instinct and command to reclaim what escaped. The jungle closes around the group, both protecting and threatening them. As they pass narrow passes and steep ridges, small victories—like finding drinkable water or spotting a path—become lifelines. Every decision carries the weight of consequence. Yet through it all, Perry’s resolve never fades. His pain is visible, but his spirit remains intact, serving as a silent source of courage for the rest.

The true heart of this chapter lies in its exploration of loyalty and leadership. The protagonist begins to see that survival is not only about strength or strategy, but the bonds formed in suffering. Ghak’s insistence on solidarity, Perry’s endurance, and even Hooja’s calculated risks all represent different facets of resilience. This is no longer simply an escape from captivity—it’s the birth of something larger: an emerging resistance. The journey through Pellucidar’s wilds sharpens their purpose and strips away illusion. In the face of unending pursuit, what remains is a raw, shared will to live freely.

By the chapter’s end, the Sagoths remain unseen but never absent. Their presence is a drumbeat behind every decision, a reminder that freedom must be earned again and again. As the group continues toward the cliffs of Sari, their unity strengthens. Each mile covered is a victory in itself. Though battered, they press forward, driven not just by fear, but by the growing flame of hope that, perhaps, a new future lies just ahead.