It'd be night soon, so, Tatia had to decide fast if going all the way back to town to report to the authorities was a better choice or try rescue the children herself ~ which could be dangerous as well; but, she had to choose fast as every second made the situation trickier and just then, as she decided to report the situation ( i.e take option one ), a man entered the shed, weilding a gun in his hand - he seemed to be mumbling something at first, and then, his voice gradually grew louder and louder until he made a sudden shrilling 'vow' to finish them all and offer them to his ancient diety to get blessings for his community; and, it'd happen tonight at midnight, he vowed - it'd all be done ~ afterwhich, he gave a nasty glare to each of the trembling kids and left the shed, promising again, to see them later.
Tatia watched in horror at what unfolded, and, as he left she tried following him outside, but he seemed to have vanished into the thick woods totally unware of her presence; and she knew here was her only chance to save the kids, she just couldnot leave them behind, not after the sinister 'vow' she had just heard so she went back to the shed and decided to enter it this time...much to the children's surprise as their tired eyes widened at the new visitor - oh, she had to save them, and she'll do it fast come what may, Tatia thought.
'Dear kids,' she said softly, 'I'm here to rescue you, do as I ask and donot make any noise,' Tatia took the pocket knife the only tool she had and cut at the ropes that tied the children's wrists, each's - one by one; then, as the children pulled the tapes off their mouths frantically, she said, 'follow me, we have to move out of here fast, before that monster returns,' the children understood and the relief was clearly visible in their tear strained eyes...they were all very grateful and although exhausted after the ordeal they had gone through, they followed her instructions obediently.
After freeing them, Tatia guided them back the way she had come, and, they followed, Tatia's only hope now was to reach the town safely...it was already dark and they all had managed to get quite far away from the tower; but, with some sudden fireshots exploding in the air, they knew instantly that the abductor had come back and had found them missing - 'run', Tatia told the children, and they ran as fast they could down the hill, few fell but got up again, scratching against the wild bushes - but, none stopped - they ran and ran.
Tatia looked back to check if all were coming and no one was left behind, they were in real danger - for now... there were more fireshots, but these came from the opposite side as well along with sirens going off - police, Tatia couldnot believe it, but, yes, they were police sirens, someone had alerted the police it seems and they were patrolling the deserted area after all...and, with fire being shot they had leapt into action - but, Tatia and the children were all still in danger atleast till the police spotted them so she ushered the children behind some trees and decided to wait...all their hearts pounding in unison.
The gun battle lasted couple of hours into the night, until, to their horror and also relief the body of the abductor finally fell lifeless not far from where they were hiding - his body stuffed with bullets; and only then did Tatia and the children could come out of their hiding spot and run towards the police - finally safe ~ and days later, Tatia ultimately did get an award for her bravery in rescuing the kids from the town committee and became a youth icon too of sorts with all the children from the locality and beyond being her biggest fans.
