The Maze Runner, #1
The Maze Runner
by James Dashner
Contents
Chapter 18
Overview
Trapped in the Maze at night, Thomas rejects running and instead hauls the unconscious Alby up the ivy, creating a makeshift perch high on the wall. Exhausted, he hides there as Grievers draw near and a beetle blade marked WICKED spies on them. The chapter ends with a Griever approaching.
Summary
Thomas watches Minho flee and feels betrayed, realizing he must act alone. With Griever noises growing, Thomas checks Alby’s pulse and decides he cannot leave Alby to die. Attempts to carry or drag Alby fail, forcing Thomas to consider the ivy-covered wall as their only chance.
Testing the vines, Thomas finds them strong enough to bear weight. He ties multiple ivy lines around Alby’s limbs and begins a laborious process: climb, secure himself, then push each of Alby’s limbs up in short increments and tie off, repeating the cycle. The Grievers’ mechanical roars and distant lights intensify as he works.
Gradually, Thomas hoists Alby to roughly thirty feet above the ground, utterly exhausted and unable to climb higher. He resolves to hide there, hoping the Grievers won’t search above, or to fight from elevation if necessary. The Maze fills with metallic screeches and moving lights.
A beetle blade emerges from the ivy beside Thomas, its red eye illuminating the word WICKED stamped on its body, confirming the Creators’ surveillance. After it scuttles away, the noises crescendo. Finally, a Griever rounds the corner and advances toward Thomas and the suspended Alby.
Who Appears
- ThomasNewbie trapped overnight; refuses to abandon Alby, devises ivy-climbing plan, hauls them up the wall, witnesses WICKED beetle blade and approaching Griever.
- AlbyLeader, unconscious and stung; Thomas ties him with vines and raises him about thirty feet to hide from Grievers.
- MinhoRunner who panics and runs off, leaving Thomas to manage Alby and face the Grievers alone.
- Beetle bladeSurveillance machine marked WICKED; observes Thomas in the ivy before scuttling away.
- GrieverMechanized creature approaching Thomas and Alby in the Maze as the chapter ends.