The Maze Runner, #1
The Maze Runner
by James Dashner
Contents
Chapter 13
Overview
Minho reports finding a dead Griever, shocking the Gladers and prompting Alby to delay investigation until morning. Alby confronts Thomas to share any memories, intensifying suspicion. Ben is revealed alive but sentenced to Banishing. That evening the Gladers assemble at the East Door, where Newt readies a pole with a leather collar for the ceremony.
Summary
Minho returns from the Maze claiming he found a dead Griever near the Cliff, stunning Alby, who presses for details. Minho, exhausted, refuses to retrieve it immediately, and Alby decides to wait until morning. Thomas keeps silent but is fascinated and confused by mentions of spikes and moist skin.
Alby turns on Thomas, accusing him of being linked to recent disruptions. Thomas pushes back, insisting he remembers nothing. Alby demands Thomas promise to report any memory, and Thomas reluctantly agrees.
Seeking solitude in the Deadheads, Thomas is interrupted by Chuck, who reveals Ben survived the arrow wound and is jailed in the Slammer. Chuck says the Keepers unanimously decided to Banish Ben that night for the attack.
At twilight the Gladers gather at the East Door as the Runners exit the Map Room. Ben is dragged out, terrified and injured. On Alby’s order, Newt brings a long assembled pole with a leather collar at the end, signaling the start of the Banishing procedure.
Who Appears
- ThomasCurious about the dead Griever; clashes with Alby; promises to report memories; learns Ben will be Banished.
- AlbyLeader; questions Minho, delays retrieval; confronts Thomas; orders Ben’s Banishing and the pole-collar.
- MinhoRunner; returns exhausted; reports a dead Griever near the Cliff; defers retrieval until morning.
- BenSurvives arrow wound; imprisoned in the Slammer; dragged out terrified to be Banished.
- ChuckDelivers news that Ben is alive and will be Banished; oddly excited by the event.
- NewtSecond-in-command; gathers the pole with a leather collar for the Banishing ceremony.