The Maze Runner, #1
The Maze Runner
by James Dashner
Contents
Chapter 10
Overview
Thomas chases a WICKED beetle blade into the woods and discovers the Glade’s graveyard, confronting the reality of past deaths and a chilling warning about the Box. As darkness falls, the sick boy Ben ambushes and bites Thomas. The attack exposes instability within the Glade and escalates immediate danger.
Summary
Thomas pursues a beetle blade into the forest as dusk deepens, losing the device when it scurries up a tree. Hearing snaps in the underbrush, Thomas calls out but receives no answer, pressing on despite growing fear and the dim light.
He emerges into a small graveyard marked by crude wooden crosses, noting recent and older graves. Thomas reads names like Stephen and George, then discovers a glass-covered half-body tomb bearing an etched warning against escaping through the Box Hole, confirming lethal attempts have been made before.
More snapping branches approach through the dark. A thin, limping figure circles the clearing and lunges. Thomas is tackled among the graves, scratched by a broken marker, and bitten hard on the shoulder amid a frantic struggle.
Forcing the attacker back, Thomas finally sees the face of the assailant: the sick boy, Ben. The assault reveals how the Glade’s dangers extend beyond the Maze, as illness and instability provoke violence within their supposed sanctuary.
Who Appears
- ThomasNew arrival who chases a beetle blade, finds the graveyard, and is ambushed and bitten by Ben.
- BenSick Glader who attacks Thomas in the graveyard, biting his shoulder in a violent outburst.