My pursuers were right behind me, nearly upon me, when I rounded the corner. Spotting a door, I pushed, hoping against hope it would open. It gave under the pressure of my hand. I held my breath for a moment, until the heavy footsteps in the corridor told me that they had gone past.  Turning, I found a young girl in a white lace dress looking at me. She held out an intricate golden crown, “Take it,” she said…