Chapter 14 – Outcasts
Jerry groaned and opened his eyes. His surroundings were dim and fuzzy, but they slowly came into focus. He lay on a bed in a small bedroom. He carefully sat up and looked around. It was a rustic place, with walls made of bare logs and an earthen floor mostly covered with an old, threadbare rug. There was a narrow doorway at the far end, but with only a curtain for a door.
A glance down at his body revealed exposed skin. He lifted the bed's covers and confirmed that he was naked. He took a deep breath, but then immediately began coughing. His lungs felt like they'd been beaten with a meat tenderizer. After a few moments, he got his breathing under control. It still wasn't pleasant; the air smelled of dust and mold and fish.
He put a hand to the back of his head and
