# Refuge explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by George MacDonald.

## What happens

Photogen, recovering from illness, resolves to flee Watho's castle at night despite his terror of darkness. Nycteris finds him on the plain, comforts him, and persuades him to leave immediately. She leads him through the night, using her superior night vision to avoid wild beasts, while he struggles with fear and weakness. At dawn, Photogen revives and carries the light-sensitive Nycteris, who has protected him all night.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reality vs. Illusion

Photogen's fear of darkness and Nycteris's fear of light highlight their contrasting perceptions of reality; each must learn to understand the other's world.

### Suffering and Divine Chastening

Both characters endure physical and emotional suffering—Photogen from illness and terror, Nycteris from light-pain—yet they find strength in mutual care.

## Character check-ins

### Nycteris

Guides and protects Photogen through the night, using her night vision to avoid wild beasts; suffers from the approaching light.

### Colin

Referred to as Photogen; he is fearful of darkness but gains strength at dawn, carrying Nycteris.

### Watho

Mentioned as the witch from whom Photogen and Nycteris flee; she sees best in daytime.

## Key lines

> You are like live armour to my heart; you keep the fear off me.

Your presence protects my heart and dispels my fear.

_Photogen expresses how Nycteris's companionship shields him from terror._

> I shall be with you. I will take care of you till your dreadful sun comes, and then you may leave me, and go away as fast as you can.

I will stay with you and protect you until sunrise, after which you can depart quickly.

_Nycteris offers to guide Photogen through the night despite her own vulnerability to daylight._

> But she was the greater, for, suffering more, she feared nothing.

Nycteris was the braver of the two because, despite enduring greater pain, she showed no fear.

_The narrator contrasts Nycteris's courage with Photogen's fear, emphasizing her moral strength._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_21_se/chapters/xviii-refuge
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_21_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_21_se/chapters