No Choice
- Despereaux's in a sticky situation. He can't find the spool of thread (because it's so dark) and he only has a sewing needle with which to defend himself. He even considers running back up the stairs and leaving the dungeons.
- Then he remembers that Roscuro has taken the princess hostage, and he bravely continues down the stairs.
- When he encounters Botticelli, he tells the rat to leave him alone; he has a quest to complete. But Botticelli tells him that he can be of aid. After all, no one knows their way around the dungeons like a rat does.
- Despereaux is skeptical—and rightfully so. Botticelli secretly plans to lead Despereaux to the princess and then to kill and eat him before her very eyes.
- Because Despereaux doesn't really have any other choice, he reaches out and takes hold of Botticelli's tail. The rat leads him deeper into the darkness.