The sound of heavy boots and angry commands echoed down the street after her. She ran with all the speed she could muster. It felt like such a long way, and her side throbbed painfully. She covered its warm dampness with her hand, hoping the wound was not deep. The wall was less than a quarter-mile away.
A mounted contingent entered the street ahead of her. She veered right, but then stopped and turned abruptly at the sight of three more guards. She ran back across the street ahead of the mounted soldiers to follow a narrow alleyway. Onward she ran, gasping for breath, while the sound of horses and armored men grew louder behind her.
The pain at her side became unbearable. Her energy waned. Desperation welled within her.
Do not stop, do not stop.
She stumbled and fell with a sideways
