***
“Praesidio!”
The shield burst from Adaria’s hand, knocking the first man backwards. It did nothing to stop the other two however, and they dashed towards her with a savage look in their eyes.
She turned and bolted, her heart pounding so violently she thought it would burst from her chest.
“No need to run, Princess,” one of them hollered, cackling as he chased her down. Adaria didn’t even turn back to look at them. She weaved through the trees and thickets, running as fast as her legs could carry her. Her blood had turned cold, and the pounding of her heart went all the way to her ears, muffling every other sound.
She thought about dashing up a tree, but surely they would easily catch her if she did. The best thing to do would be to keep running, and hope for the best.
But they
