In the encroaching darkness, I could just make out the silhouette of a pitch-black forest ahead, like a monstrous maw poised to swallow me whole.
There was no time for fear. I plunged into the heart of the dense woodland.
I had no sense of how long I ran before exhaustion forced me to lean against a sturdy tree trunk, gasping for breath, my lungs burning as if they were on fire.
My strength was ebbing away, leaving me too drained to continue.
The night wind whistled through the trees, seeming to mock my helplessness and despair.
My heart sank. 'Is this truly where I will meet my end?'
I looked up at the ink-black sky, tears blurring my vision.
Then, in the distance, I heard the sound of approaching hooves, and my heart plummeted.
'Could it be that Bishop Torre has sent men after me
