The students formed up into a pair of ragged lines and Thomas led them through the streets of the city. George rode beside them, moving slowly. People watched from doorways and some called out, wanting information. George or the students told them what they could as they went by, but Thomas kept everyone moving.
At the first major cross-street they nearly ran into Father Roberts and his men, riding through the streets. Like George and the students and Thomas himself, they were covered in soot, mud, and blood. Thomas remembered that Father Roberts had brought twenty men with him, and did a quick count. Five were missing. The man himself looked exhausted and grim, and carried a still-bloody sword in his hand. There was no sign of the inquisitor.
Thomas stopped and raised an arm to his stud
