26
They pressed on, conscious that the hounds would soon be on their trail again. Or, thought Richard taking a glance back, perhaps not. Straining to catch a glimpse of the pursuers in the gradually increasing light, he could see no sign of them and, not watching where he was going, stumbled and fell hard, his knees cracking on the unforgiving earth. He cried out, rolling over, clutching at his leg with both hands. Dad stooped next to him, his breath ragged. For the first time, Richard noticed a c***k in Dad’s armour.
“Rich, we mustn’t stop. They’ll be upon us soon.”
Richard’s head hung down, spittle dripping from his gaping mouth. His breathing erratic, coming in gasps. He knew the end loomed close; never had he experienced such fatigue, such pain. His lungs burned, throat screamed it
