Flight from Danger

With my infant daughter in my arms, I'm worse than helpless in this situation, even more vulnerable than I would be otherwise. Moula, carrying my son for me, is in a similar position. John exchanges a few short words with the driver, who hastens his preparations, then helps Moula and I up into the carriage. He hands me a small pouch of coins. "I've instructed the driver to take a more southerly route into the plains to the east, before turning back to the north." he tells me. "Teran and I will hold these guys off while you escape."

"You're not coming with us?" I ask.

"We need to stop these guys right here, or they'll block your escape. Here - when you get to my father's castle, show this to the guard, and he'll let you in." he says, handing me his signet ring.

"John, no, I don't want to leave you behind!" I say, fearful for his (and Teran's) safety.

"Sorry, Hari. There's no other way. We'll catch up with you as soon as we're able. Be careful." He leans up and kisses my cheek. Then, drawing his own sword, he turns and races back to Teran's side. As the carriage lumbers off as fast as the driver is able to urge the animals on, we can hear the clanging of metal as the fight commences.

Both of the twins are crying loudly, and in my rattled, trembling state I'm having trouble calming them. Moula isn't doing much better than I; she's pale as a ghost and looks about ready to pass out.

1. A few hours later, it's seems we've not been pursued. We stop at a small farming village for the night. Hopefully Teran and John will catch up to us soon, but I don't know their fate for sure.
2. An hour or so later, the driver alerts us that we're being pursued by men on horseback. When the riders approach, I'm relieved to see it's John and Teran - they must have defeated the mercenaries and taken their horses.
3. An hour or so later, the driver alerts us that we're being pursued by men on horseback. When the riders approach, I'm horrified to see the two enemy mercenaries. Did Teran and John lose?

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