Page 51 of The Bells of Triumph
“Ye can do it, girl,” she whispered to the mare. “Get us out of here.”
Her horse whinnied in response, as if she understood what Caitria was asking of her and was ready to do it.
The distance between them and the forest got smaller and smaller, until Caitria knew they would make it. Without knowing the land, the two Campbell guards would lose her in a moment. She only had to ride for ten more seconds—nine, eight, seven. Caitria panted, not allowing herself to feel relieved just yet. Five, four, three. She sat up a little higher and rubbed her horse's neck, encouraging her to keep going.
“We're almost there, lass. We've almost ma?—”
Her breath was stolen from her as fire erupted in her side and spread across her whole body. Caitria all but collapsed on the back of her horse and tried to breathe.
“Keep going. Faster,” she urged the mare through pained cries.
Every step made the burn worse, but Caitria didn't dare stop them. She wouldn't stop until she reached Murray Castle, even with an arrow in her side.
