Hoofs drummed in dampened thuds as the large black stallion galloped through the forest. A shimmering glimmer of a mailed figure could be seen between the trees as he raced by, black cloak adorned with gold trim whipping out behind him on the wind. In one hand he held the reins to his stallion and in the other a polished broadsword dripping with blood.

The figure cast a quick glance behind him. Nothing. But he didn't dare slow for he knew his pursuers couldn't be far behind, but soon he would have to if he didn't want his stallion to collapse, froth was already spilling from the corners of its mouth. The large warhorse wasn't made for long sprints but it had held up better than excepted.

Blood pounded in his ears and the steady rhythm of his horse's gallop drowned out the rest.

Just as he began to hope that he had outrun his pursuers, his eyes widened as he heard another sound; a high whine. He started to twist but too late. The arrow bore into the figure's shoulder, throwing him off the saddle and making him tumble hard into the dirt. As he rolled he heard a loud snap and felt as his shoulder dislocated.

He came to a slow stop as he lost his momentum. Disoriented he looked up. The world spun. After a moment the world began to settle again and he saw that a cloaked woman stood before him holding a crossbow. Under the rim of her hood, a grizzly smile of jagged teeth glistened softly in the light.