Bridgid, terrified at being discovered, attempts to figure out her chances of escape.
What am I going to do now? If I stay here I'll be killed and Father will have no chance.
Bridgid sees Ryan standing there looking curiously at her when it hits her that that is her best method of escape. She jumps on Ryan and the two of them burst out of the stable in a massive display of energy and strength. They speed down Tara Hill with Ryan running at full gallop and Brian and his men hot on their trail.
Trying desperately to keep her grip on Ryans mane, Bridgid attempts to think of where to go. Who would take her in? Who would help her and her father?
Who can I go to? The Druids? No. They didn't want Father on the throne in the first place because mom was one of the faery folk. Farmers? They don't mind Father being the High King, or most of them don't, but I don't think they would fare well agianst Brian's men. Perhaps St. Bridgid of Kildare? Maybe she can help us. I will try it. But how am I supposed to get there with Brian chasing me?
Up ahead just off the path, Bridgid remembers a small forest.Thick enough that Bridgid and Ryan aren't easily seen but thin enough in places that they can gallop through to the other side easily.
That's it! We'll just go through the woods.
As the forest comes into view, Bridgid struggles to guide her frightened stallion into the woods.
"Come on boy, I know, you don't like going through the forest, but we don't have much of a choice here. Please, Ryan, do it for Father."
Bridgid jerks Ryan's mane roughly in the direction of the forest. Oh, how she hates to force him to do this.
Finally, Bridgid and Ryan enter the dense forest. The woods look creepy this night in spite of the fact that it is springtime and all the trees are in bloom. Bridgid chances a quick look back. Are there less riders following her than before or is it just her imagination? There were at least two dozen following her before. Now that number seems to have shrank to half that amount. A chill races down her spine whether it was from the spring chill in the night air or the fear pounding in her chest Bridgid doesn't know. Bridgid quickly shakes off the thought. Surely her mind is just playing tricks on her.
Then, just as she turns around, Bridgid sees a low hanging limb. Before she has time to duck out of the way, Bridgid collides with the branch, falling to the ground unconscious with Ryan standing beside her.
