Despite Roak's injuries, he was fresher than the horses chasing them.  Donald only hopped that helped, since he was carrying two now.  He reflected that he could have sent her on alone, and given he a better chance, but could not bring himself to abandon her to her date.<br/><br/>As they ride through the wood they left an obvious trail, but it could not be helped.  Risk was to large for a stealthy departure and was leaking blood.  Their only hope was to out distance their  pursuers.  Donald liked the feel of the girl against his back, but did not spare much thought to her as he tried to outsmart the hounds.  They came upon a steam and he back tracked up stream a quarter mile to confuse their scent, but always he could hear their baying behind them.<br/><br/>Finally they broke out of the  fores,, onto the moors.  It left them little place to hide, but their trail would not beso obvious.  He spurred the tired horse into a gallop.