Donald was astonished to see one of the horses break from the pack and run straight toward the opening gate.  A wild eyed young woman, with a braid trailing behind her, was on the horse, spurring it to greater speed.  He felt sure that something was wrong and started to run forward, pulling his sword from his scabbard as he ran.  A few others ran with him.  Suddenly the gnarled arm of the chief guard grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and pulled him back sharply.  "Sheath your sword lad, afor you get us all killed."<br/><br/>"But she's in danger..."  The chief guard nodded.  "Aye, from her own father's lash, to be sure, but not from naught more.  Can not ya see what a fair rider she is?  She's not running.  She's making a spectacle of herself."<br/><br/>Donald nodded and sheathed his sword.  Horseman were breaking away from the Duke's party now, and riding after the maiden.  She was easily outdistancing them though.  He almost wondered if the gate would be completely open when she reached it, at the rate she was galloping..