Otter Creek set the controls for the heart of the sun

The woman was quick, and Maegi soon found her in front once more, blocking her path to the brush. Giving a low hiss under her breath, she darted the other direction, running toward the creek. Her mangled forepaw slowed her down a bit, but she still gained momentum, a white blur as she sailed over the edge into the creek. It flowed toward the Woods, and if she swam with the current, she might be able to be back in the safety of her home before the woman could catch her.

She landed with a loud splash, legs churning in the water. Maegi gasped and sputtered--she'd never really swam before--trying to keep her head afloat. Water stung her eyes and got into her nose, but she kept on with her ungainly paddle, not even thinking of looking back to keep track of her pursuer. The current was fairly strong, and tugged her body along with it, heading toward the dark line of trees.

It was past time for pride, and her jaws opened in a small, waterlogged cry. "Help!" she called, hoping desperately that someone was at the very western edge of the Woods to hear her.