Qeya River there will come a ruler whose brow is laid in thorn

ah, here she required a moment of fleeting thought. weight on her neck would only drive her down, and it would take too much energy, precious in the thick of things, to pull away completely, and she was already in a compromised position. and so she slid to the ground, quick and bold now in her intent. as she fell she writhed neatly so that it was her back which thudded against the earth. as soon as the impact registered, she kicked out with her hind limbs. speed was vital; too slow, and the woman would be too close for her kick to gain enogh momentum and do much of anything.