Dawnlark Plains the pit and the pendulum

there's no way Avicus could outrun Laurel, all things as they were. but she's leaner, nimbler—even if a little stymied by hunger and fatigue—and she can at least make it difficult for the woman.

she darts to one side, then to the other, skidding wildly. she zig-zags across the plains, making a beeline for the deer, which continue to flee.

if she can bring them within the herd. . .

danger for them both, of course, of flying hooves and heavy bodies. but the resulting confusion might work to her advantage. she has to try, anyway.

but it's hard to catch up with deer, much less outrun them.

she is tiring, but the will to live is greater.

for now.