She streamed through the trees, the blue dress slicing through the air with the young woman's body. Her face strained for breath as the sound of her heartbeat pounded within her head. The lack of oxygen brought a pained metallic taste her mouth as adrenaline clouded her central thoughts.

In the distance behind, she knew the men were following at relaxed pace, believing without a doubt that there was no rush to retrieve her, that the barricade of the town remained strong.

Her foot caught upon a root and she fell to the ground, her hands – against the ground - slid harsh friction against her soft palms. Even through the thick material of her dress, she felt friction alight her legs. Pain coursed its way through her nerves, but she jumped back to her feet and kept on running, knowing that if she stopped, the men would catch and drag her back to the town, locked away from the lands she'd only been to as an infant.

The girl was careful this time, she didn't allow her feet to touch the dead leaves, she didn't allow her self to fall because it would only take a single second for them to capture her, a second she didn't have time to spare since the fall.

Her heart beat faster; fast enough to burn her lungs like white-hot needles were inhaled into them. Her vibrant red curls, unmistakable even in the darkness, made her obvious to the men – somehow they were catching up. She reached into her breast and pulled out the charm upon the end of the charmed chain.

'By the Creator, I hope this works' she pulled at the chain and felt the clasp let go at the sharp tug. She stumbled again, but caught herself before she fell to the ground; it slowed her done enough for the roar of the men to be heard.

Something had made them aware that this wasn't like the other times; maybe they saw her determination, her panic or perhaps the glowing stone – it didn't matter because it was too late. She was at the boundary, at the very edge of the woods. She threw the stone and watched at the barrier parted, allowing her to pass, before sealing behind her.

The closing of the boundary wouldn't stop them though; it would only slow them down. She placed the necklace back on as she ran down the sloping hill – towards a farmer's horse stables.

May the Creator forgive her for this last theft.