Isobeau, Ruis, Artio and Ursel, took turns along jogging back the way we’d come to see if there were any signs we were followed. We walked where the woods and beach met, using the compact earth beneath our feet to keep our legs from getting too fatigued.

“There’s a port city, I think,” I said to Aurie, pointing to a spot on the map that wasn’t clearly identified.

“Yes, I recall something about that port,” Aurie said, “maybe we can lose those men...