Sherwood Smith Quote

There was no time to react, of course.My heart gave one great thump and scampered like the rat they’d called me as the gray rode on unchecked, followed by the remainder of the cavalcade.Ahead of me, the oxen drivers and their children moved back slowly onto the road, the adults exclaiming and wondering what was going on, and the children whooping and waving imaginary swords.The only thought in my mind was to put as much distance as possible between that town and myself. I thought. And I turned my nose back into the forest from which I’d emerged, and started hurrying along as fast as I could.In the meantime my mind was busy arguing with itself. I could see Shevraeth’s face clearly--as if the moment had been painted against the insides of my eyelids. It was impossible to say that there had been recognition; maybe only a reminder. His expression certainly hadn’t changed from what had to be a kind of resigned boredom. I thought, grimacing as I remembered that bearded man’s description. My hair was hidden, I was wearing a gown usually worn by prosperous farm girls, and of course I’d been sitting, so there was no limp or bandage to give me away. I told myself. But my heart persisted in hammering at my ribs, and my feet sped along as though there were fire at my heels.