Brinley ran hard, but found herself barely keeping up with the others and slowly falling behind.  A solid band of iron was still in place around her left ankle, a broken piece of chain attached to it and just short enough that she couldn't hold it in her hands as she ran. It kept catching on small plants and sticks, often time striking her right calf or causing her to almost trip.  

Adrenaline and fear kept her forging ahead.  But suddenly the end of the chain caught firmly between a tree root and a rock.  Brinley fell forward hard, the impact nearly knocking the breath from her chest.  As quickly as she could manage, she was back on her knees and tried to pull the chain loose, but found it very firmly lodged in place.  "Wait!  Help, please!" she called to the others desperately, praying that they weren't already too far ahead to hear her.  

[center]
Brinley:
[img]https://mydailyartdisplay.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/the-young-shepherdess-by-bouguereau-1885.jpg[/img]
[/center]



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Ulric, along with several hand-picked crewman, set out along the trail left by the escapees.  They were well equipped with weapons, ropes, shackles, and rations.  But taking the time to gather their supplies had given the slaves almost an hour head start.  No matter, he thought as they reached the edge of the beach where the trail headed into the rather jungl-ish terrain beyond.  It would take a few days to get the ship repaired enough to be seaworthy again.  All the more time to enjoy the hunt.

[center]
Ulric:
[img]http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/dungeonsdragons/images/f/fd/Edwardblake.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20121110173639[/img][/center]