Mordecai paused to catch his breath, bending over and clutching his kneecaps tightly. He was too old for this.

The dragon and the knight seemed to be in conversation again - it surprised and pleased the old man to see the slow healing of old rivalries. Unfortunate that it was likely about to be destroyed. The girl, Rhiannon, seemed to be hesitating, unsure of whither to flee. To Mordecai's surprise, she suddenly darted off down a side alley.

"Wait! Come back!" he called hoarsely, but she was gone. Turning to his remaining companions, he called; "Come, we must search for her. The Crusaders are here, she could become lost or injured in the confusion. Hurry!" With that, he gathered up his robes in his left hand, grasped his staff in his right hand, and ran after her. 

He ran for what must have been minutes rather than seconds, pausing only to glance down narrow pathways and streets. The paved road rang under his sandled feet, his mantle flowing out behind him like a flag. At first, Mordecai thought he'd lost her - there was a huge crowd of panic-stricken citizens blocking his way. But they parted at his shout, and he caught sight of a small figure pounding ahead. He increased his speed further, but did not know whether the knight and the dragon were following also.