“To be honest,” Crow panted. “I haven’t thought this far ahead.” He was beginning to feel the toll of exerting himself so much. His lungs burned, and his heart thudded like a hammer against his chest. However, even though it hurt, he enjoyed the sensation. It made him feel alive. He glanced over his shoulder once more to see that the knights were slowly gaining ground. He didn’t have much time to come up with a plan.

His eyes swept over the buildings around them as he raced to think of a way to lose their pursuers. Suddenly, he saw an alley leading out to a side street. Taking a chance, he gave Penelope’s arm a quick tug to get her attention. He pivoted on his heel and sprinted down the alley with her, listening to the pounding of the knights’ boots behind them. They were closing in fast.

[i]There’s always a way out,[/i] he thought calmingly, forcing himself to keep a level head as he searched for an exit. He couldn’t let himself panic or he wouldn’t be able to think straight, and at that moment, he needed to stay focused.

He turned a corner inside the alley instead of heading for the side street, taking Penelope’s hand in his so he wouldn’t lose her as he navigated through the narrow pathways. Up ahead, the alley branched off in two more directions. It looked like a maze. He just hoped they would be able to find their way back to the main street after—

His eyes widened as an idea slowly formed in his mind. “This way,” he said to Penelope, dipping sharply to the right. He proceeded to lead her in a series of fast turns, until the knights’ footsteps began to fade away behind them. He grinned excitedly. It was working. They couldn’t keep up while he and Penelope were switching between different alleyways so quickly.

Crow kept running for a while after the knight’s footsteps disappeared, just to be sure that they were gone. Eventually, he slowed to a stop, doubling over to rest his hands on his knees. “Well, that took a lot more effort than I was expecting,” he said between breaths. “But I’m pretty sure we lost them.” He stood upright again and leaned against a wall, giving her a cocky grin as he held up the bow he had stolen. “So, what do you think? Did I earn my title as the number one thief in Brerra?” He winked. “I’m starting to think I’m going to extend my reputation to Younis by the end of this trip.”