NARRATOR

Álvaro ran through the forest, weaving in a zigzag, using the tall trees as obstacles.

He could hear the neighing of horses, the crunch of leaves being crushed beneath their heavy hooves as they pursued him—a fox fleeing through the underbrush.

The river wasn’t far; maybe he still had a chance to dive into its depths and swim away, despite the danger.

He could smell it now, almost see it. Then—a sharp crack in the air.

As he emerged into a clearing, the horses gained the upper hand ove