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entire mass of houses just beyond those opposite them fell in. |
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The crash, the roar, the sheet of flame that leapt heavenward, the blast of air straight out of the mouth of a burning hell had one beneficial effect. No thought remained in any man's head beyond self-preservation. The yells of terror were louder than the shout of expectation had been and, as one man, the entire mob turned to run. Some started blindly southward; others turned hysterically back in the direction from which they had come. At once, all were locked into a madly struggling mass. Joanna, who had faced their animosity boldly whimpered with pity. She could hardly feel fear of the leaping flames that could be seen through the alleys between the houses so great was her horror. Geoffrey was also horrified, but he knew there was no way to save these people from themselves. What worried him was that there was no way to get past them either. For an icy moment, panic gripped him. Geoffrey was no coward, but he did not wish to burn to death trapped in that alley. It was not a clean or easy way to die. |
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A swift glance over his shouloer showed him that the alley under the overhang of the houses at least went all the way back. There was no wall immediately behind them, but he could not turn the horse; the opening was too narrow for that. A quick question brought Geoffrey the assurance that Joanna could walk. He let her down from the saddle and she sidled past Orage. Then he dismounted himself. He knew quite well that if he had good sense he would go at once and just leave the tired stallion. Probably there would be fences, perhaps gates that would be wide enough for men, or capable of being climbed but impossible for horses to pass. Joanna was his first and foremost responsibility. Nonetheless, it was impossible to allow a dear and trusted servant to die in pain and terror. With tears in his eyes, Geoffrey came around and lifted his sword to swing at the trusting stallion's throat. |
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"It is wide enough here to turn Orage. Back him through, Geoffrey." |
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The voice, which had been thread-thin with shock and |
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