‘Come!’ he shouted, wheeling his mount around, ‘we’ve got to get back to town.’ This decision tore at his heart, but there was no choice. Besides, he hoped, and it was a thin hope, that perhaps the soldiers were intent on the menfolk, and would leave the women and children alone.
The moment they turned and began riding away at a gallop towards the town of Narvi, a call went up from the soldiers, who immediately gave chase. Fortunately, Doc and Ralph had some prior experience with horses and knew how to ride with all possible speed. They gained the outskirts just after dark, and it looked as though the way to the town proper was clear. But when they reached the first buildings, their way was blocked by a line of archers. Wheeling their mounts about, they tried to make a run for it, but their retreat was suddenly cut off by a wall of soldiers bearing hunting bows and spears.
There was nowhere to go. They were trapped.