“Almost there,” I said, patting Dolly and urging her to go faster. I could now see King’s Bridge through the gates, from a distance. I just needed to make it through and I’ll be on the bridge to King’s Bay in no time.
Just as I was about to breathe a sigh of relief, a bell sounded from somewhere beyond us, clanging five times to mark the start of the new hour.
The capital gates began to close…
“No…no…no!” I cried.