@amantesmultorum gets a thing
Hiking her skirts up further, the girl ran desperately. The stitch in her side only grew, but she couldn't stop. The dogs and the shouts were getting ever closer. And Róisín knew that if she was caught, it would mean death. Whether by her own hand, or someone else's, her fate would be sealed.
But her options were running short. There was no forest to take refuge in. Only the rath, the fairy fort, could potentially save her now. The braying of the hounds was just over the hill. They'd overtake her soon if she didn't hurry.
With the very last of her energy, Róisín charged forward. There! She could see the rath just ahead. The stone wall guarding the ring was low on on side. And if she angled herself just right... Spinning on her heels and darting toward the gap just as one of the dogs came barreling toward her, Róisín threw herself with all her might into the rath.
She'd landed on her face, but she couldn't count on superstition to protect her now. Sure, some of the men feared the fairies, and would go back. But others, Cathal included, would have no problem following her. Scrambling to her feet, she tried to run again. But a large stone tripped her up, and she fell once more. Only then did she see the little hole hidden amongst the bracken and the overgrowth. Quickly, she crawled inside and covered herself as best she could.
God had abandoned her. He'd never heard a single prayer. Maybe now, she thought, it was time to call upon the old gods. Danu, The Dagda, the Tuatha Dé Danann, and Manannán mac Lir! Yes, Manannán had shielded the Tuatha Dé Danann. Maybe his mercy would protect her too. Closing her eyes and clenching her hands together in supplication, Róisín struggled for breath.
"Light of sun, radiance of moon! Sky, earth, sea! Hear my cry carried on the wind, shield me!"