You pick up speed and rush past

With the guards on their way, you know you're on a time limit. You focus entirely on what is immediately ahead of you, not letting the threat of having your escape route cut off distract you from your goal.

Most people are getting out of your way now, not wanting you to slam into them while running at full speed. You lower your head and sprint at full speed. You can hear the marching of heavy boots get closer and closer as you near your goal but you don't look up at all.

It only takes you a few seconds to finish your sprint out the gate, and your focus has seemingly paid off. You rush into the street beyond without bringing your eyes up at all. You hear the guards shouting only a few feet away from you but you ignore their words and focus only on the ground directly in front of you. As you step barefoot into the street, you feel the lightest brush of gloves fingertips on your shoulder. You know that must be one of the guards just barely missing you, but you don't look over your shoulder to confirm.

You don't slow down until you round a corner. Once you're satisfied that they won't catch you immediately, you lift your head and look around. When you peek behind, nobody is immediately chasing you, so you take a deep breath and rest your hands on your knees. You begin walking more casually down this backstreet, looking around for a place to go from here.