You are wounded just before you reach the Gate

By this point, the men standing atop and around the Bloody Gate have noticed you. They have undoubtedly noticed the shadowcat, as well. You hear a couple of them shouting. While you cannot make out what they are saying, a couple are pointing down the road in your direction. They must perceive the shadowcat as a threat. Hopefully, they are not so quick to make the same ruling about you.

There are a few archers on either side of the Gate. They have already notched arrows to their bows and pulled back the strings. They appear to be aiming for the shadowcat. Unfortunately, based on positioning, you are obstructing their view of the beast. If only you were another foot to the left or right; then at least a couple of the archers would see it clearly. But you cannot get Aerion to get any direction other than forward, so that is out of the question.

When you are practically within spitting distance of the Bloody Gate, you look back one last time. The shadowcat lunges upward and directly at you. Its claws and fangs do not touch you, but the impact of its body weight against you is enough to throw you from your saddle. You land on the ground hard, your head slamming against a boulder. That is enough to severely disorient you.

The shadowcat then turns its attention to you, and it approaches you slowly. Although you are unable to move or speak, your vision has not yet been impaired. You can quite clearly see the shadowcat advancing towards you. It means to make a meal out of you, and you are powerless to stop it. What a dismal turn of events THIS has been.

Then, to your vast relief, just before the shadowcat can pounce, it is hit in the head and body by half a dozen arrows. It stumbles for a moment, and then it collapses onto its side, dead. The men on the Bloody Gate have saved your life. If only you were in a position to thank them.

By now, your vision has begun to blur. You struggle to remain conscious, but the damage from that blow has been done. Within another minute, you pass out.