Secrets of The Alchemist

Chapter 1

I'm an absolute idiot. The thought drummed in my head continuously as I ran as fast as I could from the thieves who were currently chasing me down the dark abandoned allies of London. Damn it, why did I try taking a shortcut? The route was extremely risky, coming through here at night was like asking to get robbed. The satchel slung around my shoulder was bouncing against my hip as I tore down the uneven and cobbled street of this seemingly deserted road.

Although the street around me was empty, I heard the sound of footsteps coming from above. The persistent bastards had thought to surround me by running towards me from the roof of the surrounding buildings, I could make out their cloaked figures swiftly charging in my direction. Well, this was just great. How was I supposed to get away from them now? As I ran I tried desperately to see anything that could let me make a quick escape from the thieves encircling me. I spotted a bright church-like building to my right, whose light reflected off objects that looked to be cluttered inside. The only way to get there though, was through yet another dark alleyway but this one was narrow, my pursuers above had a better chance to catch me. As of now I'd been staying away from those buildings whose roofs they occupied, but now it seemed I had no choice.

My legs were starting to burn, but the knowledge of having no knowledge of what would happen should I be caught made me determined enough to keep running and lose the thieves chasing me down. Before I knew it, I made a sharp turn into the alley, and the footsteps beating against roof tiles became clearer than ever as I went into the narrow passageway. The wind whipped at my face as I poured into the speed, ignoring the pain building in my legs and the cramp stinging my side. It wouldn't be good if they got me, not good at all, I couldn't afford to lose this package. The doorway into the bright building was conveniently open, and I practically flew through it. I saw immediately that this place was perfect to sneak away, towers upon towers of antiques layed around me. The ceiling was surprisingly low and the space was not as large as I thought it'd be, however it was still big enough to make small hiding places and spaces to walk through that if I used correctly, I could easily lose the people who were chasing me.

I heard the pounding of their feet as they found ways to get off the rooftops, jumping off to land in dumpsters or slide down pipes. I was wasting time here taking the place in, I ran forward, picking the easiest route to take for now. I just needed to find cover and escape through a back entrance. Their footsteps echoed throughout the building and I heard them scatter as they spread out to find me.

I underestimated the amount of people after me, when delivering priceless antiques, thieves are to be expected, but I've never had to deal with this many before. Just what the hell is in this satchel? I know the stuff I deliver probably costs more than my own life, but there was no way this item was this valuable. The place which wasn't so big in the first place was now packed. I crouched behind one of the many piles of antiques, wondering how I was gonna get out of here, I was surrounded.

As I looked around desperate for a solution once more, I saw a broom leaning casually against the wall and soon noticed I was no longer crouching, but instead standing upright, I looked down at myself surprised. When did I get up? I looked back up at the broom, and an urge to go towards it came over me. I checked left and right to see if anyone was coming. But it was clear, for now. I dashed to it, and picked it up. It was incredibly light. Holding it felt as if I was holding air.

Voices rang out. I looked up to see six of the thieves charging towards me. There was no more time, I was now standing completely exposed, and holding a broom like I was about to clean the floor. The same compelling urge that told me to come to this cleaning tool, was now saying something else. Get on the broom. I doubletaked at the thought for a moment before I noticed I had already swung my leg over the wood. Oh come on, what am I even doing? I looked over my shoulder to see the thieves closing in on me, a few more seconds and I'd be taken. For the third time tonight I assessed my surroundings for a saving grace. I spotted a window, but it was too high to run through.

As if my thought had caused it, my feet were no longer touching the ground. A whirlwind had begun to form at my feet, making me ascend into the sky. I yelped in surprise and looked up at the window. The broom now seemed to have a mind of its own, and sped straight towards the opening to the outside. The wind felt like a big hand that pushed me forward into the direction I wished. My chest touched the broom as I clung for dear life. I heard the surprised shouts from my pursuers now left far behind. I burst through the window into the cold night air. I was over the water now, as it turned out the building was next to a river. I looked around, my hands still white with how hard I was gripping the broom, and beheld one of the most spectacular scenes I have ever seen in my life.

I was high above the water now, its surface filled with the sparkles of the moon reflecting off it, distorting my small reflection. A bit of a distance away there was a busy bridge, filled with the headlights of cars and the bridge's lamps. Big Ben remained above it all as it shined brightly, almost blindingly. And those dark allies I had just been running through, they seemed so small and insignificant compared to before. The buildings were dark as the people occupying them were sleeping, though a few windows throughout the building displayed the brightly lit rooms of the few people who were up. I was seeing London from a whole new perspective. As I took in the scenery below me, realization of the situation I was in began to hit me.
I was flying. On a BROOMSTICK.