Emory - A Tale Of Bravery

====Chapter I ===

I struggled to catch my breath. My feet were on fire. Thunder roaring and the rain aided but little to keep my foot from keeping firm. Still, I kept on running. Being chased by soldiers wasnt on my checklist today. Took a swift right turn and ended up in an alleyway attempting to shake them off my tail. Fortunately, I slipped out of sight within seconds into a dark narrow alleyway. I took a moment to regain composure and remained still until they were gone. Slowly, I walked in until I reached a wall and placed the pendant hanging around my neck into the carving in the wall. A part of the wall moved forward and slid to one side. I heard a faint sound of footsteps as a figure slowly crept behind my shoulder and raised its hand to disarm me, but I grabbed the hand in time and pulled it hard over my shoulder, throwing the person to the ground with a thud. I recognized the person the moment I saw his face, which made me loosen my guard as he was no threat to me.

"Nice one! But not good enough. You need more practice, Zhad." I drawled as I extended my hand to help him up. "I am good enough Em. Youre the only one I can't beat. Anyway, Cap's has been waiting for your return. She's got something to say. Do you know how hard it was for me to cover up for you? Now hurry up! Before dinner's over, Archie has made something special tonight and I can't wait to try it!" Zhad replied.

That made me roll my eyes. I smirked as I said, "Very well. Lead the way." We walked inside the hidden pathway. I raised my hand and again placed my pendant into another carving that was on the hidden pathway before, the wall suddenly closed itself with a rumbling sound, everything went quiet again, and we continued walking inside. We stopped in front of a wooden door and Zhad reached inside his pocket and took out a key to unlock the door. A muffled sound of chattering and giggling led to a hall room full of girls and boys near my age and below as the door opened. "A very safe place to store the Coves key Zhad. Only you can think of it." I quipped my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Thanks for the compliment Em, really appreciated. " Zhad muttered. They all sat cramped up around a big round table eating dinner. It was a lively atmosphere that rarely came by. Candles were lit all around the room, Aren a brown-haired boy with olive skin was standing up on the table telling tales to the wide-eyed curious little ones. I was elated to see familiar faces after such a long time. I was eager to join them but, I felt Zhad grab my elbow before I took a step further causing me to turn around. He gave me an apologetic look. I looked at him confused. "Later, Captain's waiting. Come on." I sighed defeated and nodded following him as he led the way. A door to the left of me led to a room that was surrounded by many weapons. We walked in, and a woman shrouded in a long white fur coat was standing beside a fireplace, staring at the embers lost in thoughts, and she whipped her head towards us at the sound of our footsteps. Deep blue eyes stared at me in surprise while her face remained stoic. A scar faded with time and traced her cheekbone which made her look fierce and beautiful. Long pale brown hair just like mine but with a few white strands was coiled in a tight bun at the back of her head, and her pale skin seemed paler than usual. She resembles so much of my mother. I looked over to Zhad and he nodded understandingly. He turned around and exited the main room. As soon as he left I ran and embraced her tightly. "Lily..." I said melting into the hug.

I noticed Lily's features soften after her gaze landed on me. "Have you finally got your senses and decided to come back? For crying out loud! You were gone for an entire week.

"Will you worry your old aunt to death? Do you even know what lengths I have gone to protect you? Why do you not understand people are searching for you? If word gets out about your identity. A huge calamity will befall us!" she spoke worriedly as she gently loosened her embrace, "Oh so you do admit you're old." I joked and raised an eyebrow. I sighed. "Look I know you care for me Lily but, I'm not a child. I can handle my affairs. Yes, I know how hard it was for you to protect me, and I appreciate that. Really. I was gone with Sally to give out reinforcements. I couldn't leave them alone. What got you so worked up? I've never seen you this anxious before." I questioned. I have always known her to be very tenacious and calm. It is inordinately rare to see her lose composure. Her eyebrows knitted together and she pursed her lips. She stared deeply into my eyes. "There is a massive issue at hand. WE MUST GET READY Emory" she said. Having no idea what she was talking about. The confusion evident on my face I asked: "Readyfor what?"

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Here comes the first chapter. What do you guys think? Make sure to comment. I'm quite nervous and excited at the same time >_< The next chapter is equally exciting.