Phoenix Drop

Prologue

I feel the sun rays on my face. A warm, yet comfortable feeling. I take a deep breath, the smell of ozone, like it just rained. I slowly open my eyes to learn that I'm laying on the ground in a forest.

I slowly sit up, my muscles tense like they haven't moved in hundreds of years.

As I sit up, I rest my head in my hands. My touch is warm, although my fingertips are cold.

I hear a twig break, which makes me look up from my hands.

A man stands in front of me, his face hidden underneath a hood. He offers his hand to me.

"W-who are you?" I stutter. My voice is soft.

"That's not important. Now come with me, and hurry." The mystery man's voice is slightly raspy.

I gently take his hand and let him help me up.

Once I get up, he darts off. I struggle to keep up. I lose him when I reach the dilapidated gates of a town.

"You know the people in town don't trust us anymore since the old lord-" a guard is complaining.

"Shush Hudson. I hear someone." Another guard speaks.

I can't see either guard due to their helms, but they spot me.

"Get back! What business do you have here? Woman." The first guard, Hudson growns, reaching for his sword.

"Hudson. How will we ever thrive as a town if you're hostile to every traveler." The second guard steps between me and Hudson. He bows to me. "My apologies, madam. Hudson is still a knight in training. I am Sir Fletcher, the head guard here, and you are?"

I look between the two guards before copying what Sir Fletcher did and bowing. "My name, I think... Is Alphino."

Sir Fletcher looks at me and gently takes my hand. "It's not every day a beautiful woman shows up around these parts."

Hudson looks between me and Sir Fletcher. "So Alphino, if that is your real name, why are you here?"

"I was led here." I say while looking around for the man that I was following. I don't see anyone.

"Led here? By who?" Hudson asks, his voice has an accusing tone.