Alver

Chapter 4: Found

The woman didn't have time to wake him up out here in the open, before the sound of approaching soldiers filled the air. Their ghastly faces, twisted and pale, came into view. The woman grabbed Isaaka by the shoulder, pulling him into the remains of the destroyed bakery.

As consciousness slowly returned, I found myself amidst the ruins of what used to be my Home. My head throbbed, and the acrid scent of smoke hung heavy in the air. Then came a stinging slap across my cheek, snapping me fully awake and jolting me upright. Instinctively, I swung my arms, but the woman ducked just in time. "Hey! What the hell was that for?" I snapped, rubbing my cheek.

"Shush!" she snapped, pulling me lower as the soldiers' voices grew closer. We were crouched behind a crumbling wall, holding our breaths as they searched the streets. "Stay down," she ordered, her eyes scanning the area. My vision darkened again, but this time, I stayed conscious, crouched beside her in tense silence.

After what felt like an eternity, the soldiers moved on. Both of us let out a sigh of relief. "How did you find the sword?" she whispered harshly, her eyes boring into mine.

Confusion clouded my mind. Sword? What sword was she talking about? "I don't know what you're talking about," I replied, my voice sharper than I intended.

The Woman's frustration was palpable as she grabbed my collar, her eyes burning with intensity. "Don't lie to me! The sword you were carrying when you passed out. I saw it!"

Struggling against her grip, I shook my head. "I'm not lying! I woke up just now, remember?"

She released me, pacing with agitation. "Convenient excuse. You expect me to believe you stumbled upon a sword in the middle of all this chaos?"

My patience wore thin. "I'm telling you the truth, Lady. I don't know where it came from. One minute I saw something glistening, picked it up and the next thing I know, I was pulled into a Vision and then, darkness."

Her demeanor softened, but suspicion still lingered. "That sword is dangerous. Do you realize what you've done?"

Guilt and confusion gnawed at me. "No, I don't. And I don't appreciate being slapped awake like that."

The Woman's apology was brief. "I'm sorry for that. But you need to understand, that sword is linked to things beyond our understanding. It's not just some weapon."

I nodded slowly, trying to process everything. "Linked to what? Look, I'm as lost as you are right now." She remained silent, deep in thought.

"We need to go, now." she insisted, urgency creeping into her voice.

I hesitated, then nodded in agreement. "How we're going to get out of here alive?"

"Follow me," she finally said, helping me to my feet. "We need to move." I quickly grabbed the sword and fastened the scabbard around my waist. I had so many questions, but they all went unanswered as she pulled her bow from her back and knocked an arrow, her movements fluid and practiced.

As we ventured into the desolate streets, the remnants of a once vibrant city surrounded us. Buildings lay in ruin, and the streets were littered with debris. The echoes of distant screams and the occasional rumble of collapsing structures filled the air, a constant reminder of the chaos that engulfed my Home.

The Woman and I moved cautiously, our senses alert for any sign of danger. Yet, amidst the destruction, there was an eerie stillness, as if the very essence of life had been drained from this place.

I couldn't help but admire her. Her grace and strength were captivating, and her focus was unwavering. I was so engrossed in watching her that I didn't notice the pot in my path until I stumbled into it, the loud clang echoing through the quiet streets.