I sat in front of my small, run down shack, almost identical with the other homes in the little village. Little kids run to and fro screaming and laughing. I watched them with a small smile on my face until it's interrupted by a Keeper sitting next to me. He's rigid with his pose and looks pristine in his white uniform, looking more official sitting next to me as I'm wearing a ragged t-shirt and faded out pants. I smiled and he returned it, before we burst out laughing. "Oh God, James. I don't think I'll be able to keep up with this whole 'respect' bullshit." I choked out and he nodded, laughing.
"It's like I'm a king!" James said and I punched his shoulder, still laughing. We spent the rest of the day walking around the village and secretly polishing our plan of escape. As night fell, we both said goodbye and retreated to seperate homes. I put my cloak where I could easily find it and kept my shoes on as I crawled into straw-stuffed mattress. I closed my eyes and let sleep take over me.
I screamed and sat up, banging my forehead on the low ceiling. I yelped and my hand flew towards the bruise, resting there as I looked around wildly. The noise outside was loud and filled with shouting and gunshots. I jumped out of bed, the bruise on my forehead now ignored. I didn't know what the time was, but I guessed it was about three am. I searched the floor for my black cloak and when my fingers brushed a rat I quickly withdrew my hand, waiting for it to pass. I resumed my search and eventually I felt the familiar worn fabric and grabbed it, pulling it towards me. I threw it over my shoulder and fastened it, throwing the hood over my head. I went to the door, kicking unneeded things to the side. I picked up my crossbow that rested against the door frame and shoved myself against the door which opened with little complaint. I ran outside and nearly bumped into a Keeper. Before she could strike me down, I raised my crossbow and pulled the trigger, the arrow settling into her neck. She dropped down but I knew she'd be back up in an hour. I ran, avoiding my people and the Keepers.
"Rowan!" A voice shouted and I turned around to see my best friend, James, running towards me. My hand outstretched and our fingers brush before he's barreled into and he's sent flying to the side. I screamed his name but he shouts at me to run. I turned and begin running, having to adjust my hood as I leapt over the soon to be remains of my village. I reached the fence and began scaling it, jumping and landing in a roll. As I'm about to run into the forest, a hand grabbed my arm and I turned, eye to eye with a Keeper. I threw a punch at him, which he blocked, of course, and he twists my arm, forcing me to turn and face him with my back. He puts his arm around my neck and squeezes. "Who are you?" He demanded.
"Rowan. Rowan Firth." I choke out and his grip softens. He lets go of me and I face him, breathless. "Who the fuck are you?" I snapped and he looks about as hurt as a Keeper can get. Basically the ring of colour around his pupil flashes a brighter version of gold.
"Ezriel." He replied calmly and I nod before turning around and stomping off. He follows me the entire way, asking questions. Eventually, I get fed up and turn around to yell at him when a crack stops me.
