RUN

Keep Your Enemies Closer.

      I felt like I was flying in slow motion. The air around me was thick, bright, and hot. Others flew along side. The bridge ahead of me was a beautiful blaze. It reached into the sky and illumined the whole block. The streets of Nancy were all ablaze. Joining together to create a threatening cloud of dark smoke in the sky. The soldiers ducked for cover as the fire rose higher. Maybe I could stay in the air forever. Freeze this moment in time. I felt safe here, suspended in the air. No Solider, No Kais or anyone could get me. My eyes winced at the searing heat that grew.

Time seemed to resume and I slammed in the cobblestone street. My wrist flared in pain as it broke my fall. I smashed into the hard rock, but at least this time I was on the other side. I slowly and painfully got up. Other boys had landed around me. But some weren't getting up. I glanced behind me. The bridge was completely gone. Parts of it flowed down the river. The explosion had started a larger fire on both sides. Most of the soldiers just stared at the destruction in awe. Some, shot through the blinding, hazy smoke. I made my way through the streets. Running quickly away from the soldiers. The smoke thinned the farther I got away from the river. I followed the main road out of the city. My soaked pack somehow still clung to my back. One of the straps had ripped so I slung it across my body so it wouldn't fall off.

I pushed myself further down the road. Through the old french countryside. I passed dead fields and forgotten farms. I only glanced back a few times to see the looming cloud of smoke from the city that gathered as a swelling thundercloud. Many boys ran along the road, trying to get distance from the soldiers. I kept going. Night quickly fell. My energy was wasted and I couldn't push myself to run anymore. Luckily, there was  a small farm. It was just a simple farm house with a barn outback. The house had already fallen in on itself so I decided the barn would do. After climbing in the barn's window, I waiting for my eyes to adjust to the dim light to see. The structural wood was rotten and probably wouldn't last another strong wind. It was thankfully empty expect for a hay bale and a few mice. I whipped out my pack and took a long drink from my canteen while eating all my dried fruit. I lay on the hay bale, trying to catch up on my energy. The wind whistled sad, unknown tunes outside. And as it picked up, the trees joined as well with the creaks and moans of the barn. I made a wrap for my wrist with my first-aid kit. It wasn't throbbing as bad as it was earlier. The best thing for me would be a wholesome sleep. I laid back, and just closed my eyes.

"Not even a thank you?" Said a startling, but familiar voice.

I jumped off the hay bale and pressed myself back against the wall.

"Don't worry brother, it's just us," Said the voice.

I suddenly recognized the brother.

"Where are you?" I called out into the darkness.

From up in the rafters a dark silhouette shuffled from its place. He jumped down, landing on the hay bale.

"You never seem very grateful." He chuckled.

"I'm sorry, I meant to say thanks but...well I was kind of blown up." I muttered.

Now that my eyes had adjusted more to the darkness, I could see him more clearly. He was very tall and slim. He had whiteish blonde hair, and had soft, blue eyes. He had a fair complexion so he must be from southern France.

"Anyway, we haven't been formerly introduced. I'm Isaac, Isaac Marchand of Marseilles." He said, doing a little bow.

"Théo Dubois of Strasbourg." I said.

"And this, is Ethann." He said gesturing upwards.

I hadn't even realized there was another boy up in the rafters. He gently climbed down.