Games of London

Chapter 1

The steam train chugged lazily through the valley, rolling green fields flashed past the trains windows at a constant blur making Eli's head spin.

He winced as the trains breaks squealed, the giant lumbering machine slowly grinding to a halt. Moving vehicles were never his forte, the high speeds and rocking motion always managed to make him queazy, as a result he avoided them as much as possible, but this time it was unavoidable.

Eli grabbed his meager belongings, consisting of a small case that contained all of his most valued possessions, and pushed the sliding door of the small cabin open and shuffled through the cramped ally way, his brad shoulders pressed against either side of the wall, fighting the other passengers to get out of the train.

He smiled faintly and sighed in relief as he stepped onto the cobble stone platform, taking a deep breath of fresh air.

Eli watched as the people on the platform all pushed and shoved in one direction, following each other like sheep.

He squared his shoulders and pulled his jacket tighter around him as he made his way to the exit. His fathers precious book lay wrapped in rags at the bottom of his case, making him cautious. The book was his life, and he treasured it dearly.

He shook his head and smiled ruefully, Lost in thought, then smirked darkly. Clutching his case he didn't notice the man charging down the platform until he was laying on the the cold cobble stone floor in shock, a large lump forming on his head.

His eyes widened in surprise as he saw the man pushing his way through the crowd, Eli's suitcase in hand.

" Stop that man!" He yelled in desperation at the retreating form of the thief.

Cursing he jump to his feet quickly, ignoring the questioning looks from by passers, following the man in hot pursuit.

"Dumb sheep" he panted under his breath as the two of them weaved through the crowds, Eli's heavy boots thunking loudly on the ground.

The man being small and agile on his feet, he navigated the crowds in the old station with ease, obviously familiar with the layout of the London station, Eli was a lot bigger than the thief, and found himself panicking as the distance between them got longer, the small man was a lot faster than him and Eli doubted he could catch up.

The man threw a glance behind him, then smiled and waved at Eli as he slowly backed out the doors of the station.

"Cocky little bugger" Eli growled darkly, earning him a smack upside his head.

Behind him stood the offending bear of a man, he wore a thick cloak and heavy boots much like Eli, his towering frame reaching at least 6.5ft. His face was covered in a thick black beard, making him look possibly more intimidating than he was.

"Don't go running off without me kid, or I'll have to put a leash on you" he said with a deep baritone voice.

"Then keep up old man" Eli shot back.

Clarence smiled at Eli's childish demeanor. He was standing with his arms crossed and feet spread wide, an angry scowl plastered on his handsome face and his blond hair in disarray. Eli had called Clarence old man since they first met, even though Clarence was in actual fact, only 30.

Eli stared at Clarence as his eyes glazed over, undoubtedly reminiscing about some weird and wonderful memory.

"Hey, old man, what are we gonna do? He stole my book." Eli murmured.

Clarence blinked, then tilted his head sideways in thought. Hi brushed past Eli and over to the door, not checking to see if Eli was following. He pushed it open with one hand and scanned the streets.

The sky was grey and dull, a light mist of rain covered the cobblestone streets giving them a glossy sheen. Carriages clattered past, the echo of horse hooves and people talking bouncing off the big grey buildings.

"I'll send Fletcher out to find him, he's long gone now" Clarence frowned as he spoke "sorry kid, just a little to late".

Eli nodded his head mutely staring out over the alleys by the station. Every one that knew Eli knew he had a strong unhealthy attachment to the book.