Untitled (until I think of a good title)

Untitled Part 1

No one noticed the lone figure emerge from the alley. The darkness of the enclosed Paris streets aided him in his flight. Staggering forward with slow, halting steps the small figure of a boy made his way through the gloom. Well, to say that his progress went unnoticed wasn't entirely true. A moth eaten cat looked up from it's sleeping place in-between the towers of crates and boxes that leaned against one of the buildings that towered over him from both sides. It's haughty gaze followed him until he rounded the corner, displeased at being disturbed.

Great clouds of mist hung over the boy each time he released an agonising breath. Clutching his side he continued his way, not knowing where he was going or what he was seeking. Peering weakly ahead through the mixture of sweat and blood that ran into his eyes; the boy thought he saw somewhere where he could seek shelter, even if only for a few moments. Slowly the small figure neared the lean-to and caught his breath. His bony back pressed into the timber of the post that held up the roof and raising his head he saw the distant twinkling of stars through the missing tiles above.

A tear escaped his eye which was wiped forcefully away. His dark matted hair falling to cover his face as he looked down. The pain in his side was worsening. The dark stain that seeped into his tattered clothes was spreading alarmingly. He gritted his teeth and looked. A deep gash pierced his left side running approximately three or four inches down his ribs. He needed help, fast. With this thought on his mind he made a last effort to seek someone, anyone for assistance. The chances were remote however, the streets were deserted due to the late hour and the freezing temperatures of winter. Black spots were now obscuring parts of his vision and darkness was setting in. He tripped and stumbled in his weakened state just managing to grasp a barrel so as not to fall to the ground. Breathing heavily he let his mind go blank. Suddenly he became aware of the loud sound of someone else breathing and looked up.

Nearby a horse stood fastened in a small stable. He stood once more and approached slowly. The horse gave a nicker of alarm as it noticed the stranger but remained quite still. The relative warmth of the straw filled stable was heavenly to the boy. He tried to enter but found the door locked. Disappointment flooded through his veins, he sank down into a heap and cried bitterly. Some time passed, how much he did not know as he faded in and out of consciousness. The horse turned in his stall and came near the collapsed boy, sniffing cautiously. It advanced until the rope that bound it grew taught. The hot air ruffled the boy's hair which made him smile. He wished he could turn and pat the horse but his strength was leaving him. As his head dropped onto his chest he thought he saw a lantern of somewhere to his right but this was quickly engulfed by the irresistible darkness.