Kelsey Luxford

Chapter 1

    I ran my index finger down the crease of the textured hilt of the sword, feeling this detailed carving from many centuries before me. Lost with fascination, I didn't notice the smell until it was too late. The scent practically burned your nose and filled your mouth with the horrible taste. The taste of tobacco and cigarettes.

"Hello old friend," said a familiar gravelly voice. I slowly set down the blade known as, Voltron.

"Hello, Ransom," I replied coolly as sliding my hand towards my belt. Before I reached my stolen dagger, Ransom had both my hands held tightly in his.

"Come on darling, let us get you back in your cell."

"Have it your way," I answered through gritted teeth, letting him put my wrists in chains. The cuffs dug into my already raw wrists, the pain was so intense I wanted to scream, but that would do me no good. That would just make me look like a fool. I scowled, there were only two more ways to get out of here and I didn't like either of them.

Next time I couldn't get distracted. Though something about the sword had called to me. Something about it, I just couldn't explain. I needed to tell someone about it, but who? I have no friends here, I don't know very many people. Even if I did why would they care? Next time I would get out of this dump. Next time I wouldn't stop for anything. "Next time," I thought, "next time."

Ransome tried to make small conversation by asking about my "friends," and kept talking after I didn't respond. Now he was talking about his family in Arkansas. For some reason, my mind kept wandering back to the sword. The beautiful hilt and the spotless blade that legend claimed could cut any material. The blade the greatest warriors feared, had called out to me.

Ransome had followed me about two blocks away from the prison to the museum where I tried to hide amongst the people. I had wasted too much time marveling at Voltron to get away and was once again, foolishly caught.

This had been my 5th attempt to escape, and so far-

"Walk this way." Ransom distracted my thoughts. He pulled me into a dark alley in the opposite direction of the jail.

"Where are we going?" I asked confused.

"Just keep walking," Ransome says. I keep quiet bewildered at Ransome behavior.