Breathe in.  Breathe out.  Cock the elbow back.  And, snap.           Through the blaring music, I hear the satisfying crack of the knife notching into the board.  I smirk; it’s right on the bullseye.           As it should be, granted that I’ve been... Continue Reading →

Continued:         I blink wildly, Campestris’ bright sun temporarily blinding me.  Once I readjust, I sit on my knees, looking out at the expanse and thanking the heavens I haven’t ever misfired and landed off the plateau.  I'm still breathing heavy, and I softly rub my neck where I still feel Sigiwald's... Continue Reading →

Continued:         In a flash, I bend at the waist, yanking the hands that hold mine down.  The guards are pulled down, one by each arm, and their heavy helmets clang against each other.  Disoriented, the guards loosen their grip just enough for me to somersault forward, slipping out from under them... Continue Reading →

        Wham!         I smack directly into someone else’s forehead and fall to the ground.  Grabbing my head in pain, I blink away the stars in my eyes.  Mumbling an apology, I hear laughter trickling from a few feet away.         “Shut up, Finn.” I say,... Continue Reading →

Continued:        The clashing continues along the path between the stacks, growing closer, and Finn runs past me to the right, grabbing my hand to drag me back toward the Door.  The next thing I know, we’re on opposite sides of the open doorway, backs to the wall, silent, listening and waiting.  The... Continue Reading →

Pulling on my headphones, I shove my hands into my pockets and walk down the sidewalk.  It’s a cold October day, and my boots give a satisfying crunch as they tread over the fallen leaves.  The sun begins to creep into the sky, and honestly, it’s way too early.  I stifle a yawn and try... Continue Reading →