SatS - Chapter One: Swift

Working in conjunction to Inktober I decided I am going to create a story based on the prompts of Inktober, along with the artwork, creating some cohesion of my pieces as well as a tale for you all to read (^_^)Make sure to check out the other chapters to come — one posting every day of October 2017And also check out the speed art videos for the art creations on youtube here!

Chapter 1: Swift

“Slow down Swift!” Ms. Knowings shouted as I rushed past her cart with haste.

“Not in the names Ms. Knowings!” I called back, a smirk on my face as I followed the familiar path, though it is futile as she quickly lost interest in the conversation, like always too lost in her mumbling thoughts of a better society,

I am late again… I thought as I heard the first bell ring.

Another eleven more and I shall definitely be bearing another punishment.

What would it be this time?

Cleaning out the cave again? Rolling the stones back up the hill? Picking up and collecting all the arrows, both fallen and broken alike, from the forest?

Boy… that had been a grueling one.

But it had taught me to notice the small things with quick speed. As well as learning to pick up my speed when getting to lessons on time.

Clearly, that lesson has yet to fully kick in though.

Passing by the town square, marked by a statue of the cloaked hero and his friend, I spotting Draken's bent cart, a smirk formed on my lips, along with an idea.

Picking up speed I headed towards my destination.

“3...2...1…” I whispered as I arrived on the cart. Using its tilt, I lifted myself into the air.

“Swift!” A worried voice called as I used the metal bar that holds up the crafter's sign, to help lift myself to the roof.

“Sorry, Barnes! Can't stop! I'm late!” I threw back to my friend, as I got my balance.

“When are you not?!” He questioned, laughing off his worry as I secured my position.

I threw him a sheepish grin as I shifted onto the next roof.

“What was it this time?” he called as he followed me upon the ground, but not as speedily with the obstacles.

“Saving the birds, or maybe an injured knee?”

“Both!” I should “Mr. Huntingham really needs to stop taking his name so literally and start paying more attention to that son of his! Maybe then his legs won't be littered with so many scars!”

“But what's the point when there's someone like you around?” he questioned shouting, as he had to stop to let pass a cart of hay.

I shook my head, chuckling as I left him behind.

Just like always.

Focusing upon the view before me, I watched the forest become more vibrant as I grew near, moving away from the dry, regulated village life and into a rural kingdom.

Almost there… I thought just as a cry ripped through the air.

I halted. Scanning the area, I looked for the source.

Around me now hung many empty allies, right next to the borders of the forest. But no one is in sight.

Another scream erupted.

There... I thought as I pinpointed its location.

Another scream followed this time closer. Right beside me, almost. Stopping, I looked over the edge of the roof, analyzing the situation.

Three thugs surrounded a little girl as she whimpered softly, gazing upon them in fear.

Lelisa…

Eyes wide, I took in her uninjured form as she cawed against the dead end, petrified as she attempted to keep her magic at bay. Her captors' cruel, twisted laughter cut through the air.

Not on my watch.

Without another thought, I dropped down between them.

“Swift!” Lelisa cried, immediately, relief coating her tone.

The males yelped in surprise.

One looked to speak, but I gave him no chance. With quick speed, I shot forward with trained accuracy. With one punch and a heft of strength, I sent him flying backward.

His friends watched, open-mouthed, at their fallen friend. The wall he hit crumbled around him.

I cracked my knuckles.

“Right,” I said, casually as I tilted my head. Their eyes switched to me, ever so quickly.

“Who's next?”

“Wha….” One muttered, speechless.

“I-I-I” the other stuttered as he backtracked.

I took a step forward.

As if turning on a switch, they started running. Barely grasping their unconscious friend properly, they made their way out of my sight.

I huffed.

That was easy…

“Swift!” Lelisa called as she barreled into my calfs. Her magic sparked with the sign of her relief.

I chuckled.

“Hey Lisa,” I said softly, kneeling down next to her.

Hands on her shoulder, I scanned her form.

Scratches, but no blood. Possible bruises.

“You alright?” I asked, tucking a loose strand of blonde hair behind her ear.

Slowly, she nodded.

“Sorry.”

I paused.

Now that is unexpected...

“Why?” I questioned simply as she twiddled her thumbs, refusing to look at me. Tears threatened to slip her overfilled eyelids.

“I keep getting myself into trouble,” she mumbled, her toe drawing patterns on the ground “and you have to keep saving me.”

I watched her with a small smile.

Lifting her chin up, I met her purple gaze as I said, “Now, that's nothing to be sorry for. If anyone should be sorry it's those that keep getting you into trouble. Right?”

She smiled at me softly, she nodded slowly, before returning her gaze to the floor.

Chuckling I whipped her eyes dry, before standing up.

“Right, lets—”

A loud boom echoed across the skies.

Whimpering, Lelisa clung to me, the fear I had somewhat succeed in ridding her of returned.

“What was that?!” Lelisa asked, her fingers clawing into my thighs.

“I... don't know, but I'm going to find out,” I said as I lifted Lelisa up.

“Wait! Where are we going?” She cried, as I jumped back onto the roof, after securing her.

“You, are going to Barnes.”

“And you?”

“I'm going to see what that was,” I said, picking up speed.

The rest of her words are lost in the wind as I rushed to my goal, swiftly.