Mage Wind by Jason Damman

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'Young master, food and fresh clothes are laid out in your room. A meal is also on the table. Please call Alba is as this will be his last meal at home for a little while and I'd hate for him to miss it.'
I nodded my head, stood in the foorway and waved to Alba to join us inside. He came muttering and cursing.
'We won't be able to leave tonight, the King has blocked the gates, they are searching for you. If you are found with us, myself and Perin will be beheaded. I suggest you hide in your room untill dawn. I will get you up at first light and as soon as the gates are clear, we will be on our way. First, let us eat and be merry as this will be the last comforts we will endure for quite awhile.'
I walked into the eating room where Perin was making final preparations on a feast.
'Ah, young master, Alba, you're both here and in good time too. I heard news of the gates being blocked by the King's men. Such a pity that you cannot leave tonight. Travelling by darkness would have benefited you both quite comfortably. Don't fret, a good nights rest before your journey tomorrow will do you both a world of good. Let us eat and sing songs by the fire as this will be a night to remember.'

I woke up suddenly, my heart thudding in my chest. I broke out in a cold sweat then I realized what was going on. It was pitch black and I couldn't see. I could hear yelling in the night and a clang of swords outside my window. I threw back the covers and pulled on my boots. I knew it was the King's men and I knew they were searching for me. I was suddenly very scared. Were Perin and Alba still alive? I opened the door to my bedroom, sword in hand, a black figure knocked me to the ground and my sword went skittling across the room into darkness. I yelled out but couldn't fight off the dark figure as the breath was knocked from me.
'Shhh young master,' said a familiar voice. 'The King's men are outside fighting the townsfolk. They know of your presence here and are trying to fight them off. Alba is somewhere outside. I don't know where. It's best you be off quickly.' Warned Perin, 'Alba told me he would meet you by the gates if you could get free quick enough. He won't be waiting long, so you better hurry.'
I muttered something of a thank you to Perin as I pulled myself back onto my feet. I still couldn't see a thing. Perin lit a candle. I waited for my eyes to adjust to the dim light and then I picked up my rucksack. I said thank you again to Perin and opened the window. It creaked open so loudly I thought my assailants outside would surely hear me. I climbed out through the open window and out onto the dew covered grass. I knelt down to my knees looking for any sign of discovery. I waited, my breath rasping in my ears. I said a prayer to the gods, stood up and started running for the back fence. I heard a scream from inside the house. I turned around and saw Perin with a sword protruding from his chest. I shuddered and kept running. All of a sudden there was a roar, the house was on fire. I jumped over the fence, landing on the soft earth below me.