Falling Sky by James Patrick Riser Page A

compartment jerked as it started to descend.
    â€œWhat do you mean, ‘we’?” Ian looked up at the elevator’s security camera.
    â€œI’ll explain everything later.” Wasley’s features became a mask of indifference. “Just follow me.”
    The doors opened into a vast reception area. A round desk sat against the wall to their left and the entire appearance of the room created a stark contrast to the cell and hallways they’d previously occupied. An elegant fountain, which featured several multi-winged creatures holding basins of water, rose from the center of the room.
    Several screens, mounted on the walls, showed pleasant images of various landscapes. A handful of people walked through the area as they attended to different tasks. A few security guards stood and observed the small collection of people from their posts. Ian’s throat tightened with a hard lump and his forehead became warm with perspiration.
    As they approached the desk the receptionist looked up and smiled at them. “How can I help you, Sir?”
    â€œI left a back pack here. I’d like to pick it up.”
    Ian glanced up at his teacher and then to the black mole on the receptionist’s upper lip. She shifted her attention to Ian and narrowed her eyes. “Are you looking at my beauty mark?”
    His face flushed with heat as he dropped his gaze down to his shoes. He heard the squeak of her chair and several sharp clicks as she rose and briskly walked away.
    â€œI’ll be right back with it,” she announced irritably.
    Wasley rested his hand on Ian’s shoulder, and Ian looked up. “Mr. Wasley?”
    The professor tightened his grip in response. “I knew this was going to happen.”
    â€œWhat’s going to happen?”
    Wasley suddenly let go of Ian’s shoulder and leaped over the desk. He bent over, retrieved his back pack and jumped back over with unexpected agility for a man his size.
    â€œHey! What are you doing?” screamed a voice near the elevators. Ian quickly turned to see two security guards clad in blue uniforms.
    â€œLet’s go,” Wasley said calmly as he slung the back pack over his shoulder and sprinted toward the double doors Ian figured to be the exit. He ran after Wasley.
    Halfway there, two more guards appeared at their flanks. Both men ran toward the fleeing pair; their black boots furiously beat the elegantly tiled floor.
    â€œFaster, Ian,” Wasley called back with no sign of slowing.
    Ian drew a deep breath and willed his legs to move faster, which he didn’t think possible. The two original guards closed in on Wasley and grabbed him by the shoulders. The teacher responded by twisting his body free from their firm grasp. The momentum caused one guard to completely fall over and become an obstacle for his partner. As Ian quickly approached the scene, the still-standing guard lunged toward him with outstretched arms. The man must have been completely oblivious to the body on the floor and soon joined it. Ian took another breath, closed his eyes tightly and attempted to jump over the two downed men.
    His eyes didn’t reopen until his feet landed on the floor with an echoing clack. Smiling inwardly, he took another flying leap toward the doors and his waiting professor. The portal slid open and both rushed out before the two remaining guards reached them.
    Immediately, they entered a mass of human traffic that crowded the sidewalk. Several people stepped aside when they saw the guards, however Wasley grabbed Ian by the elbow and forced him through the crowd. Eventually the pair became lost, and the sound of the guard’s voices became distant.
    â€œDon’t stop walking until we reach the car,” Wasley said as he stole a backward glance.
    â€œYou have a car?” Ian’s eyes widened at the prospect.
    â€œNot a good one.” Wasley quickened his pace.
    â€œThere aren’t many cars in the city,