Chapter One Sample

My mother cries out, and I have to pin my brother down to keep him from going to her. My first instinct is to run to her myself, but I know she'd want me to keep Soren safe. A few loud crashes, the tossing of items about to frighten her and whoever is nearby, and after, silence. I wait until the dull heavy sound of boots and rustling of robes recedes before releasing my brother. In a single movement, he is off the ground and rushes to the house before I can get to my feet.