He looked at me and smiled." Of course you're going to die. Die in torment." –he shouted. It was at this moment that I realised I have just awakened and mistook his grimace for a friendly, gentle smile. Now, completely aware, I noticed I was in some filthy, loathsome, dark room with my wrists and ankles in rusty chains. He looked at me, frowned and started shouting again. My head was very painful and I could taste my blood in my mouth.

Some time later the horrible man left and I tried to stand up, regardless of the terrible ache in my legs, and grab hold of the bars attached to a small, narrow window, the only one in this disgusting my chamber. With terror in my heart I realised that there was a stake prepared outside and the scared voice in my mind shouted my name attaching it to most frightful sites. I struggled in agony trying to loose heavy chains. Suddenly the door opened and with trepidation I looked up and saw strange silhouette. Few seconds later I saw the full embodiment of the strange visitor and realised it was a beautiful woman gently smiling at me, whispering melodic words of some strange fascinating language captivating my mind as well as my ears. I closed my eyes and noticed that even the horrid smell of the stale air has been replaced with a strange revivifying freshness. Next time I opened my eyes I realised I was carried in the gentle arms of my saviour as we rode across endless fields.

Once again I looked at that luminous face and mesmerised by its beauty I stared in awe observing the perfection of its contours and purity of its angelic, saint-like features. Finally I knew I was entirely safe when she looked at me and smiled.



Nikolina Sivacki