Disclaimer : Ionly own 3 of them. Guess which ones.

Ch 5 The Castle

Fred continued to run away from the village, she couldn't believe how betrayed she felt by Bob's betrayal. Her best friend had gone against everything she had ever told them. Ned was trying to catch up with Fred but wasn't having much luck, she couldn't remember the last time she had seen her friend so upset. Bob had made a mistake but she didn't deserve to just be abandoned.

Finally Fred slowed down slightly and Ned managed to catch up.

'Where are you going ? You can't just leave Bob down there, those people might hurt her.'

'I don't think Bob is too worried about being hurt by those people. She made her descision.'

'Well, where are you going ? Shouldn't we try and help Bob, she could be in trouble.'

'Do I look like I care ?'

'Alright. But where are you going ? Please don't tell me you're going to that castle ? Fred, do you have any idea how stupid that idea is ? Whether Bob is trying to kill it or not it is still a murderer.'

'I don't care. What if Bob's original theory was right ? What if it is some poor, lonely man up there rather than an awaful monster ? Bob could have been right we don't know that the Creature is living up there. I don't think it's right that the mob just goes up there and kills some innocent person. Could you really live with that Ned ?'

Ned said nothing. She knew there was nothing she could say to change her mind. Fred stormed off in the direction of the castle. Ned knew that there was nothing she could do to stop her friend now so she did not chase after her even though she had always wanted to see what was inside that castle. At the time she didn't really know how good her decision was.

**

The angry mob still marched on even though the rain had started to pour. They were determined to get to the castle and kill the Creature. Bob was not regretting going with them despite what Fred had said to her. She wondered if her friend would ever forgive her but she doubted it.

Bob decided not to join in with the mob's singing even though several of them leaned towards her and tried to get her to join in. The thought that she was now bait was not a comforting one and she did not feel like celebrating at that time. They were still quite a way from the castle and Bob wished they would just get there and the Creature would finally be dead.

**

Fred rushed up the path to the castle and was met by numerous wolves patroling the grounds as if protecting the man inside. She wanted to turn and run back but she knew that some innocent man could very soon be dead if she didn't do anything.

She reached the door and was startled to find that there were several statues staring out at her, she took these as a warning and turned to run away but the sound of the mob behind her made her change her mind. She knew she had to do something. So she banged on the door hoping someone would answer. After nothing happened she reached for a chain that she presumed was a doorbell. She pulled it and a loud, echoing ring ran through the house.

She waited for some time, she was very much aware that the mob weren't far away and she hoped someone would answer the door quickly. Anyone found helping something evil had to be evil themselves. If she was caught now she would undoubtedly be accused of witchcraft.

After what seemed like eternity the door opened and the person that opened it was not what she expected. He was a short man and she was almost certain that he was no murderer. In fact she didn't think he was the owner of the castle either. He looked at her as if expecting her to say something but she was speechless. He was not what she expected at all.

'Can I help you ?' He inquired very politely. She thought that he may have been a butler of some kind.

'I.I need to speak with the man who's castle this is.' She said trying to hide her fear but she was sure she was unsuccessful.

'Right this way.' The man said as he stepped aside and allowed her to enter. There was something odd about this man, she didn't know what it was but it was all too clear that this had not been a good idea.

For a moment she wondered if she should go back and meet the mob. She knew that many rich people had butlers and that didn't mean they were evil. She nodded politely at the man as she walked in. She couldn't describe what she felt next. A great chill went down her spine as if someone was causing it but when she turned around there was nothing there.

She could smell something strange as well, it almost smelled like things rotting but she put it down to her overactive imagination and tried to ignore it. The man suddenly appeared in front of her and smiled.

'You said you would like an audience with my master, Lestat ?' Fred nodded, 'Then please follow me and stay close, it is easy for a person to get lost in this castle.' He smiled and Fred thoguht she caught a glimpse of madness in his eyes but thought nothing more of it as she tried to keep up with the odd man.

After a long time of wandering through corridors trying to keep up with the man Fred finally saw a great door at which the man had stopped.

'My master awaits.' He said as he opened the door for her to enter. She stood a moment as if preparing herself for what she might find. She then took a step forwards and the door swiftly closed as if the man had been too frightened to stay.

She swung round, expecting something to happen but there was nothing. It was only then that she was aware of the presence of someone else in the room, she turned back around and standing right in front of her was the Creature, Lestat.

TBC