Chapter five : A dream in a dream

It has bean six months since I left my home and came to live here in this "Keep of shadows". I became greatly acquainted with the keep and its life, to which I adapted awfully quickly. At day time, the place was almost deserted to come back to life once the sun would set. During the day, I took care of the garden that was the most beautiful part of the keep. I was spending a lot of time there, growing many healing herbs and roots my mother taught me of. At nights, my lord would come to me and made sweet gentle love to my body after which I would fall asleep instantly. Every night I dreamed vividly of my father and my distant home and these dreams made me feel not so lonely. My fears of this place were gone in only few days and were replaced by some strange inner peace. As amazing as it sounds, I was happy on occasions. I knew that I shouldn't feel so, since I have bean taken away from my life, but this feeling just came and took me in its warm blanket, nursing me from than on. I felt like everything was unreal, like my life became a dream. The feeling bothered me at first, but soon it became normal everyday event in my life.

Life here was unusual before I came. Nobody bothered to tell time, but my lord kindly supplied me with a clock and a calendar. Also, I noticed that there were no mirrors in the keep, which gave me difficulty when I would do my hair. Fortunately, I could use the mirror of the water in the garden fountain, which became my favorite place. I always ate alone, without others and I never saw anyone else eat. But than again, I never did see a lot of people there during meal time. On rare occasions, great sense of fear would overwhelm me with no apparent cause. In that moment I couldn't remember anything that would cause it. Like one time I met my lord's fourth son, Rahab.

Turel introduced us, after I ran on them two. The moment I saw him, I felt like I met him before in some most unpleasant place. And when I heard his name I was shocked with fear and loathing that suddenly erupted inside me. Fortunately, I contained it and managed to go on my business, and later when I would meet him, I felt normal.

I've become strongly obedient to my lord's desires. Somehow, I willingly did everything he asked and I slowly started to enjoy it. He gained some strange hold of me, and in that I found peace and clarity.

After a few weeks since my arrival, I entered his quarters and found him in a good mood. He was over a map placed on his table. His third son Dumah was there as well and shared his feelings. As I stepped in, Dymah glanced at me with a clear dissatisfaction of my presence, but his father simply gestured him to leave.

" You seem awfully pleased by something, my lord. "; I noticed

" I am happy princess, "; he said :" because today all of Nosgoth is one big empire !"

" That is wonderful my lord… "

I couldn't believe what has just come out of me. It was as if his joy somehow entered my heart. I continued, confused by my actions :

" All of it ? But what about my father's land ?"

" Do you doubt me princess ?"

My gaze fell to the floor :

" I'm sorry… It has bean so long since I …long to me… A little… "

" Well, why don't you write to your father than and see for your self ?"

Joy filled me and I looked back at him with almost begging eyes :

" Could I !"

" And the privacy of your letters shall be respected. In fact, someone you know may deliver you the answer personally. That captain Rabelec, for instant …"

I jumped at him, kissed his cheek and ran out to find some writing kit. His skin was strangely cold on my lips, and he also seemed surprised by that. But I didn't paid heed to it.

In my letter I told my father not to worry, that I found peace and happiness here, and everything that happened since we were apart. I waited almost restlessly, until one evening I saw Rabelec on the horizon galloping on his black steed. I ran down and we hugged each other with so much warmness, I felt like spring came after long winter :

" My lady, "; he said looking at me :" Are you all right ? Are you being treated well ? "

" Yeas I am. Didn't I tell you that in the letter ?"

" Your father is deeply worried for you. "

" But I told him I'm fine…"

I felt silly for my poor father, and than again I realized that it should be like that. I didn't know why I expected him to be content. It must have bean that peace I found here. I continued :

" Honestly Rabelec, I'm fine. I'm being treated well, and I… I wouldn't lie when I would say I could be happy here. "

Than he saw that the castle seemed empty and abandoned, but said nothing of it and for a moment I could see him planning to take some action. He was surprised by my act so far, and was hard to believe it :

" My lady, don't get lost. Remember that you are in the mercy of a tyrant that holds you imprisoned here. "

" No. "; I interrupted him softly :" He was good and kind to me. And you know that he left us be. "

" Don't you know that he occupied the entire Nosgoth ?"

" I… I know. But not Willendorf . And we should all be thankful for it. Please, tell father not to break the deal. He has honored his part. "

We talked for a while about news and the things that I missed. I felt so homesick, but I knew my sacrifice was noble. We talked long while the sun sunk deep behind the forest top, until the moon peeked through the pale sky, and long after its color became dark and filled with stars. And it ended, and too soon. Rabelec gave me my father's letter, mounted his steed, and kissing my hand, said :

" My lady, I don't know how you managed to hold on thus far, but hold on a little longer. Maybe we can still get you home. "

" Only if I please my lord enough. I ask you again not to betray him. I know it's hard, but it's our only chance. "

" May your ancestors protect you, my lady. ";

He pulled the ribbon and galloped away, leaving me to my prison. But somehow I didn't think so ill of my situation, despite the fact that I was forced to it. In the letter my father displayed the same concerns as Rabelec. I felt silly for such worry, but again I caught my self. It seemed to me that they taught my state here was much worse, and were hard to believe my words. I was so lucky to have people who love me so much, to care for me unnecessarily. So I wrote them another note, and from that moment on we were in constant touch.

As time passed, I was becoming more and more passive. My life was filled with thoughts of simple things. I found joy in everything I did, especially at nights when my lord shared my bed. He needed only to tell me a word and I would obey with a smile. I think that in that obedience laid the source of my happiness, and the more his power grew over me, the more content I was. He even let me ride outside the castle with an escort after dusk and that made me very glad. After a while I was allowed to ride on my own, when I wanted it.

Once I tried to ask him about his past. I knew nothing about him since he came at my father's home, and I had thought a million questions for him. But as I started, he said that I shouldn't ask so much about the past, when my life is here now. After that I saw how all these questions were silly and unimportant, and I felt really foolish to bother him with such things.

And than it happened ;

Six mounts have passed like blessing on my hart. I've fell in love with my lord, his children, the keep, everything. But I haven't seen my lord's oldest son Raziel for quite some time now. That evening I was passing trough the corridor, where his old room was, carrying a cup of warm tee, when suddenly I heard some strange moaning. It startled me. I dropped the cup and it broke to bits. The sound was coming from his room few feet from me. As I approached I herd it again. Slowly opening the door, I entered the dark dusty room, filled with spider web and stuffy air that flowed difficult through my lungs. The draft made the dust fly and fill the air. I tried to see trough the tick darkness, but my eyes couldn't penetrate its black curtains.

The moaning came to me again, only stronger, followed by some silent cracking sound. As I followed it, I touched the surface of something big and rugged. Suddenly the draft from the opened door shut them behind me, and in an instant opened the window on the other side of a room. Pale light of a moon and clear night, shined in, revealing a giant cocoon beneath my hand. I jumped back in disgust, rubbing my palm on my dress. The thing was stuck to a wall, and nearly filled the quarter of a room, and than to my shock, it begun shacking. It moaned again, and cracks started to fill its surface. I was paralyzed with fear, when suddenly it burst to dust and bits, exposing a monstrously deformed man with black hair and shining eyes that suddenly fell on me. It was so awful I lost my consciousness and collapsed on the cold stone floor.

I awoke in my bed with my lord's face above me. I jumped to his arms, that was again strangely cold but comforting :

" What's the mater Princess ?"; he asked

" Oh, my lord. I… I saw a monster. "; I sobbed. He was surprised to here this

" Where ?"

" In the room… I'll show you. "

I lead him to that awful place, but when we entered it was a different room. There was no dust, no spider webs, nor that horrible thick air. And there was no monster. Only an opened window, trough which light shined in the whole room. I was confused, but my lord suddenly seemed filled wit joy

" It... it was here… I saw it. "; I said

" It seems that this night has worn you out Princess. "; he said seriously

" But I saw it… "

" You must have imagined it all. "; he said strongly :" You got lost, and the sleep caught up with you. We didn't find you near this room, but down the hall. "

His voice somehow instantly insured me of it :

" You… must be right. I'm sorry that I caused such a fuss. "

" You should go and get some rest. I must go to the sanctuary now… There are some things to discuss with my sons. "

" Yeas. Thank you my lord. "; I smiled leaving hem inside .

As I paced away I was so embarrassed by my imagination. And I was sorry to disturb my lord so. Who knows what he taught of me now. I really needed some rest like my lord said when I do such absurd things.

But as I started heading to my room, I stepped in the broken cup of tee I was holding when I herd that awful moaning. When I saw it near the door to this room, I knew that something was wrong. I went back in, but there was nobody there. Something was strange here. I was confused and shaken. What I saw was real and there had to be a monster somewhere in the castle.

So I decided to go to the sanctuary, where my lord said he went. In his wisdom I always found comfort and guidance when I needed it. I went to the stable and took my horse to ride it. Convincing the guard to let me pass, I rode to the west to the castle in the distance. I had little trouble getting there and the gates were wide opened. Leaving my horse tied, I stepped inside. The keep looked magnificent, though a little spooky. The floor was of shiny black and white marble stone, and the walls were decorated with golden fresh candlesticks that burned just bright enough to see a few feet around. There were many statues around of Dumah, Raziel, Turel and other of his sons, in glorious display, and many tapestries through out the halls that displayed my lords exploits, his battles, conquests and of course, his victory over the Sarafan lord. But his skin was pale painted, almost white. Perhaps it was because of the moisture, or something. On many places, I've found fabulous artwork and rich sculptures, probably spoils from his battles. But it was a deserted place, even after dark and in this empty solitude was something troubling that chilled my bones.

I've never been there before and didn't know where my lord would be, but I stumbled to a big, red, locked gate and a narrow staircase on boat sides. It's entrances were cowered in bars, but they were broad enough for me to pool trough them. As I climbed the twisted stairs, I found myself high up on a balcony overlooking the large room below. It was a huge, empty chamber with a broad red carpet that led to the center. And there I saw a great monument, made in a throne. There were eight giant toppled pools around ninth that held a golden spiked seat where my lord sat, with his sword like a lift between his palm and floor. Raziel stood before him, and the other five were around. My lord spoke :

" Your gifts please me Raziel. May they bring you power against all who would dare to oppose you. Soon it will be your turn Turel. "

" I shall be worthy father. "; he said.

I was just about to call to them when Melchiah stepped forth :

" My spies inform me that king Kelegran suspects something. If so, this peace won't last much longer. "

" It lasted too long already. We should start preparing our people for him. "; Zephon said, and my lord smiled :

" I do intend to have all of Nosgoth in the end. "; he said :" Even that pest of a city on the face of my empire. "

I was shocked to hear this discussion. All this time my lord was planning to attack my home. It was like he stabbed the knife in my hart. I saw him standing up :

" Willendorf will fall eventually. No king can defy our might, but we can let him make the first move. He knows little yet. Let us go and feed, my sons. "

They left through the dour on the other side and closed them behind them.

After they were gone I found a way down, and still disturbed, stepped to the throne chamber.

What could have made my lord to act so ? Was it me ? Did I do something to displease him ? Or maybe my father did something to make him angry. My mind was desperately trying to find a way to stop all this.

And than I noticed the throne again. I didn't saw it at first, but now I recognized this place. These were the pillars of Nosgoth. My mother told me stories about them. They were left by the gods in mortals care to maintain the life of our world. Once did these mighty columns raised to the top of the sky. But they were toppled down and left crumbling by demons and vampires boat. How old and desperate did they now seem. I could hardly believe that they were ever anything more than this.

As I approached, a wisp of light descended before me and stood hovering there. I herd a women's sigh and a ghost formed in front of me. She had dirty white robes and blue hair, and the left side of her face was washed away by the sands of time, exposing the bone within. She seemed pleasantly surprised to see me, something I didn't share:

" Could it be ? "; she said :" Life, after so long. "

" Stay away !"; I jumped back :" Don't harm me ! Go back to the realm of the dead. "

" I wish I could, but I am bound here eternally. You needn't fear me child, for I am beyond the ability to help or harm. It has been over four hundred years since I saw shreds of innocence and your presence pleases my poor soul so much. "

" Who are you… and why are you here ?"; I asked

" I am Ariel. I am all that remains of the circle of guardians that once long ago served these pillars and protected the land from evil. But my murder corrupted my fellow guardians and eventually destroyed them. Since than, these pillars have seen nothing but pain and the new guardians were never bourn to set things right. "

My fear left me as she talked and was replaced by a sense of sadness and grief. I felt sorry for the poor ghost. She continued :

" It has been long since I've seen the light you shine with child. But you must not dwell here. "

" Oh, it's alright…"; I said :" I am princess Sellinna. I was allowed… "; than I remembered that I don't suppose to be here.

" You are in danger here child. I listened while Kain spoke of you. If they find you here they will kill you. "

" If you listened, than you must know why does he want to attack my city ?"

" Because he is evil. But you don't know how much. He was called to purge the taint on the pillars and restore them. But he became tainted him self and left them crumbling while he would conquer the realms. He will not rest until he has it all. "

" But my land… he's left Willendorf alone…"

" The deal you have with him will apparently run out soon. He will take the city and kill you when you find out. "

My hart was tearing up inside me. My lord Kain, whom I've given everything, has plotted such treachery behind my back. I felt like I would collapse, but I managed to stand. Ariel continued :

" You have courage in you child and the opportunity to rid the world of evil. You must kill him child. And with his death the pillars would be restored, Nosgoth freed of corruption, your land made safe, and your life returned to you. "

I looked at her sadly :

" Even if I could, I would die by the hands of his sons. "

" There is a way to transport you back home. I am powerless now, but if the pillars were restored I could call upon their powers to take you back instantly. It would be my last act before I pass on. "

I didn't know what to say. I didn't want to believe her, but I had to, now that I was betrayed by my… my…that monster. It was hard for me to think of him in that way.

" Will you do it brave princess ? For me; for your father; for your self; for Nosgoth ?"

" I… I Shall. "; I said

As these words passed my lips, I felt as some thick fog in my mind was clearing up. I wasn't that confused anymore. Now I was angry, for the first time in these six months. I've almost forgotten how it felt like. Ariel smiled happily :

" Thank you, brave princess. You gave me back my hope. But you must go now before they notice you are not in your room. Please, wait with the foul act; return to me the next night and we shall plan it together. Kain will be away than. Go, and may luck follows you. "

She faded away in the air, and I went out the way I came. Fortunately my horse was still there. I returned back to my room, laid down, and the more I taught about it, the more clearly I saw and was more certain about my task. I felt stupid, for letting my self be blinded so. But now it was over. I knew what I had to do.