Chapter 4: Awakening
Gabriel's eyes were scarcely able to open. His eyelids seemed to be heavy as lead, and his head throbbed with an unendurable pain. "Uhh……" he groaned. Gabriel finally managed to open his eyes. Feeling weak, he surveyed his surroundings. He had been sprawled, on his side, atop a filthy, ragged mattress that rested on a spindly iron bedstead. The bed was situated in a large room, with grimy off-white walls. The floor was compiled of pale, cream colored planks; of course, all heavily coated in dirt.
Gabriel struggled to heave himself up, but to no avail. He gave a mute gasp, recognizing the blue fabric of the bewitched cape still clinging to his neck. Gabriel once again struggled to move, but he had no conscious control of his body. "No…." Gabriel gasped again in realization. He strained to lift an arm, but once again there was no result. The cape had completely immobilized him. He was paralyzed.
Click. Gabriel glanced over at the large wooden door. A key was working through the lock, and groaning, it gave way. In stepped a smug looking Manfred. "Hello, Gabriel," he said, his tone light, "how are you enjoying yourself. We figured you might as well be comfortable. You won't be leaving here for a while." He kneeled, bringing his face mere inches away from Gabriel's. "Of course, your friend Charlie is what really determines how long you'll be here."
"Why am I here….? What are you going to do with me?" Gabriel asked, tremblingly.
Manfred smiled primly. "Nothing, yet," he replied. "But of course, if Bone doesn't comply to our demands, we might have to be a little more convincing…eh?" Gabriel barely stifled a terrified whimper.
Manfred chuckled, and rose. "I guess I'll see you later, then 'Gabe'", he sneered, exiting and locking the door behind him. Gabriel strained again to lift his head. "Help me," he whispered, to no one in particular.