The Isle of Flame

Chapter 3

Surrounded by lush green pastures of soft grass and yellow flowers, this was by far the most beautiful place I had ever seen. Colt's manor was both regal and enormous all at once. Bulky white pillars lined its extravagant entrance. The home itself was painted a muted maroon with details of gold flecked throughout. This place was something between an elegant home and a castle.

While taking in this beautiful scene I thought to myself about the Isle of Flame. How desolate and dry our land was. I wondered how this place was able to keep its plants alive with the lack of water the Isle had. Shit, maybe this is where all of our water was going? Rather than quenching the thirst of our people and our lands, Colt Shadows was taking it all for himself so he could live in luxury.

Regardless of how it was upkept, I was mesmerized by the site of the manor. Breathtaking stained glass doors awaited me as we rounded the circular stone driveway to its entrance. As the carriage came to a stop, I tried to gather myself for what awaited me. I reminded myself that though this place was beautiful on the outside, I knew of the horrors to be rumored on its insides.

Before I got the chance to open my door, an older gentleman with gray hair had appeared and opened it for me.

He was smiling from ear to ear. "Denali Aeron. Welcome to the MM darling. I am so pleased to meet you."

Surprised by his kind and gentle manner, I stared at him for a moment. "Thank you sir. May I ask your title, so I can address you properly?" I wanted to ensure that I didn't ruin this kindness he was extending me.

"Oh well of course dear, I go by Kernz. I am merely an ignoble so no need to worry about a title. I have worked here at the MM for longer than you've been alive, I am sure! Now, come along. I am going to show you all the wonders that await you here!" His smile only grew as he continued to talk. His pale white skin and expressive face reminded me of Phoenix. How am I going to do this without him?

"Absolutely, I look forward to hearing my duties and completing them to the best of my abilities," I replied matter of factly.

"Oh, there will be plenty of time for work," he waved me off. "But today is about learning the lands and getting comfortable darling! Loosen up." He finished and strode towards the stained glass doors. They were easily fifteen feet tall and far wider than my arm span. As we got closer I could see the maroon and emerald colored glass shine and shimmer as Kernz opened each door. Each sliver of glass had been laid gently into a molten golden liquid. I wasn't sure if the glass was intended to create a picture or if it was abstractly placed. Regardless, it was the most breathtaking piece of art I had ever laid eyes on.

Kernz stopped a moment while I admired the doors before we walked in. "Beautiful aren't they? Colt is quite passionate about incorporating local art throughout the manor. Come now, in we go." He hurried me along through the doors.

Almost immediately I was overtaken by the beautiful room before me. The space was covered in gemstone colors. Deep ruby reds, sapphire blues, and emerald greens lined the interior. A golden staircase rounded the room from left to right. As if it was offering you a choice on which side to use to enter the second floor. The ceiling had the same intricate paisley from the carriage painted in gold leaf throughout. Again, I felt as though I couldn't move as I took in all of the beauty.

"I know honey, the place is gorgeous! But we have to get a move on it or you'll never see the whole manor. Up the stairs we go." He pointed straight ahead for me to follow.

I found myself feeling smaller and smaller as we ascended the stairs and I was able to see the expanse of the manor itself. The second floor had an opening in its center that overlooked the first floor. Below I could see the wait staff bustling from one direction to the other. They were carrying laundry, transporting food, etc. I supposed I would be right beside these individuals soon enough.