Kingdom of isolation - you can't hide

Two ~ Aurora

Aurora

Age 7

"Papa, why are we here again? You know I hate coming here..it's so scary."

The wind howls like a haunting melody and unease settles in the pit of my stomach when I realise how close we are to our destination. I'm holding Mama's hand tightly in mine as she walks beside me with Caspian on the other side, hands in his pockets and face unreadable. I'm always left in awe at the resemblance he shares with our Papa, I can't wait to see what he'll look like when we grow up. Speaking of our Papa, he is carrying me in his arms refusing to put me down, partly because I refused to move on my own accord and he hoisted me up like a doll when I tried to glue myself to the car seat. I screamed and kicked but he wasn't having it today. He is a scary man sometimes but becomes a cuddly giant when it comes to me. He is so handsome and strong, my perfect Papa. But despite my admiration for this giant that is my Papa, I still hate coming here and he knows it. Needless to say, I have been sulking in silence until it became unbearable.

"I know you do. But you have nothing to be afraid of when I'm here, little one." He says, nuzzling my neck with his stubbled jaw. I giggle despite not wanting to, pulling my hand back and punching his chest to get away. He just laughs at my attempts in getting away, kissing my forehead gently.

"We'll be out of here in no time." He promises me and I nod. I might not like this situation but I still believe him. I look over to see Mama's worried face, she doesn't want to be here either. I don't blame her, this place really sucks the joy out of everything. The trees surrounding us are withering away, their branches weighing low like they've seen too much and can't bear anymore. It's a haunting thought but somehow seems appropriate for this place.

The wind is harsh, nipping at my exposed cheeks and turning them red. It was warm and beautiful in the morning with the sun shining bright over the mountains when we set out on this journey. Now, it's dark and gloomy..just like this place. It's no wonder that no one lives here unless they're native to the lands—or taken against their will because that's the only reasonable explanation for staying here. It's so far away from neighbouring lands and takes hours to get here in a car. It is a place of isolation, I can't imagine ever living here. Unlike this place, our home is warm and inviting, full of lively people and greenery that stretches over the horizon and goes far beyond into the mossy mountains. I love being able to walk around in our lush gardens and riding my bicycle around the outskirts, near the many factories and mills, with Caspian—obviously, we come as a pair. The only place I'm not allowed near is the cliffs that oversee the river, not that I mind. I prefer staying on dry lands, thank you very much. The crunching of gravel beneath us tells me we're closer to our destination and dread fills my veins despite Papa's promise. I snuggle into his warm chest as his steps come to a steady halt, feeling a dark presence stand in front of us. I hide my face in his chest, inhaling the woodsy scent I've associated with the safety he brings me and listen to the conversation that follows.

"Nice of you to finally join us, James." I jump at the deep baritone voice, heartbeat quickening. Papa has a deep voice too but it's more friendly, more forgiving and matches his warm personality perfectly. This other voice is cold, uncaring and void of any emotion. Almost inhuman, but that's not possible. Is it?

"Can't say I'm delighted to be here, Elijah." Papa speaks, voice clipped. Uncle Elijah laughs but it's not a good laugh, it sounds sinister and hollow—like a mask he doesn't bother adjusting anymore. This place suits him perfectly, it's been moulded in his image to perfection. Wow, I didn't know I was capable of such dark notions.

"Athena." He speaks to Mama but she doesn't respond, there's a certain animosity in the atmosphere that refuses to dissipate.

"Caspian, you've grown into a fine young man." He continues, my brother doesn't respond at first but decides to greet him as to not be disrespectful.