Safehaven

Chapter 8

It began as a steady throbbing behind the eyes. Slowly but steadily, it wound its way up to a pounding headache. I opened my eyes, immediately regretting it. Harsh, bright light glared back at me, making my head boom like a drum. Around me, the light began to dim as my eyes got used to it. Soon, I could see a stone chamber with several torches burning in various places. Thick rugs covered the floor and an elegant armoire sat at the opposite side of the room. Heavy curtains fluttered by the open window. The moon was no where to be seen. I myself was sitting in a four poster bed. Rich comforters and blankets gave off warmth while countless pillows promised extra comfort. I slowly sat up. The light of the torches still burned my eyes a little, but not enough to cause severe pain. Glancing down, I saw a cotton swab taped to the inside of my arm. Typical. I had been drugged, probably so that my captors could get me here without a fuss. I peeled the cotton away. Suddenly, a knock echoed from the wooden door. It creaked open, a vivid green eye peeping through. "Anybody home?" Nathen stepped onto the threshold as if nothing had happened, though a small limp in his leg suggested otherwise. "I thought you might still be in bed." He smiled. Now that I got a close up look at him, I coguld see that his challenge with the vanishers had not gone so well. Thin scratches covered his face and arms. Some gashes had gauze over them and several others had stitches crossed over them. His eyes were not as bright as they normally were and dark circles rested underneath them. "I thought you were dead. Why aren't you?" That was all I could manage without letting loose the white hot lump of anger in my chest. I mean, who was this guy that he thought that he could just show up at our door, drag us through the woods to some creepy castle, then leave us with complete num-nuts?! That was outrages! Nathen's smile drooped, and pure exhaustion seeped through his mask of chearfulness . "I'd rather not talk about that right now. But I know, you're probably angry with me right now, but one day you'll thank me. Really, this place is awesome! Your friends certainly agree!" My breath caught in my throat. "You spoke to my friends?" Even though we had only been separated for a few hours, I desperately wanted to see them. We really need to clear a few things up. Nathen smirked, which truly annoyed me. "You may see your buds after you eat and change. You smell like smoke and look like a toothpick."

With that, the man left, closing the door behind him. Clumsily, I slid out of the bed and stumbled into the armoire, almost taking it down. Whatever they had given me, it was strong stuff! Anyway, I finally figured out how to open the double doors and they flew apart. Inside, silver robes hung in order. Each about ankle length,robes and cloaks hung from the wardrobe, both boasting a shimmering hue. It was as if the moon itself had been woven into the material! I quickly slipped on one of each, admiring the silky fabric. It felt like water, cool, light, and free. I headed to the door. Beside it was a breakfast tray, and guess what, my old sneakers! Sure enough, the tennis shoes that had gotten me through the woods, dirt, mud, and all, were sitting right there. I tied them on and snagged a piece of toast and some orange juice from the tray. Opening the door with my foot, I peaked through and quietly tread out into the ornate corridor. Etchings were carved into the stone, while woven tapestries hung from wooden beams. A cold draft made my cloak billow around me, causing me to shiver. I hastened my step and strode down the hallway. It abruptly ended in a T. Taking the left, I followed it for several doors down. Dead end. Let's face it; I was not the person with the best sense of direction. As quickly as he had vanished, Nathen reappeared. "Come on, Miss Shiloh. We mustn't be late." I shambled in his footsteps till we came to a painted door. Mystically, it swung open, revealing five surprised faces. I dearly wanted to run forward and give each of my friends a hug, but something held me back. Something was off. I took a step back. From nowhere, someone chuckled. "Well done, my dear. Not many people can sense the presence of Fyr. But let us put that aside for later on. Right now, there is so much we need to talk about, but so little time. Pray take a seat and let's begin."