Beautiful (ON HOLD AND EDITING)

Chapter 4

Alayna screamed in fright, and ran into the storm, to help her father up. She began to shout orders to Michael, who immediately obeyed. "GRAB THE HORSE AND GET IT INTO THE BARN! ITS BEHIND THE COTTAGE!!" She yelled over the roaring noise of the wind. He nodded, and lead the horse, after she lifted her father off, and helped him into the cottage.

He had a bad limp, and a rough sounding cough, his face was blue with cold, and he needed rest. Alayna helped him into his bed, made him a cup of hot chamomile tea, and sat beside him as he told his story. Michael joined them, just as the story began to start. He smiled warmly at Alayna, who smiled shyly back. Alayna's father coughed before continuing...

I was just travelling back home. the woods were beautiful and serene, the birds chirped, making the atmosphere almost fairy-tale like.

Alayna giggled. Her father always had a knack for  storytelling.

But when I turned a corner, it went darker, as if an evil presence was there, watching my every  step. I continued anyway, and as the forest grew darker, the rain became heavier. When I could finally see through the fog, I saw a huge Château, even though it was more like a palace. I was soaked to the bone, and the gate was open so I thought, why not? I needed a shelter, and it seemed inviting, so I walked in, the doors, they opened by themselves, which scared me out of my wits. I was met by a THING.

He emphasized the word THING

It was sort of invisible, but you could see the outline of it, you only understand what I mean when you see it. It lead me to a room, which I assumed was the drawing room. A warm fire was crackling, and a nice big comfy chair was positioned right in front of it. They led me to it, and placed a footstool under my feet. The outline of a maid brought me tea and biscuits, and I ate till I was full. And let me tell you, it takes A LOT of biscuits to get full.

He chuckled, as did Alayna and Michael.

After supper, they led me to a sumptuous room. A King size canopy bed, a walk in wardrobe, a bathroom, with a BATH!  I  immediately sank into the hot steamy water, that had been brought up by what I assumed, was a valet. There were even bars of soap, in all kinds of scents just like at home! There was even your favourite, rose!  After I dried my self off with a soft cotton towel, I found a night gown, and night cap, and when I climbed into bed, it was so soft! I immediately fell asleep.

When I woke up the next morning, some new clothes were laid out for me, so I got dressed, and decided to look around. I found a rose garden, and I remembered that you loved roes, but we don't have any roses here, so I decided to get one rose for you. I chose the smallest one, so that the gardener didn't notice. But as soon as I took it, a defeaning roar was heard throughout the Château. and a horrible and ugly looking beast appeared, and scolded me, asking where my manners were. I explained it was for you, but he just said, "Now you must pay the price! You have 1 week to go back to your friends and family, and then you must come back here, unless you find someone willing to take you place!"

Alayna thought about this for a while, and then spoke up "I will go for you."