Path to Starry Pool (MAJOR EDITING)

Chapter Nine: The Ruler Of The Dead Realm

"There it is," Ashley announced as the group came to a clearing where a gap separated the trees, "The Castle of the Dead Realm."

A cliff fell into a deep cave, blocking their path to the castle that was on a large hill. The castle was huge, with towers pointing to the sky, with walls surrounding it like a prison, but it was oddly gorgeous. Piper looked ahead at the castle, then she shivered. Cold gusts of wind blew over her, and when she look in the opposite direction, towards the Living Realm's border, rays of sun lit up the forest, and the dead forest felt cold and frightening. Astoria was right, this is probably the worst idea I have ever had, Piper thought. 

"Well, let's get a move on and go inside," Nightmare said, breaking the silence, Then pointed at Astoria and Piper, "Then you two can meet the ruler."

Astoria and Piper gulped deeply, then Nightmare smiled. Piper held onto a brave face stubbornly, though her lip was trembling. Piper wouldn't give in to fear, but she would grip onto every bit of hope, even if she could die. 

"Remember young Piper, when things are looking bad and you feel fearful, never give up hope," Granny Rose said, "Goodbye, Piper, you will always be my little cookie."

"Granny?" Piper asked with tears in her eyes, "Don't leave me! I have so much more to say to you!"

Granny Rose rested her hand to rest on Piper's hand, then fell, her eyes closed and her breath stopped. Piper's mother grabbed the sobbing six-year-old Piper, closing her eyes in grief.

"Piper, your grandma will never leave our hearts," Piper's mother said and squeezed Piper's hand, "Your grandma will always watch over us, whatever happens, she will be by our sides in spirit."

Granny Rose gave me inspiring sayings, Piper thought sadly, I wish I got to know her better. Piper's grandma, Granny Rose, had died of age when Piper was sick, and Piper was very sensitive about the topic. Astoria had already been told about this subject when they were traveling to the Starry Pool, which was quickly quieted.

"Piper," Astoria said, breaking into Piper's thoughts, "It is time to go now. Don't be afraid, we're doing this together."

"Alright," Piper said, "I'm ready."

Astoria smiled and walked after Ashley and Nightmare, who were already at the castle entrance. Piper followed slowly and stopped to look up at the tall towers and marble walls. She stretched her hand forward to touch the wall, but Ashley grabbed her hand right before Piper's finger almost touched the wall.

"The ruler will be mad if you do that," Ashley said darkly, "If a good person touches the castle with their hand, the castle will be destroyed."

"I-I'm sorry," Piper said fearfully, her brown eyes widening, "I didn't realize."

"You should be sorry," Nightmare growled, glaring at Piper, "You would have died if it wasn't for Ashley."

"Enough," Ashley said impatiently, "Are we going to stand here chatting all day or go inside?"

"Inside," Ashley said before anyone could answer, "That's what I thought."  

Ashley stretched her hand forward, placing her hand firmly on the marble wall in front of her. Lines of lights glowed and began to melt into the wall, making the wall itself melt away to a large frame of a gateway, then walked inside the castle. Nightmare followed with Astoria and Piper. Torches held on the walls flickered and gave away a dim red glow, making the castle seem much scarier than it seemed from the outside. A red carpet rolled along the floor, leading up to a throne were a black diamond tiara was placed, and banners hang from the ceiling.

"Finally," Ashley sighed and delicately grabbed the tiara from the throne, "It is great to be back home."

"Home?" Piper questioned, "I thought you lived in the wooden shack."

"No," Ashley snarled and turned to Piper and Astoria, "This is where I was created, and with my magic, I made all of the monsters, including Nightmare!"

Nightmare nodded respectfully, knowing what Ashley was saying was true. Astoria and Piper's mouths were hanging open. Ashley placed the tiara on her head and plopped down onto her throne. She closed her eyes for a few seconds, then stood up again and walked over toAstoria and Piper. Piper slid her quiver that contained the Blossom of Life, to her back, praying that Ashley wouldn't want to take it. 

"Piper, Astoria, would you want a tour of the castle?" Ashley asked, "It won't take long."

"Y-Yes," Astoria said fearfully, "And Ashley, could I ask you a quick question?"

"Of course," Ashley said and leaned down to be face to face with Astoria, "And what is your question?"

"W-Why are you using the rulers tiara?" Astoria stuttered.

"Because I am the ruler." Ashley said and grinned.