When The Witching Hour Strikes

Chapter 18

Alvin POV:

I woke up cold and shivering despite the blanket over me. How did I get here? Where was I? and more importantly, how would I get out of here? Where were the others? All these questions ran through my head in the blink of an eye, all rushing about, competing to get my attention. I opened my eyes gingerly, and found I was in a dark room with a small window near the top. Far too small for me to get through. The light coming in told me what I already knew, that it was nearing dusk and I had no way of escape. The walls were smooth brick, as if sanded down to ensure none could escape. The only possible way was to get out of the window, but with nothing to grip on I would struggle to attain the window. I heard something moving outside the door to my cell. Instantly I became more alert, listening to see if I could glean any information as to who was holding me hostage.

After some shuffling and the clink of armour someone spoke in a rough voice.

"Take him up."

A clink of keys and the door was opened revealing a long passageway lit with torches by cell doors. Countless cell doors, and in the distance a long set of winding stairs. I was roughly led by the guard to whatever awaited me. The guard prodded me with his pommel, shoving me forward.

"Oi you, walk faster. Boss wants you up there at once."

I bit back a response, not wanting to anger these people more than I already apparently had.

As we approached yet another hallway with more winding stairs at the end of it I began to recognise the layout of the place. Somehow it seemed very familiar, yet I was certain I had never been here before. The stairs seemed to go on forever, with each turn bringing only more stairs.

We arrived in a luxuriously decorated study with a man sitting on the most expensive chair I had seen. The guard I was with made a small cough like sound in the back of his throat. The man turned.

He was tall and strong, clearly more than in charge of everything around here. As he got up and walked over to me a sense of foreboding grew in the pit of my stomach. He began inspecting me with a critical eye, noting the chains around my wrists. Finally, he spoke.

"Looks strong, would do very well. Leave him to me. You may go now."

The guard nodded and bowed out of the room closing the double doors behind him.

Ellie POV:

As I continued my watch, I felt a sensation of uneasiness come over me. It felt like we were being watched, but I knew we were alone in these woods. As quietly as possible I moved to wake the others and whispered to them.

"Guys, I think we're being watched. I don't know if we are, but it's probably better to be safe than sorry. Let's move, we need to gain some ground so we can find Alvin."

They nodded sleepily in agreement, each one silently packing what little we had. We crawled out slowly from the cave and then ran. We knew it would be only a matter of time before someone caught us and we got taken to wherever Alvin was. As we ran I knew that for now, we would be safe. It was hard to explain, but somehow, I knew we would be okay for today at least. I slowed down and the others followed suit, with confused looks on their faces. When we finally stopped out of breath I briefly explained my idea. We would rest when we found an ideal place to sleep. I looked up and saw thick leaves on multiple trees surrounding us. We climbed them quickly, struggling to stay awake in the near morning light. As we settled down to sleep once more, I felt Ember tug at my sleeve.

"Hey, you awake?" she whispered.

"Yes, what is it?"

"Just, thanks for getting us so far, it means a lot having someone who's there for you."

"You're welcome, now get some sleep. We have a long day ahead of us."

"Night."

"Goodnight Ember."

We awoke to the sun streaming down into our eyes, bringing with it a heat that was much needed after the cold of yesterday. We climbed out of the tree and began to find things to eat. After all, there was no way we would be able to survive much longer if we did not eat. We scouted around, searching each bush, and running after various animals to capture them. Finally, Kalen managed to capture a decent sized rabbit which we quickly killed. Ember built up a fire while Raisie and Cordelia found various herbs to season it with. After eating, we began discussing what our next move would be. We would not be able to rush into wherever Alvin was and save him very easily based on what Kalen knew of the person who held him hostage.

"we need to get into the castle disguised as servants. I know someone who can get us the clothes we need and a way inside. From there, we can ask around for information about new arrivals, it's a small castle so they'll notice if anyone has come within the past two days."

We gathered what little we had with us and set off after Kalen. As we walked, I noticed an eerie quiet around us, as if something was about to happen, but there was nothing around us.

Suddenly there was a loud crack and we all jumped, alert, with weapons drawn. There was someone following us. But who?

A/N: Hello, I am back after a long break due to life catching up with me and hitting me with bricks and university pitched into the attack as well. So I am attempting to get back into a regular upload schedule, and we shall see how that goes. 

I have a question for all two of you who seem to be reading my chapters. Who do you think is following our group? Will they help them or hurt them? 

Love, 

Charchar xox