Caliginous

Chapter: 1 The Uncanny Dream

It was the middle of the night when I had woke up with a fright. I had heard a woman crying very plangently. I was terrified as could be because the only people living in this house were my brother and me. After thinking for a minute or two, I decided to face the music and go downstairs to see what all the commotion was about.

When I got downstairs, I saw a dead woman on the floor. A fifth of a second that I saw her laying there, all sorts of unhinged thoughts detonate in my mind. I got so jittery until I suddenly heard weird and blood-curdling voices, from behind me. When I turned around, I was surprised to see that the dead woman who was on the floor just seconds ago was now on her feet as she held a very glossy, crimson, aesthetic gem in her hands.

She started to speak in a really low and frightening voice. Her words made no sense whatsoever and I began to get very anxious, as if I was not already. It was like she was speaking in a different language-an unknown language. I cleared my throat as to signal my presence and spoke.

"Madam...I-I don't understand what you're t-trying to say-." I was barely able to finish my sentence before she suddenly started shouting at me.

"Take the gem, just grab it!"

I was in complete terror and awe, my brain telling me to do as she says but my instincts of being concerned for my safety having other plans. My feet stayed glued to the flooring as I gave a look of worry and fright. I was unable to respond and it seemed as if I was paralyzed due to fear. It was completely silent leaving the only sounds being of the lady’s sobbing and my shaky breaths, before she yelled at me once more but in a louder and darker tone.

"TAKE IT!"

I closed my eyes in trepidation and panic and when I opened them, I was in my bedroom and my brother, Harrison, was with me.

"Ella, what happened, you must be having a bad dream!"

Harrison had a concerned expression plastered over his face as he gave me a moment to calm down and pace my breathing before I was able to reply.

"Yes, I did. I've been having this dream a lot, quite a few times a week." I spoke, telling him about the recurring dream, as my breathing slowed down to a calmer state.

"Wow that must be scary."

"Yeah, so why are you in here?"

"Well, I've got big news for you.”

"Don't tell me, let me guess! Um... are you pregnant again? Oh wait you’re a boy, my bad, you're just fat," I jokingly spoke and laughed on his face.

"Ha-ha, for your information, I'm on a strict diet which will start after I eat."

Harrison's not really fat but I just something we like to joke around about.

"So what was the news?"

"Oh right, the news, almost forgot. Two guards came earlier and said that King Aldrum invited you to stay in the palace for a week. I don't know what he wants, but he's the king so we kind of have to obey him."

"What?" I was shocked as the same thought processed inside my head over and over again.

Why would the king invite me?

"The guards will be coming in an hour, so you better start packing." He then came close to me and whispered, "I'll miss you," and then proceeded to head outside.

I packed some clothes, toothbrush, books, and stuffed them in a suitcase bringing the bag downstairs. I looked out the window and saw that the guards had already arrived and was standing outside.

"I guess it's time to go," I told Harrison dejectedly and hugged him.

I didn't want to let go of him because he has always taken care of me and loved me just like a mother, but I guess king’s orders.

"You’re crushing my bones. I can’t breathe! God!" Harrison barely spoke.

"Sorry!" I replied apologetically.

I walked outside immediately noticing a magnificent carriage. It was polished, golden, and on top of the carriage was the kingdom's flag. As I stepped foot into the carriage I felt as if I was a royal princess. There were two windows inside so I unlocked the one, in the direction of the place I called home, and waved to Harrison as the carriage began to move. I stopped when the house was out of sight and begun to ponder.

What could the king possibly want with me?

Next Chapter: The Throne Room

A/N: Hey Everyone! Thank you so much for reading this chapter. I'm so grateful to all of you who stopped by! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you enjoyed it! Even a little comment would be highly appreciated! If you liked this chapter make that little star orange! Thank you!!!

-Shehroz