A Whole New World

Chapter 6

Luis had managed to come into the little cottage and put his feet up on the couch. I walked over and knocked his legs down, "What the hell bro?" I laughed, "No shoes on the couch man. That's where I sleep." He laughed and shook his head while I sat down. He got up when his phone rang, "Hello? Yeah sure I'm on my way with him now." I was so confused, "Luis? What's going on?" He put his phone away, "Come on, Jake. Let's go for a bit of a walk to the castle. The princess is waiting for you." I got up from my seat and looked at him , "No worries bro. Everything will work out fine." 

I followed Luis through the woods that were behind my little cottage. "Luis where are you taking me?" "Like I said man, we are going to see the princess." I continued to follow Luis but I could feel like something was watching me. I kept looking through the woods and heard rustling but when I focused, it was gone in a flash.  Before I knew it, we were at the castle. It was huge and very grey. The castle itself held a certain gloom that I never noticed before. As I continued walking, I felt something slam into me. I stumbled back a few steps and saw the same woman from when I first woke up. She smiled a warm smile at me, "Welcome Jake." She took my hand and we walked together. Let's get you inside before my father finds us out here. He is in a mood and it is better if we don't anger him. Plus I can introduce you to everyone!" She danced away in such a hurry that I felt like I had to run to keep up. She kissed Luis on his cheek, "Thank you for bringing him here. I must thank Savannah." Luis nodded, "Anything for my princess."  I looked a little more excited than I should have. Savannah was here?

"Jake, Jake down here." I looked at the princess and smiled as I followed her. She led me into a huge room that was filled with dresses that she clearly designed herself, "Please forgive the mess. I dabble a little in the craft of dress making. What about you?" I laughed and looked at her, "No, ma'am. No dress making. But I can do a mean tango." She smiled, "I'll have to see that. By the way, call me Carol." I smiles, "Okay, Carol. Thank you." She smiled at me and took my hand. She led me into an even bigger room filled with all kinds of books. "Everyone has been waiting to meet you!" I walked in and saw a small group of people. Carol spoke, "Attention everyone, I'd like you all to meet our newest member, Jake Starkfeather." I looked at her, "Starkfeather ma'am? That's..." She smiled and interrupted me, "Jake, I'd like to welcome you to our home, your new home, the Realm." I looked at her with confusion in my eyes, "the Realm?" I had heard Dominik, the barber, call this place the Realm too.

She laughed, "Yes the Realm. When...certain people pass away, they are brought here. And you were one of the lucky ones." I looked at Carol and could feel my head spinning. Before I knew it, I heard Carol say, "Get him a chair, Dominik please?" I felt myself sitting down but freaking out all at the same time, "I'm dead??! But...how...when...what...why?" Carol very camly put her hand on my shoulder, "Amber, can you help please?" A dark brown haired woman walked to me. I felt a wave of calm wash over me and I was a able to breathe easier. Carol looked at me, "Now that you are calm, Yes. You did pass away. You were a soldier in World War II." I heard Carol's voice as if she were in a tunnel. As soon as I put two together, it hit me. I had served in World War II. I was a Lieutenant and had been on duty. Carol's snapping fingers brought me back to reality, "still with us Jake?" I nodded and she laughed, "Haha okay. Let's take care of introductions." She took the hand of the girl she called Amber, "As you heard, this is Amber. Amber has a special gift to help people feel calm. She can only make them feel calm though. It comes in handy when we are in a tough situation. She also has the ability to stop time for a couple of minutes. It's a very rare gift but just like the calming effect, it comes in handy." Amber looked at me, "It's nice to meet you, Jake." She extended her hand out and I smiled at her, "It's nice to meet you as well, Amber." Amber was rather tall. Maybe 5'8. She had short dark brown hair and brown eyes. She was pretty in her own way. She looked straight at Carol when she started to talk again. I could tell this girl would put her life on the line to protect the princess. I looked at Carol, "And this here, this is Amber's husband, Vincent." Vincent looked at me, " 'sup man?" He shook my hand, "Nothing much. Just trying to grasp everything." He laughed, "Yeah. That happens." With the way Vincent talked, he sounded as if he was a major gangster. He was very tall and rather buff. I knew not to mess with him. He walked over to Amber and held her close. This hard looking man has a soft spot for her. They were madly in love with each other.