The Underworld

Chapter 3

When I wake up the other side of the bed is cold. I search for the warmth of my pillow when I find it is not there. I sit up and realise that I am not in my bed, instead I am on the cold floor of the castle dungeon.

I cock my head up and turn around as I scan the room. It was no larger than five metres by five metres. The room gave a lonely vibe due to the blank walls and roof. There were no windows except for the bars on the dungeon door.

I was confused, surely there must be a mistake, as I tried to remember the previous events I just witnessed. Surely this must be a dream, it can't be real. I scratch my head trying to think.

A sudden loud thud outside the door makes me jump. The door begins to slowly unlock, making a screeching noise as it does. I back up against the back wall, willing myself to stay silent. My breaths become heavy and sweat drips down my face despite the cool air. I close my eyes and look away too scared to look back however when the loud high pitched screeching sound comes to an end the door makes a swoosh sound as it opens. I force myself to open my eyes and look back. What I see is even more confusing.

"Hello, Morgan," my friend, Jackson, greets me at the door as though nothing had ever happened. Just to top it off he gives me that award-winning, pearly white smile of his.

A lump forms in my throat as I try to comprehend what to say. In all the confusion I manage a few quick broken up croaks "wha ...when.....hh-ow..wh-...wh..hy.......hu..h?"

"Shut up and let me explain," Jackson snapped, then his face fell and he let sympathy show, in a much calmer tone he said, "Look, the prince has locked you up, he doesn't want you to spread rumours about things you understand."

"What things?"I said leaning forward with curiosity winning me over.

"Listen, the high Kingdom understands that you witnessed a ...um...event with the King last night. The fact that you had the courage to fly to the crime scene after the scream is incredible, however, the prince sees it differently. The prince has spread the word that you were the cause of the Kings disappearance and that you will be sentenced to punishment after your hearing tomorrow, it is likely that the punishment will be banishment or even death penalty. I know this is a lot to take in, but I am trying to fight for you the best I can, but you must understand the prince has power," Jackson said, I try looking for a hint of a smile or his old joker self but he was dead serious.

Well, that statement left more questions than answers. But...why? Why would the prince place the blame on me? I was confused at the sudden change of emotion.

"Please remain calm, Morgan, I am trying to get things under control," and on that note, Jackson left the dungeon.

I was left in a stunned daze. Surely this must be a dream, it can't be real. What had I done to deserve this?

I ran my hands through my thick, blonde hair, taking deep breaths trying to calm down. I had just wanted to help. How had I so suddenly been reduced to this situation?

I press my hands against the smooth, stone tiles and use my feet to stand up. I walk towards the dungeon door, it had been left open after Jackson left. I knew I probably shouldn't but the urge tempted me. I walked out the dungeon door and into the hallway.