Dead or Alive, Lonely or Loved

[3] Where am I?

3: Where am I?

            I was back in the dark world, but something was different. It was comfortable and warm, like I was in someone’s arms.

            “You are safe now,” a voice echoed.

            Subconsciously, I relaxed against the invisibility.

            “Where am I? Who are you? What is going on?” I asked into the echoing darkness.

            “Your questions will be answered in due time,” I felt something squeeze me gently.  “Please rest, your body has been through much and it needs to heal.”

            I found myself laying down my head propped up.

            “Relax, relax,” the voice echoed I a hypnotizing manner.  I felt my eyes grow heavy and I was asleep.  I could have sworn that I felt fingers caressing my face.

            I moaned softly opening my eyes; the woman that was there last night was here again reading a book.

            “Good morning, young one, how did you sleep?” she said sweetly.

            “Surprisingly good, despite that I am in a stranger’s home,” I said.

            She smiled, “Well then let the introductions start, my name is Madge, I am the head servant of this castle.”

            “Head servant?” I asked perplexed.

            “Lets just say you are not home anymore,” she said with a sad voice.

            I realized that and didn’t press the matter, “My name is Andy,” I said.

            “Nice to meet you, Andy, can you move?” Madge asked.  “If you can’t let me know.”

            I nodded and threw the covers off and turned to place my feet on the cold floor.  My body protesting against the movements and I slowly got up.

            “My body is sore, but I can move.” I said.

            “Are you sure?” Madge asked.

            “Yes.”

            Madge walked to the door and grabbed a shirt and shorts and a jacket and shoes.

            “Please put these one and we’ll get you breakfast,” Madge said smiling and left.

            I grabbed the clothes and put them on, since my body was sore and some movements were limited, it took a while to get all the clothes on and it was difficult putting on the shoes.

            As sensing that I was done Madge knocked and walked in and looked at me.

            “You took a while to get dressed, are you sure you want to walk?” she asked concerned.

            “My legs work fine, its my chest and ribs that are sore so I can walk,” I stated.

            “Very well,” Madge said unsure.

            I smiled softly and Madge led me out of the room.  The hallway was dimly lit, but I could tell that there were tapestries and pictures along the dark hall.  The floors were cobbled with gray stones.  It was a long walk and my legs were burning because I was walking too much.  We made many turns and it was all confusing.  We finally stopped in front of the door and Madge opened it and we walked inside.  There was a long table filled with food, my stomach rumbles at the sight.  Madge guided me to a chair and sat me down and handed me a plate.

            “Enjoy, I’ll be back,” Madge said and left.

            I looked around and saw no one and then I looked at the food and grabbed the chicken and vegetables and fruits and devoured them with quick succession.  I would be embarrassed if anyone saw me, but there was no one around.  After I had my fill of soft spongy cake with icing. Madge finally came in.

            “Whoa, you certainly ate a lot,” she chuckled and I blushed.

            She grabbed a napkin and wiped off icing of my lips and pulled me up.

            Now is the time to get all your questions answered.  Madge walked toward a different door and we wound through the maze like halls and stopped at broad double doors.  Madge opened it with ease and we walked in.  At first there was no one there except a huge chair facing us. Then suddenly I felt an immense power fill the room.  I saw Madge bow and I heard slow footsteps and saw a man clad in back with black hair, suddenly a flashback surged in my head, toward the car underwater I saw a man clad in black walking on the sandy bottom.

            “Psst, bow down,” Madge whispered.

            I shook my head to clear the vision and I slowly made a bow as my body screamed in protest.

            Could the river man and this guy be the same person?