Ring of Mist by Hailey L (phonics story books txt) 📖

don't you ever come back here.” With that, she slammed the door in my face.

Every house I went to, I was cast away. At each and every one of the homes that I visited, someone had said something about assassins. I shuddered at the thought, everyone here is crazy.

I looked around, I had already visited everyone, but I was still more-than-half naked. Wiping an escaped tear off of my face, I turned around to face the castle. Night was almost here and I needed to get inside. My hands were already shaking, and I couldn't feel my toes.

I moved my numb body towards the darkening shadow of the castle. I came up to a stone archway. Lampposts were set on either side and a warm, tantalizing fire flickered in each one. I continued on, carefully stepping on the freezing stones. By the time I reached the tall, wooden drawbridge, I could hear my teeth chattering. My vibrating hand reached out to knock. I breathed in sharp, cold breaths and banged.

Chapter V

Kali

"Who's there?" a high-pitched voice said over the creaking of the door.

"My n-name i-i-s Kali. I-I," I struggled, squinting through the steam from my breath. "Plea-"

"Oh, come in now." A boney hand reached out and pulled me inside. A long, wide hallway stretched before me, lit by tens of hundreds of candles on the wall. A deep, red carpet with gold accents ran the entire length. I spun around, the frost was locked out with a strong thrust from a tiny woman. Her eyes studied me cautiously. "We needn't take the outside walkway, the castle is asleep."

I was guided into a side hall with huge portraits lined up on the walls. I slowed my step, gazing at the magnificence, but was ushered harshly onward. "Can you help me?" I questioned the woman.

She continued to walk, one hand firmly on my forearm as she dragged me with her. We finally came upon a wooden doorframe, when we went through she warned me, "Watch your step, we're going down into the servants' rooms. And do not speak, if you wake anyone up you'll wish you hadn't. Trust me."

Her words sent a wave shock through me, and I lightened my step. She led me to a room with many wooden beds, every one of them holding up slowly breathing figures.

She took me to the other side, tiptoeing the whole time. We entered an empty room, empty as in there were no beds. I looked at her precariously.

"My name is Obelia. I am Wiccan."

"Oh. Okay." I said with an amazingly straight face.

Obelia's laughter filled the room, but she lowered her voice quickly. "You don't know what that is?" I shook my head.

"Maybe its better if you didn't know. Make yourself comfortable." Obelia pointed to a corner.

I slowly made my way to my assigned area. Leaning against the wall, I slid down, rested my arms on my knees, and stared at the candles' dancing flames.

Chapter VI

Aiden

The following evening, I made my way back the the healer's hut. I had planned on questioning the girl, but when I reached my destination, she had disappeared. I let a stream of curses fly the entire time as I was walking back to the castle.

Imprint

Text: Hailey L
Images: Juliet Wilson
Editing: Hailey L
Translation: N/A
Publication Date: 12-19-2013

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