Emily, come back…..come back Em…These last few thoughts seemed more implanted in her mind than anything. They were, somehow, quite foreign to her. The creature had her attention now though. It was as if the thing could see through her distress, horror, and inquisitiveness and it was thoroughly enjoying them, soaking up her fear the most. In response, the lips of the figure slowly curled upward. Once again, split seconds seemed to last hours and Emily could no longer shake the terror or her mind’s urgent instructions… RUN!!
Beneath the once recognizable mask of her boyfriend’s face, the creature’s lips lifted far beyond that of any human, stretching across the entire horizon of its jaw. Hundreds of long, slender, razor sharp teeth were revealed in a demented smile that dripped drool and blood. Oh God! The sheer horror of the unknown could never compare to the crippling fear Emily now felt.
She sprinted to her feet off the bed and, in a second, was through the only door of the room, slamming it shut with a definitive roar. Standing against it, with the doorknob still restricted under the grasp of her ever-pale hands, Emily felt her heart racing within her chest, her legs still trembling with a remaining mix of terror and adrenaline. Once again, before she could react, another figure stood in front of her.
“Do I know you?” In an instant, Emily’s fear subsided and she had no doubt the woman standing in front of her was on her side. She knew her, but could not identify from where. Something about her emerald eyes was ever so familiar to her. Immediately, Emily wrapped her arms around her. Embracing her, she felt all the prior fear flow away from her body as quickly as it had arisen and somehow, despite it all, she knew everything was going to be okay.
“Stay strong….” The woman’s words echoed all around her, but Emily no longer felt the warmth of her embrace.
Where did she go? Oh no….I’m so lost…who was she anyway…As instantly as she appeared, coming to Emily’s rescue, the woman was gone. Suddenly, the fear crept back in. Without hesitating another second, Emily ran. While in motion, she noticed the building was composed of a strange, almost mirror image structure. Across from the room of terror, rested another identical door. Beyond that was a single hallway stretching each direction, with a staircase on either side.
The desire to be as far from that room as possible suddenly drove Emily’s legs toward the opposing stairwell. Her feet glided across the stairs as her heart continued to pound rapidly in her chest. She ignored its beating pressure and ran onward for some time.
Wait…where am I?...Who am I? Emily’s mind spun in her head. Nothing made sense at this point. She could barely determine which way was up. Finally, a critical, logical question arose in her mind. Wait, how long have I been running down these stairs? Her feet stopped in place at this moment. It must have been at least two minutes, yet it was as though she was no closer to an end. Chills began running up her spine. Please no! She was terrified of what she might discover as she slowly turned around. There, a mere ten feet above her, was the top of the stairs and the entrance to the room of horrors. No! This is impossible! What is happening to me? Panicked, she proceeded to run harder, faster.
Several minutes of running at an all out sprint passed. Emily had to stop. She could not go on like this. Her right hand grasping the metal railing, she bent over huffing, desperately trying to catch her breath. The view in front of her had not changed and the stairs appeared to continue on for eternity. Why is this happening to me? I don’t understand. Tears streamed down her face. There was no denying the crippling grasp of fear. Suddenly a profound idea came to her. The other staircase! Maybe that is my key to escape! How had I not considered this?! Finally her mind was starting to make sense, at least to some degree. Emily spun around with haste and determination. Her eyes focused on her feet below, and the first few stairs back upward toward the hall came easily.
She turned her attention upward toward the room. This was not a wise decision. As she did so, the door began to shake. As before, half of her wanted nothing more than to remain motionless. The rest of her was willing to do anything to escape this dreaded place. The second part overruled and she bolted up the remaining steps. The door shook more loudly and violently, as though in response. Before she could comprehend what was happening, Emily was past the door, down the other hallway and rapidly approaching the second set of stairs downward. She heard the sound of the door slamming open. Without thinking, she turned her gaze towards the noise. Meanwhile, her legs rushed onward, arguably with an increased force. Then it happened.
Her eyes caught the slightest glimpse of blackened, boney fingers wrapping around the door frame. Her right leg flew forward, anticipating the next step. Instead, it met only disappointment.
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28. THE PROTECTOR
It was as though Renee merely shut her eyes for a moment and the sun was already shining in. She glanced around the hut in confusion. Miria was gone. Oh no…what if she left without me…Panic filled her as she rushed out of the hut. The scene outside was nothing like she could have pictured. Women, men, and children stood all around the huts. Many were already clad in shining armor. Others were preparing the metal breastplates while more still were carrying weapons back and forth. Animals of all shapes and sizes stood amongst them, awaiting their own metal attire. Several feet away, she saw Miria and Sam talking. They were both already dressed in their battle gear and had clearly been awake some time. Renee rushed towards them. “Why did you not wake me? Is there still time for my message to…uh, Winston?” Renee knew her time here was limited and she wanted to thank the winged creature properly before her departure.
“Slow down my dear, take a deep breath….Luthania may be able to declare war upon us by threatening the outer realms, but we still have a major advantage.” Miria’s voice was calm, steadfast. Renee scowled in confusion. “Just as the fireball could not penetrate within the city, neither can the citizens of Luthania enter our lands. The battle will take place on neutral ground, on our terms. As long as the Protector reigns, they cannot force us to proceed before we are properly prepared.” After finishing, Miria turned her face toward the sky and let out a beautiful, long whistle. Within a matter of seconds, the red cardinal appeared and landed on Miria’s shoulder. He was chirping loudly as he landed, seemingly in agitation. “Someone would like me to translate a message to you.” As Miria spoke the words, the cardinal lifted his head toward Renee and his chirping immediately lessened. Miria then directed her own attention toward Renee. “He is just very busy scouting out the lands and our enemies’ armies. He is glad to see you though.”
“Ok, well I’ll make this quick. Winston, I just wanted to properly thank you for leading me through the woods and guiding me here. This has been one of the most incredible places I’ve ever seen. Since the news yesterday, I don't know how long I will be here and….well, I just wanted you to know how grateful I am before I go.” Renee smiled brightly as the cardinal bowed his head in acknowledgement and chirped a response of his own.
Miria listened attentively and then translated. “He says you are very welcome and that he greatly enjoyed your humorous company along the way. He wishes you the best in your future and hopes to, one day, see you back in Neveah again.” With that, the cardinal jumped onto Renee’s shoulder, rubbed his feathered head gently against her neck and then took flight.
“Goodbye, my friend.” Renee waved as the small creature flew away on a definitive mission. He chirped one last message as he flew into the distance. “What did he say?” Renee desperately wanted to know his final goodbye.
Miria’s face was solemn and she waited a few moments before responding. It was as though she wanted Renee's eagerness to build.
“He warned that you should never allow fear to become your guide.”
Never allow fear to become my guide….what does he mean by that…Renee raised an eyebrow in confusion, but smiled as the feathered creature flew off into the distance.
“Now it is time for you to get prepared, Renee.” Miria’s t
one grew more serious as she lifted a suit of armor and offered it out toward the girl. Renee hesitantly reached for the suit but Miria pulled it back momentarily. “You do not have to do this. Please, know that….it is a choice.”
“Well….I’m not to allow fear to rule my life…isn’t that right?” Renee smiled as she reached for the armor, proud to have already employed the cardinal’s advice. Despite her show of confidence, there was an overwhelming feeling in the pit of her stomach. Somehow she knew nothing could fully prepare her for what they were about to face.
As her eyes scanned the scene surrounding her, Renee’s fascination and fear simultaneously grew. In front of her, she saw the white foggy steps that led her to this incredible land. The stairs were now crowded with several individuals in iron clad resting there, anxiously awaiting the battle call. One boy particularly drew Renee’s attention. He sat on one of the steps with a wolf pup in his arms. He was gently caressing the small animal, whispering as he did so. They seemed to have a bond words could not capture. As she watched him further, she noticed a fear in his eyes that struck her. The worry there was completely selfless. As he continued looking down at the pup, Renee imagined him contemplating what it would mean if they failed. Neveah would likely be overrun and that would mean disaster for every living creature here.
“Do you need help with that?” Sam’s voice caught Renee completely off guard and she nearly dropped the metal plate still resting in her hands. The boy had been so quiet fiddling with his own armor, Renee had nearly forgotten about his presence.
“Oh, yes please…” She felt embarrassed for zoning out. This was not the time for such irrelevant thoughts. This was the time to focus. After all, the battle was nearly upon them. That’s right Renee….pull yourself together…wait, where’s Miria? Renee realized the woman slipped away again. Apparently, Sam’s words at the lake about her frequently disappearing, were accurate.
Renee was just about to voice her concern when Sam started speaking. “Here, let me show you how this works….” His voice was gentle and reassuring as he plucked the armor from her hands. Renee opted to delay voicing her question. “…you just undo these latches here….” He was following his own directions as he stated them. “…then put your arms through here.” He now held the metal plate up in front of Renee. She obeyed his orders accordingly, stretching out her arms. Sam slid the protection device over her in one smooth movement and then secured its latches. “There, now you’re ready…” Sam smiled as he stated the words. Unlike Renee, there was no glimmer of fear in his shining eyes.
“Not quite yet…” This was the voice of Miria, who was now approaching their side once again. In her right hand, she carried a sheathed sword with a belt wrapped tightly around it. “Here’s the final piece.” She laid the sword across her hands and stretched it out towards Renee. Looking at the weapon, Renee started to feel nauseous. She was not ready for this. How could she possibly fight a battle? She never killed anything in her life and certainly did not know how to handle a sword. Miria seemed to pick up on her hesitancy and was now staring her directly in the eyes. “Fret not, my dear…this sword will guide you, it has power beyond your understanding. All you must do is remember the cardinal’s words and do not allow the fear to overtake you.” Miria’s expression was steadfast. Renee knew in her heart the woman’s words were true. You can do this…Locking in the thought, Renee plucked the sword from Miria’s hands and fastened it around her waist. She then forced a weak smile.
Roars suddenly sounded loudly in front of them. Renee knew that, to the citizens, there was a more meaningful translation. As though in response to Renee’s confusion, Miria stated, “It is time. Follow me, and no matter what, you two stay close.” The woman’s words were resolute as she looked from Renee to Sam and then back again. With that, she proceeded towards the same woods where Renee met Ellhion. Renee and Sam followed the woman, respectfully obeying her advice and staying side by side.
The entire city now formed a massive line as they progressed further into the woods. They walked past tree after tree, passing Ellhion’s cave along the way and still continued forward. The entire time Renee’s mind ran in circles of regret, fear and resolution. You can do this Renee…what am I doing? What if I die? What if we all die? Maybe I should just run now…No, think of Sam, you can’t do that to him…Every time the thoughts of doubt welled up in her, Renee looked over at her beloved friend. She knew it was her fault for dragging him into this situation in the first place. The least she could do was stand by his side now.
In some ways, the walk seemed to last an eternity. However, now that they were finally lining up on the battlefield, Renee felt it passed by all too quickly. The citizens were creating an almost perfect row of defenders of all shapes and sizes. Sam stood to the right side of Renee with a steadfast, serious expression molded onto his youthful face. Looking at him, Renee felt an overwhelming need to express the emotions running through her. After all, this could possibly be the last time they would ever lay eyes upon each other. She wanted to divulge into a long speech and break down every feeling she ever experienced. Instead, she forced herself to keep the words simple and true. “You know Sam, no matter what happens, you will forever be my best friend.”
“The same is true of you, Renee….” It seemed he was going to add something to this, but Ellhion was now standing in front of the battle line, roaring out orders. Renee accepted, at this point, that the roars meant far more to the citizens of Neveah. For her, though, it still merely sounded like the vocal expressions of a hungry tiger.
Her attention was drawn to the battlefield below. On the opposing line, warriors of every variety stood, as though eagerly awaiting their release to pounce. Some of them wore very modern attire and weaponry, while others adorned swords and shields. A few of them even held wooden clubs in their hands and one was dressed in all black. Is that actually a ninja?….wow, that’s cool…Renee reconsidered this thought when the realization hit her that these men were not on their side. They were the enemy. Ellhion’s roars continued to drone on. Renee’s attention was captured by a massive creature toward the end of the row. The thing looked like something out of her worst nightmares. The being’s head was huge and filled with razor sharp teeth. A chill ran up her spine and she quickly averted her gaze. As Ellhion finished his speech with a loud, final roar, several of those in line stepped forward. Miria was amongst them.
“Sam, what’s happening? Are we supposed to step forward?” Renee felt lost yet again. It was a feeling she had grown more familiar with during the course of recent events.
“No, he requested the Guardians step forward to lead the battle.” Sam whispered the words ever so quietly without so much as glancing at Renee. He was staring straight ahead at the battlefield below, clearly intent on the mission resting before them.
Oh God….this is it…Drawing her own eyes down toward the line of warriors again, a wave of terror swept over Renee. She scanned the faces of those alongside her, almost wishing to find the same weakness in another. She did not. They all stood solid, resolute. Am I the only one who’s afraid? Renee knew now was not the time for such questions. Miria gave her a choice and she decided to stand with them. There was no turning back now. Her steadfast attitude lasted only a few moments as she heard a great cheering below. The citizens of Luthania were seemingly yelling for joy as multiple crosses were lifted up into the air. There are people strapped to those….oh God…..oh God…Renee’s mind could barely process the scene. How long she stood there in an ultimate state of horror, she did not know. One of the enemies’ warriors lined up beside each cross, holding a torch in their hands. Renee could not watch any longer and closed her eyes.
Just then, a definitive sound rang through the malevolent cheering. It was the sound of hooves beating rapidly against the ground. The corner of Renee’s sight to the left was instantaneously blinded by a pure, white light. “The Protector!” Several voices among her rang out the name in joy. Before Renee could get a solid look at
him, everything went white. Then nothing, all was blank.
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29. The Nightmare Lives
The bus came to a halt in front of the trail entrance. As Ms. Morrison’s eyes met the wooden sign displaying ‘Elder Woods,’ she felt a knot develop in the depths of her bowels. The journey thus far had flown by. She had stated the rules to the class in a zombie like fashion. Now the time had finally arrived to exit the bus and begin their travels into the dreaded forest. Ms. Morrison was severely questioning if she had made the right decision. Fear filled her as she stepped off the bus and stared at those daunting trees. You can do this….you can do this….you can do this…The thought replayed like a broken record in her mind. It was as though by repeating it to herself, she could somehow start to believe the words were true. Standing in front of the forest entrance, the words felt more like a lie than ever before.
“Ms. Morrison?” This was the questioning voice of her assistant. Apparently, Ms. Morrison had been silently standing outside the bus entrance for some time.
“Yes, class, exit the bus and line up behind me. Remember, there will be an adult volunteer walking behind every fifth one of you.” As she stated the words, the children and volunteers began pouring out of the bus. It took several minutes for everyone to align in their appropriate positions. The adults seemed to be struggling with the placement as much as the children. Finally, they were all set and Ms. Morrison was free to further address the class. “Now children, I expect you to listen to any instructions the volunteers may give. Ms. Wilkins will follow up behind the last child.” At this, Ms. Wilkins realized the error of her location and quickly corrected it, walking toward the back of the line. Another adult volunteer, who was standing in Ms. Wilkins’ assigned spot, then transitioned to his appropriate location, near the middle. Alas, the group was properly organized and Ms. Morrison continued her speech. “Also class, be certain to notice any signs of life in this forest. You will be expected to write a homework assignment regarding this.” At the last statement, several sighs and grumbles of disappointment were released. Ms. Morrison was not about to let this behavior go unnoticed. “What was that? I do not think I heard you properly.”
R.E.M.: The Hidden World Page 16
