The Trail

The iron gate rose slowly as the carriage pulled up in front of it. A long dark tunnel lit by torches led to the interior of the castle. The carriage pulled forward and after passing through the tunnel the passengers found themselves in the castle’s spacious courtyard. On all sides thick walls and immense towers surrounded them. Torches lit the courtyard casting ominous shadows and making it difficult to see beyond. Once the carriage halted, Ray and Embriel heard the dwarf speaking to Sara inside the compartment. His tone now sounded less fawning. “We get out here,” the dwarf said bluntly. The dwarf jumped down and lowered the step. As Ray looked around the corner of the carriage, he saw the dwarf standing with arms folded unwilling to help as Sara climbed down with difficulty in her favorite dress. Ray and Embriel stepped off as well and stood watching at the back corner of the carriage knowing that neither the dwarf nor Sara were aware of their presence. They could see already by the growing apprehension on her face that she now sensed evil in the air. “Follow me,” the dwarf said sharply. “Where are you taking me?” Sara asked her voice quavering. “Where do you think? Just like you were told. To see the Countess. Now come on, she’s waiting.” Sara looked around searching for somewhere she could flee or somebody to help her. She saw nothing. With feelings of dread and fear, realizing she was now unable to turn back, she began to slowly follow the dwarf.