Angels within

Chapter 1

     She watched as a great kingdom that had been hidden in the forest for so long started to emerge. It was carved out of a mountainside a giant castle. With sprawling waterfalls pouring off the great walls surrounding it. Vines and greenery had grown into the stone bringing it to life. She had never seen anything like it before now. Even from here she could see the massive amounts of designs and details put into the castle. There was what looked like angels sitting upon the ledges. Water pouring from their hands.

        Their wings filled with such great detail. From this distance they almost appeared to be magical. A soldier and a rude druid continued forward towards her. There they stood with a look of shock upon their face. The Druid spoke. "There has not been an outsider here in many years. Tell us what brings you here my child. Gabriel took a breath, then spoke. "I came in search of the lord of your kingdom. To seek out his help." 

       Gabriel worried about what might happen. There was many stories that had been told by the many different towns people. Stories of death,betrayal, and even curses. She had traveled a long way and knew she had to follow through with it all. Her brothers life depended on it. And he was the only family that she had left. "Well if you must, then follow me dear girl." Said the soldier in a harsh tone. 

          Gabriel soon noticed the road around them started to change as they entered a market place. What should of been busy looked to be empty. Almost as if the castle was abandoned. The wind had a strong breeze causing the tree branches to slap against the stone walls. It was the only noises that they had as they rode to the stables. She soon approached the central castle doors. They was huge seem to look every bit ten feet tall. The brass door knockers looked like the wings of the angels that had graced the walls of the castle. She had an eerie feeling as if she was being watched. 

         The doors opened into a large corridor; a long red carpet stretching down the path to a sprawling staircase. Gabriel followed them through the corridor; reaching a maze of twisted corridors. Until they came to a massive door leading into the throne room. It was dark and lit by torches giving the room a slightly eerie look. At the top of a parapet on a huge golden throne sat the Lord Ashken. His long flowing black hair swirling around his head like a cloak. Emotion hit her like a rock wall as she looked at him. 

       She had not seen a man of great strength and looks before. He looked as if he was sculpted out of stone; his arms were huge; his chest ribbed unlike any other man. standing there Gabriel could help but imagine her hands running down his body. Her lips curled as she smiled up at him. "What is the meaning of this caption." Lord Ashken said in a harsh tone. " Why have you brought this woman to see me. Didn't I tell you I didn't want to be disturbed." His voice echoed off the stone walls.

       "My name is Lady Gabriel. I came here in peace in hopes you could help me." Silence filled the room.

      " Go ahead my dear. Tell what it is you seek of me." Ashken replied in a soft yet seductive tone. "My heart is heavy. My only family has been taken from me, and I fear that if I don't do something soon then he maybe killed." Tears filled her eyes as she spoke of her brother. "What is in it for me if I was to help you." 

      He said in a mischievous tone as if he already had something in mind. "Whatever your heart desires, I don't have much left to sell all my family's treasures to seek out your help." Gabriel said in a sensitive tone. "Hmm...." He said in a deep voice. "I will be a servant here for you. I will do whatever it takes to save my brother." "Whatever it takes......"

        "Well I am not in need of servants? My dear girl. But I am in need of a wife. If you would agree to marry me I would save your brother." He said in a seductive tone. "Marry you but sir you could have your pick of any maiden. Why me?" She asked in a confused tone. " You said you would do anything so why question what I ask for as a reward." 

"Am sorry, but it just confused me that's all." She said softly as she looked down to the ground. "So, do we have an agreement then?" 

      "Yes, I said I would do anything to save my brother. So, yes I will be your wife." She said as she raised her eyes to his. "Then come I shall show you to your room. So that we can be wed in a few days. Meanwhile I shall send some of my men to work out a deal for your brother's life. 

       Ashken took her by the hand as he led her up the dark winding wood staircase. They walked down a long hallway filled with pictures hanging upon the wall. "Are these all pictures of family members of yours?'' She asked softly. "Yes my dear. And soon we will add a few new pictures upon these walls as soon as we have our own children." He said as he flashed a smile back towards her. 

"No one shall ever make you feel like you do not belong again. Because you will always be special here." He told her as he gently pushed open a door leading to the most beautiful room she had ever seen. "This will be your room my dear." 

    "Thank you, sir. But how did you know." She asked him as she held tight to his hand. "Lets just say I take it upon myself to know everything there is to know about someone." He then left the door way and disappeared into the dark shadows of the hallway.