Illusional Purgetory

Alas, I had found myself in the dauntless wintry mists of a forgotten wood. The wind whispered through the trees humming haunting Advisories to my ears. And with it carrying miniature crystallized spider webs upon it's breath. Before me lay a barren foreboding strip of country side, which stretched far beyond my sight. To either side, Imposing columns of ice laden, grotesquely twisted branches.It would be almost three more days until I would reach my destination. The sun fell, taking with it every ounce of warmth and comfort, leaving only the cold endless night in its wake. My steed grew more and more anxious with every step. The sound of his own footsteps upon the road sent echoed back sending chills down pour spines, Appendage like wooden limbs reached out at us, as if trying to grab us, manipulated by the intense fury of the wind.



And then from amongst the trees, like a steak of ebony lightening, an feline bolted across my path. Causing my faithful stallion to lurch backwards, unseating me from upon his back. Before I had had time to make scene of what had just transpired, my steed was galloping off in to the shadows leaving only the gentle sound of his hooves tapping upon the dirt to echo back to my ears. Devastated and alone now, I supposed that I shall have to finish my journey on foot. I stood and brushed myself off, hoping to displace any remaining debris I might had landed upon. As I walked along the atmosphere grew more desolate and fridged


Perhaps it were just an illusion brought about by a weary mind, or perhaps by that point I had just gone mad, but as I walked upon that dusty snow covered road I felt as if there were a presence observing my every action. I had no concrete reason to believe, nor any tangible explanation as to why, but time and time again I would force my mind to explore a different thought; only to have it return to that subconscious eery feeling. To that uneasy thought of; 'I am being watched'. Then through a billowing veil of ivory petals an immaculate silhouette burst forth revealing itself to me. The extravagant manor was setting centered, almost as if on pedestal. in a spacious clearing. The wind seemed to conduct snow and mist in spirals around its elaborate architecture. 'That couldn't have been there before, I surely would have seen something that large from a distance ... wouldn't I ?'.


Now as for what happened next, to this day I still can not rationally explain. Perhaps it was the cold unforgiving nature of the winter elements, perhaps the exhaustion of my weary legs, or perhaps just perhaps something we as mortals can not explain. But something in the air that night lead me to renounce my better judgement and venture to knock upon the manor door. Up along the vacant path I went, the gargoyles over head granting there silent disapproval of my presence. But still for some reason beyond my knowledge I strode forth, the steps and door, all that filled my sight and mind. Two sizeable stone lions set to greet me upon the highest step, reminding me of my final chance to turn back. I gazed back over my shoulder to the main road, to find that snow and fog had taken its place; And from where I stood it looked as though that at the end of the path where I had entered, there now stood a lush wall of evergreens.


Just then out of the deathly silence that is the night there was a screech. As large onyx bird,a raven, dived and perched itself upon the opulent bust atop the door. I reached out my hand, taking hold of the golden ring between the serpent's jaws and rapped lightly thrice upon the door. I waited a moment, then reached to knock again when the door swung open. I stepped inside, then looked to find that there was no one there to have allowed me entrance to there home. A shadowy figure brought the rhythmic drums-like tap foot steps as they descended upon the stairs.

'Hello good sir?" a soft voice called out to me from across the room.



Then from the shadows stepped a maiden, more beautiful than any I had ever seen nor that I would ever see. Her eyes shown like sapphire stars in the darkness, her auburn locks fell in gentle curles to her breast, her long white gown flowing gracefully behind her, and finally single shining beacon in the candle light; a silver heart locket.


'Is there something I may do for you?" she asked


"Well I was on my way to Colchester; when about a mile back, my horse was frightened and through me off. I was walking along when I stumbled upon your manor. Given the conditions outside I decided that it could do no damage to seek shelter here."


"Certainly I shall gladly make arrangements for you reside here for the night. But first allow me to provide you with dry apparel, and nourishment."


"Really I wish not to become your burden! You needn't pre form any special routine for me. I implore thee, waste not your time upon a stranger." I pleaded


" I Insist, think nothing of it. Now if you will; please fallow me"


Takeing hold of one of the lit candelabras from along side the door. She conducted me down a lavishly decorated corridor. Magnificent portraits, antique weapons from all ages, crests, and awe inspiring paintings adorned the rich wooden walls. Tall suits of armor were erected every 40 feet or so, each with a candle to help guide your way. Then at the end of the long corridor you could see a spacious room with a grand table. And upon the table was a grand feast like none I had ever seen before.


"Please help your self, I will be back momentarily with frech cloths for you."


I had turned around, to ask her how a meal of such caliber could have possibly been pre-prepared for me, but she was gone. I hurried to the end of the corridor she had just lead me down, but still there was not a soul to be seen. By this point contemplating my sanity, I returned to the immaculate feast before me. As I walked around the table I found that a single stair stood pulled away from the table with a plate and flatware at its setting. I sat there and finished my meal, seeing no harm in partaking of a feast that appeared to have been made especially for me. But all a while my thoughts trailed to the stunning and mysterious maiden who had brought me here. Immediately after placing my fork upon the plate, the lovely maiden reappeared before me with a burgendy bundle of cloth in her arms.



"I believe that these will suffice." she said as she placed the clothes of fine silk and satin in my arms.

"Pardon me good madam, but may I trouble you to as to answer a few questions for me?"

"I'm dreadfully sorry; but you see I am feeling rather ill at present, but I do promise there will be plenty of time for questions in the morning. Now if you will be so kind as to fallow me I will accomany you to your chamber for the evening."

"Of course" I replied, not knowing what else to say at the time.



She guided me through a difficult labyrinth of darkened corridors, spiral stair-wells, twists and turns at periodic intervals. Until, at last, we had come upon a simple hall that at the end had but a single door. Then delicately placing a single finger upon the door, she nudged it open. The copper hinges of the door emitted an unearthly screech as it swung, inviting me to step inside.



"I pray you will find this suitable for the evening" She said, a sweet tone of tender longing in her voice.


"Oh more than suitable fair maid"


"Fair, hah surely you jest?" she had replied, half laughing


"Never! Tell me mis, what reason would I have to be false with you, especially to one so hospitible as to offer a helpless stranger, such as myself, nourishment and shelter?"


"Sleep well, good gentle man" she said with a seductive grin. While doing so she leaned forward and gripped my hand tightly as she pressed her supple lips upon my cheek.