SAMPLE CHAPTER FROM "The Mist of Doom"

By - Linda Shillabeer , copyright 2001

The Writers' Garret, http://www.the-writers-garret.com/

Chapter 2

INTO NIGHTMARE'S REALM

In the darksome velvet of midnight, the woman slept. However, her sleep was not the soft composition of some balmy drowse, instead her slumber was alive with a dream of suffocating blackness, preventing her from gently surrendering back into the arms of Morpheus. She whimpered in fear and drew the covers to her breasts, as she felt the dark blanketing night abduct her. Her eyelids flickered as her unconscious mind begged her to open them and thus awaken, but something far stronger made her resist this impulse. Something compelled her to continue participating in this surreal mirage. She felt her body waft away, helpless to stop the procession. She moved through a dark, soundless void.

Am I dead and flying through eternal emptiness, her troubled mind asked, is this it? She wanted to scream but did not know how. Was this really what death was like, to be covered with a shroud, deaf and voiceless?

Suddenly, as if to disprove her proposition, she felt the sheath begin to release her. Like a veil of oppression it lifted from her and lay about her feet, its gossamer tendrils curling softly, encircling her ankles, the rising fronds seeking her wrists. She shook off the damp bracelets as she peered about the gloom. Where she was she did not know, although some innate sense intimated that she had been here before. That cannot be right, she thought, uncomprehending her reason for feeling this way. All around her, the world grew dim, as though cast into perpetual shade. She could not see very far ahead, fog concealed the secrets of this place from her eyes.

A prickling at the nape of her neck gave warning that somewhere in the gloaming, impending doom gathered. Panic began to rise in her. She had no idea what to do. Helpless and confused she twisted around, fearing she knew not what, her heart beating fast; too fast. Something dreadful was coming, that is all she knew. 'Stay calm, I've got to stay calm!' she told herself sternly, but her hands clenching tightly together exposed her anxiety with their violent trembling. 'It's only a dream. It's only a dream.' she whispered through her quivering lips, scared to make too much noise, fearing it would attract whatever lived in the mist.

Her heart leapt with fright as she saw movement in the mist in front of her. It swirled on each side; invisible things were pushing through it. Whatever was out there was not alone. 'Help me!' she screamed, her mind berating her for the sound. She spun around looking for a means to escape. Ahead the fog appeared to be undisturbed. Taking slow, cautious steps she began walking forward, praying that her silent footsteps would go unnoticed by -

She refused to think about that, this thing. As she walked, neither looking left nor right, stronger grew her dismay as did her impression that some immense, omnipotent force was stalking her. Icy terror swam through her veins to the very core of her being. She kept on walking. 'Don't look back. Don't look back.' she chanted in a whisper.

She could not help it.

She had to look back.

Without stopping, she turned her head around. There was nothing there. 'Thank God.' she muttered as she faced forward.

She froze.

'Please. No!' she cried out in anguish. Her eyes widened, her face blanched, as her mind screamed of the trouble she now faced. Urging herself to flee, she tried to turn away. Her body betrayed her. She could not move. Immobile, she stared at the cause of her dread.

A man stood at the edge of the fog. He pushed back the hood concealing his face. She gasped as his face revealed itself to her. His cowl had hidden a mask of arrogance and contempt, scorn-filled and cold - terribly - terribly cold. She shuddered. His look seemed unnatural, by rights it was a handsome face, exceedingly so, but a face never the less which could only bring fear to any his eyes turned on.

He began to glide towards her through the mist. Softly, ever so softly, he approached. Her body welded to the spot, her mind racing. What does it want! What is this thing! She refused to believe it could be human, let alone a man. It had the outward appearance of being a man, but she knew, would have sworn her life on it that what she faced was no man but an entity of incredible malevolence. He slid to a halt in front of her. She found herself staring with unblinking eyes into his, and it seemed to her, she was looking into twilight.

Stars were pulsing in his retinas.

Even so, lost in her vision of twinkling, she was aware of the aura that surrounded him. EVIL ABSOLUTE! CORRUPTION TOTAL! Blinking fiercely, she forced herself to cease watching the tiny glimmerings, and instead looked at the whole being.

Clothed in robes black as coal, the sable from his cowl loose upon his broad shoulders, she noted how tall and muscular he appeared to be. His complexion pale. Too pale. His dark hair pulled back from his face and tied in a tail. Around his waist, he wore a belt of tasselled silver. Upon his wrist, he wore a bracelet, the charms glinting on argentine. Something in the way they chimed suggested these were no ordinary charms.

He placed his hands on her shoulders. Her head flew up, leaving behind the sight of the silvery trinkets. She tried to break from him but she could not move. She was powerless. Fearfully she looked into his eyes once more; solemnly pleading he not hurt her.

Scanning her up and down, a sneer played along his mouth. Then, as if with great consideration, he looked directly into her eyes. She met the deadly gaze. She had no choice.

He spoke.

She was blinded.

Forced into a universe of jet, darkness descended, hope snuffed out. His will crushed hers. Dominated her - pressured her to open her mind to him - his words of demand not spoken verbally, but pushed into her mind. She felt his invasion and suffered tremendous repulsion. Nevertheless, his will was strong and she had no choice but to submit to this rape of her subliminal self. While he probed and poked at her memories and thoughts, she stood totally still. To an onlooker she would have had the appearance of stone.

She knew not how, but she came to understand with complete conviction, that he was looking for something in particular. Despair filled her, almost choking her, when he gave an unexpected triumphant yell. A call of victory. He had found that which he hunted for. She felt a wave of evil glee ripple through him at his successful invocation of her thoughts, one of which caused him such demonic rapture.

To her utmost horror, she knew exactly which unbidden thought he captured.

It was the image of her child. She knew it and became terror-stricken. She thought of her child and grasped for this catalyst. Outrage gave her strength. From the depths of her soul determination to break free filled her. Wrenching from him, she turned and fled. The creature laughed. It was the cruellest sound ever heard and fervently prayed never to hear it again. She would rather be stone-cold deaf first.

She ran, she knew not where, her only intention, to escape from the gaze of those hypnotic eyes. It can't be a dream! It is real! This thought kept screaming at her repeatedly. Onwards she ran, not daring to stop - breath tearing from her in short, scalding gasps - her lungs on fire. Her arms and legs seemed to have a life of their own as they pumped up and down like pistons of flesh. Her nightgown streamed out behind her, as if in competition with her hair, which spread and fanned out, bidding a hasty farewell. Eventually after what felt like hours, sweating and straining with the prolonged exertion, she weakened. Against her wishes, her body began to slow.

This was it. She could go no further.

She sobbed with fatigue and distress as she fell to the ground. She cried quietly for a few moments but even this tiny effort proved too much for her weary mind and body. She wiped her eyes, as she sought to rest for just a minute more. She knew the creature had not followed her, for even as she broke free, she knew he was allowing her to go, as if she was of little consequence to him or his plans. This knowledge gave her no cause for relief, as she lay unmoving on the ground, cold, tired, and very frightened. Exhaustion overtook her. Her breathing slowed. Her eyes closed. She felt herself drifting into sleep and came awake with a jerk. Wait a minute, she thought. You can't fall asleep in a dream! It confirmed what she suspected. This is real. Time is of the essence. I must find the courage to move.

Feeling stiff, she stood and surveyed her whereabouts.

The world remained shrouded in the darkness of the smoky mist. No landmark, not even a rock, nor a small tree was visible. Only grey dead dust. She felt sure that she was on a barren, distant world. She considered and decided, the sensible thing to do would be to keep going forwards, to go back would be tantamount to encouraging the presence of the black robed demon, as she had begun to think of him. She walked deeper into the penumbra. Onwards she plodded hopeless despair as companion.

An eternity later - that is how it felt to her - she sensed the atmosphere begin to change. At first, not exactly sure what it was that was different, but then she realised that light, sweet light to uplift her flagging spirit, was starting to filter through the mist. She stopped and listened as music, mellow and gentle lulling notes, floated through the air towards her. Lovely inviting melodies.

Volition of thought or logic deserted her. Her body drifted towards the sound. The world started to brighten, colours appearing, making the desolation of the dark mist recede. Her depression slipped from her as she entered this new locale. Huge trees dotted the landscape; she could feel a cushion of luxurious, springy grass beneath her feet. Her inner voice now telling her, here she need not be afraid.

Calmness assuaged her.

Her interest picked up as she saw in the distance, not very far ahead, a large mound upon which was placed, as if dropped from the sky, a shining temple.

Faster she walked, not sure why, but convinced that safety lay inside. She did not slow until she reached the foot of the stairs which led upwards to a golden glow, which emanated from an open door at the top. Without looking back, she ascended the stone staircase. As she reached the last step, she wondered if this course of action might prove to be unwise. She turned and peered back. The dingy mist of eternal night winked back at her, mocking her. It seemed to be attempting to encircle the temple, her sanctum of refuge. Good sense told her that she had no choice. She would have to enter and damn the consequences. She stepped through the portal of light and found herself in a small box-like room.

Empty of furnishings or articles of any kind, the room seemed to fill with an almost tangible current of infinite goodwill. In relief, she sank to the floor, glad no entity of terror waited to greet her. Suddenly, as if to belie her thoughts, the glow of the room became stronger and the music fell to a hush. A breeze stirred, bringing fresh fear, making her wonder what horror could befall her next. With amazement, she saw an apparition slip through the wall on the other side of the room. Quickly, driven by adrenaline, she rose to flee. Something stilled her movement, warned her not to run too soon. Fear was the only thing which fled, as a voice, deep and resonant and oh so comforting, spoke to her.

'My child hath no fear for you be safe. I didst guide you here to this portal to show to you the way of return to your world.'

'Thank God! But, but where am I?' she beseeched him. 'What's happening to me. How did I get here?'

No answer was forthcoming immediately. He appeared to be pondering something, choosing his words and message. She looked at him, assured by his presence but uncertain what she should do. It was like looking at some great, awesome figure from history, about him, a light of wonder. A dim memory of childhood imaginings of supreme beings came to her. The image seemed somehow appropriate. His age she could not guess, she had nothing to compare him with and no way to measure such trifling things. Centuries could have passed in his lifetime; he seemed filled with the wisdom of ages. A youthful gleam played in his warm grey eyes, and his skin was soft and unblemished, no age spots or lines visible. His hair gave him an ancient look. White, pure as new flurries of snow, tumbled in long waves down his back. Hope was in her, surely someone so possessed of knowledge and kindness would have the answers for her. She held her breath as he stepped towards her, his golden robes flowing about him. With his hands, he made a sign over her.

'I be unsure of what your future holds,' he said softly. 'but of this I be certain, there be one here who wishes harm to you. I come to give warning and aid you to leave.'

'Please, just tell me where I am and exactly -'

'Wait.' he said, interrupting her. 'It be growing late, time there be little of, already I be summoned back, so I canst tell to you only this for now, if you look to the left you willst see a door. Twill return you to your own world. Simply enter it.' He stopped speaking and appeared to be listening to something that she could not hear. 'I must go. They await me. If you hath need of me again, just call my name, it be Inlodriel, and I willst come to you.' Slowly he started to fade.

'Don't leave me here alone!' she cried out. Afraid, and with so many questions unanswered. 'Where am I for God's sake!'

An echo of his voice came back to her.

'Why you be in your dream my dear.'

This said he was gone.

Feeling utterly confused and bereft of answers she turned. To her right, the doorway of which he spoke. It had magically appeared out of thin air. Ahead was the door by which she had entered. She moved to this door and glanced out, not knowing what she expected to see. The view was exactly as it had been before. The dark smog still encircled her island of hope. However, as she stared at it, she saw a difference in the panorama.

Standing at the brink, where light met darkness, the creature waited. His cowl once more covered his face. To her frightened eyes, he looked like Death come calling. He made no move towards her, simply stood in satisfaction as he gazed up at her. She stepped back as if to ward off a fearsome blow. Scorn oozed from every pore of his body as he mocked her with his laughter.

'Run rabbit, run.' he taunted her. 'Soon shall I hath all that needs be, thence shall you be MINE!'

Like a spur to a horse his words stabbed at her, she turned and fled through the other doorway.

Down, down, down into nothingness she tumbled.