I found a house in the dark forest. It was a lovely cottage made of charred rock and wood. I decided to explore this curious site forther, so I entered. Once I had passed through the door, all grew dark; a total blackness. And then, just as suddnely, it was light again, only the surroundings had changed. Around me now was a marvelous castle.
The castle was well decorated. There were banners and coats-of-arms adorning the walls. From behind a massive iron door to my right came a small child. She was dragging a bloody claymore behind her. She approached me and began to speak.
"Have you seen mommy?" she asked. "I've looked everywhere.
She was supposed to read me a story."
At that point I realized that it had gone from day to night.
"What's your name?" I asked the child.
"Selbandra," she replied.
"Well, Selbandra, let's try to find your mommy."
She was hiding something. Her mind was a jumble and she was anxious. I decieded,
however, to assist her. My attention turned to the weapon she held.
"Where did you get such a thing, child?" I asked as we walked up the long staircase.
"The Funny Man gave it to me. He makes me laugh with the way he talks."
she replied.
We continued up the stairs. Suddenly, there was a shrill scream from the walls. It was
followed by a maniacal laugh.
"Funny Man found mommy," the child squealed with joy. She became happy, but
this incident disturbed me. She led me to a room on the upper level of the castle.
"Wait here, I want to show you to Funny Man. Don't worry, he's very
nice," the child mused. She was lying.
After a few minutes, I became worried because the girl did not return. She was downstaris talking
to Funny Man.
"Selbandra!" I called, "Where are you?" She appeared at the top of
the stairs escorted by a cloaked figure. Its face was hidden by a hood. They approached me slowly.
Selbandra was now in a playful mood.
"Mommy's sleeping, now. Will you read us a story?" she asked.
"I'm sorry," I replied, "I must be going." Her mood went from playful to scornful.
"Everyone wants to leave me! First daddy, then mommy, and now you! Only Funny Man will talk to me! I guess you'll have to sleep, too." At that , Funny Man pulled back his hood revealing a bare skull painted with clown make-up. As he done this, Selbandra's face turned dark and appeared charred. They were both dead. They had died in the fire that consumed the cottage. Funny Man began laugheing...
"Where am I?" said the wanderer as he passed into the hall.
"Will you read me a story?" Selbandra asked. "My parents and my friend are
all asleep..."
Get your own Free Home Page