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@anne_the_noob14 The Castle Glower series, you say? That sounds interesting. I may have to look it up. Ooh, good description for Lucas. I like all the details you added.

Don’t worry! You didn’t mess up Caedon! I love Lucas’ observations about Caedon’s stance and how he treats strangers with respect. That’s perfect. And his reaction to the floating tray was good. There’s certainly not that kind of magic in his world. 😛 One tiny thing is that he would introduce himself as “Caedon of Solina.” I’ll add that in my entry. But you did great! I love it! 😀

(Now I shall attempt to write Lucas. Let me know if I do anything wrong.)

@elisha-starquill Ooh, I like Racleva’s name! She seems like an intriguing character. I love the fact that she has fire powers. Also, I feel a tiny twinge of pity every time she mentions that the place (throne room) she came from is dark and has no windows. 🙁

—

 

“Hello. Is it all right if I come in?”

The young man in the chair studied Caedon, who stood stiffly, fully expecting to be turned away into the darkness again. Instead, the man gave a welcoming smile. “Of course. Come and warm yourself.”

Caedon shut the door quietly, not wanting to disturb the sleepy silence of this strange place. He crossed the room stiffly, trying to imitate the walk of a soldier.

“My name is Lucas McAsgain,” said the man. “Long walk down the corridor, isn’t it?”

Caedon nodded. “Long and cold. I’m Caedon of Solina. Nice to meet you, Mr. McAsgain.”

A smile spread across Mr. McAsgain’s face. Caedon noticed a long scar on the man’s jaw, but tried not to stare. “Likewise. I wish I still had some biscuits I could give you.”

Caedon shoulders didn’t want to relax. He ignored the hollow feeling in his stomach. When was the last time he had eaten? The noon meal. “S’okay.”

The door on the other side of the room suddenly opened and shut. Caedon stared at the tray of food floating above the ground at about elbow height. A ghost? It must be a ghost. He shrank away from it, his feet itching to run far away from this accursed place.

Lucas, instead of reacting with fear, smiled again. “I was alarmed the first time it happened, too. The castle seems to hear our requests and wishes and grant them.” He gazed at the ceiling and spoke for the benefit of any other ghosts. “Thank you. We appreciate it very much.”

Caedon sensed a subtle shift in the atmosphere. He couldn’t tell what was different, though. He glanced at the tray. The biscuits smelled awfully good. At that moment his stomach decided to growl like a wild dragon.

Lucas finished pouring a bitter-smelling dark liquid into his mug and handed Caedon a plate of biscuits and a frosty glass of milk. “Help yourself.”

And Caedon did. After ducking his head to say a silent prayer to Yehoveh, he devoured three biscuits in quick succession and gulped down the milk in one long draught. He gave a sigh of contentment and turned to Lucas again, his eyes bright with a cautious sort of curiosity. “Do you live here, Mr. McAsgain?”

Lucas shook his head. “No, I arrived here under mysterious circumstances. One moment I was sitting at my desk working on a new calligraphy technique and the next I was here.”

“That’s just what happened to me! Only…” He paused. “I was listening to my sister recite a poem.”

“You have a sister?”

Caedon nodded stiffly. “Two. Both younger.”

The crackling of the fire filled the silence. Caedon was about to reach for another biscuit when the air changed again. The wind moaned against the walls of the castle and a draft seeped through the windows. “A storm is coming,” he said in a low voice. “They say that the Wind’s horses spark lightning from their hooves as they gallop across the clouds. Their hoofbeats are the thunder.”

Thunder crackled overhead. Caedon studied Mr. McAsgain’s expression, which tightened briefly. But Caedon wasn’t afraid. He was strange that way, he knew. Sometimes, often at night, he would climb the highest tower of Solina simply to watch the lightning flash all around him.

As he thought this, he approached the nearest window and gazed at the dark sky. A glint of white fire caught his eye, followed by another thunderclap. At least something here was the same as in his land.