Notes in Ochre

Chapter 7 - Part 3

A sharp pain ripped through my skull, but before I could even call out it was gone. My whole body vibrated with a singular need; to utter a command to the door. I had no idea what was going on, but I wanted this strange sensation to end as fear finally began to creep into this strange mixture of happenings.

From the corner of my eye, I could see Chester was talking, but I couldn't hear him. Even if I could, there was nothing I could do. It was as if my body was now compelled by another, no longer my own. It moved on instinct, or by something more, I couldn't tell. I watched as I placed my hand upon the door and spoke my command.

"Briar."

Reality itself seemed to shudder in ecstasy, reveling in it's opportunity to obey me. The door suddenly caught aflame, glowing with a white hot heat. I could feel it searing my hand, but I could not remove it. Somehow, it wasn't entirely unpleasant. It, perhaps, even felt deeply good.

Yet, just as suddenly as all this had transpired, it was over. My consciousness dragging, I sluggishly realized that I was resting in a strong embrace. I opened my eyes, which were closed for some odd reason, revealing Chester, who had pulled me close.

"Sir Chester, what just happened, and what happened to me?" I drawled, as if awakening from a deep slumber, "and why am I prone?" Looking beyond him, I saw I was facing at the ceiling. However, it was no longer the ceiling of the cave, but rather that of of my family's former dining room in our quarters attached to the castle! Shocked, I sat bolt upright, nearly knocking heads with Chester in the process. My body responded by reminding me of just how injured I was. I grimaced in pain, curling in on myself. I clenched my jaw and forced myself to face Chester. A look of worry seemed deeply set upon his face.

After a moment, he responded in a low voice, lined with both concern and reserve in equal parts.

"I am not quite sure, My Lady. We were supposed to arrive at the back entrance to the castle, however, you suddenly became strange. You sang some verse in a language I'm not familiar with and reached out your hand as if to touch something. There was a large surge of magic that I've never quite felt before, and the next thing I knew, we were here. I can't explain it to you, as I'm not quite sure myself what happened."

We stared at each other for a moment, both unsure of what to say or do next. However, we didn't have much time to parse out this peculiar mystery, as we heard guards coming from down the stairway leading up to the room. Chester grabbed me and shoved me, in the most dignified and gentle manner one can shove another person, underneath the table, which was the closest object around. I was both surprised and amazed that he maneuvered so deftly, even with me in tow, for he made no sound at all. We huddled together underneath the dining table and I could hardly breathe for fear of being caught.

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Author Note: Well, that was... different.  Vote if suddenly ending up prone is not really your thing, either.  Or maybe even if it is??? Lol!  Anyway, hope you all are having a great day!  

Big news over on my Patreon!  I finally got it set up, lol!  That's the first part, the second part is you can now read ahead if you subscribe at any tier.  Special illustrations and webtoon versions of 'Notes in Ochre' available at the 'Green Man' tier.  Love you all!