Читать книгу Chateau de Paix - R. C. Jette - Страница 7

A raven soars through the moonlight. Behind him, stands a gothic mansion silent and foreboding like a mysterious dark secret. From the raven’s vantage point is an old Oak tree below. As he descends towards it, the moonlight reveals the tree is centered in what appears to be a medieval garden with high walls. It is in full bloom with sweet bay, sweet myrtle, rosemary, sage, thyme, and beds of fennel, cabbage, onions, garlic, leeks, radishes, etc.

Strategically placed are almond, apple, cherry, fig, hazelnut, mulberry, pear, and plum trees. Red roses are planted near the South wall. Near each of the four corners of the wall is a statue of an ancient Hindu god positioned as if ready for war.

In the north corner is a statue of Brahma with his four heads and four arms. In the south corner stands a statue of Vishnu with his blue human body and four hands. Shiva with his human body, blue face and neck is situated in the west corner. Lastly, in the east corner is the goddess Durga with her eight hands carrying weapons of various kinds and riding a lion.

As the raven gets closer to the tree, a young woman, sitting on a bench under the tree comes into focus. Her pale complexion and long black hair seem to give her a bewitching appearance as she appears to be staring at one of the ancient statues that resembles a woman riding on a lion.

The raven, unnoticed by the woman, lands on the branch above her. Behind her two dark figures step out of the shadows and startle her. They smile, and recognition comforts her. The female offers her a nightcap. She takes the glass, the female and male join her in the drink.

The young woman realizes that something is wrong when she can no longer focus in her surroundings. As she struggles to stand up, she falls down to the sinister laughter of the male. When she awakens, she is in a foreign environment with prison bars.