Thread: Shades of Gray

Carolines pale eyes went wide as the loud crashing sounds reached her ears. Immediately, she sat up in her bed, her hands clutching the blankets tightly to her body. Something was going on outside, something that made her blood run cold. She could hear the shouts of men. Hear the sounds of objects being thrown. Gasping softly as the sounds became louder, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and slipped down along its edge. The floor was cold on her bare feet, but she ignored it as her curiosity only grew with each passing noise occurring outside. Across her room, Caroline dashed toward the window. She pushed the lush drape aside so that she could peer out into the night and view the goings on outside. Her eyes were horror stricken as she watched the men throw various things at the barn. Their shouts, clearer now, made it obvious that they were calling out to a person. A necromancer. At that, Caroline let go of the velvety curtain, her arms wrapping about herself as she backed away from her window, shivering ever so slightly. Shed seen signs for this supposed necromancer. They called him unholy, having lost sight of God. That he was faithless and many other awful things. She bit down on her lip just then, her mind running wild with so many thoughts of this man that was hiding so close to her home. Only mere yards away in their barn. Caroline felt sorry for the necromancer. She wasnt entirely certain how true the bold statements were that had been made by the townsfolk, by her father, regarding what he could do. Perhaps he was misunderstood? Oh, she didnt know. But the idea of this necromancer being as such was an appealing thought to say the least. Suddenly, she felt her heart lurch, a sympathy washing over her for that poor mans plight. It was clear that his future was grim and, when she thought on it for a moment, in some ways was much like her own. Grim. Dismal. Nothing but despair. Carolines eyes suddenly shifted over toward the mannequin standing so cold and still in the corner. The frilly white dress it donned made her body shake in terror. In just five days she was to marry Lord Benjamin Longley. A man she barely knew and most certainly didnt love. She had no desire to marry the man. But, her family had told her it was her duty. As the daughter of a lord she must obey and do what was needed to maintain social ties. Reluctantly, shed consented to the arrangement. One she feared and dreaded. One she wished would never come to be. One she knew she had no choice but to fulfill. CRASH! A loud gasp escaped Caroline at the sound of the horrifically loud noise. Much louder than the ones shed heard earlier. Frightened, not caring that all she wore was a flimsy white nightdress, she ran out of her room and up along the corridor. The air was cold, dark. On light feet, she ran until the corridors end. Not pausing to catch her breath, though tucking a dark strand of hair behind an ear, she gripped the knob of the door before her and quickly thrust it open. Father! Caroline shouted. Outside, father, what but her voice trailed. Caroline let go of the knob. On the other side of the room, nearest the window, she could see a shadowy silhouette looming. Waiting. Who was it? What did they want? One thing was for certain. It was not her father. This was an intruder. Suddenly, her eyes fixed on the knife the figure was holding. A stray ray of moonlight glinted off the sharp blade as he held its handle tightly in his hand Licking her lips, her body locked with fright, Caroline pleaded, Please, sir. Im unarmed, incapable of fighting. But, who are you? What do you want? Caroline had no idea why she was attempting to plead with this person. Their intent was obviously one of dark and sinister plans. Just then, she felt herself jump. Another loud crash sounded from outside. At that, her body began to tremble. Slowly everything was coming together. Was this could this be? Please, sir. I beg you answer. I can help you leave the premises unharmed. I wont say a word. Carolines mind was racing. She had no idea if this man was the necromancer or a thief or something entirely worse. No. She had no idea of anything. But as her thoughts briefly dwelled on that white frock in her room, she suddenly decided to take a chance, her desperation claiming any and all logic she possessed. In fact, sir. Please. Take me with you.