Tennyson

My whole body aches. I don’t know how I’m still alive. I thought I was a goner. I open my eyes to see a gold ceiling. I try to sit up, but my stomach starts to cramp. I groan in pain as I lay back down. I hear a door open and voices whispering.

“Sir,” I hear one of the voices say. “Are you awake?” 

I turn my head to see a doctor standing beside my bed. He looks to be 7’3, 320 lbs, with a tail and horns. Where am I?

“I know this might be a shock for you,” He says as he walks over to the table next to the wall. “But believe it or not…you’re in Hell.”

I feel a wave of dread and fear wash over me. 

“There’s no need to be scared,” the man says as he walks to the foot of the bed. “You’re perfectly safe. This castle is protected by a magic barrier put up by our King.”

Did he say magic? I think he said magic. Where exactly did I come to!?

“I told you,” the man says. “You’re in Hell.”

Is he reading my mind? Umm…Um…peaches…apples…bananas…PINEAPPLES! 

“Peaches, apples, bananas, pineapples. Yes, I can read your mind.” the man says, smiling. “Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Hugo Bowman, but you can just call me Hugo.” 

The man…Hugo, walks to the door. 

“I’ll let you get some rest.” Hugo says as he leaves, closing the door behind him.

Helena

  As Hugo comes back out of the room, I catch a glimpse of the intruder. He looks terrified. The door closes.

“Has he told you anything?” I ask. 

Hugo shakes his head. 

“From what I did gather, I can tell you that he’s most likely human.” He says as he bows.

“How did a human break through our barrier!?” I exclaim. “I have protection around this castle for a reason, and this is one of them. We cannot have a repeat of last time.”

I turn away from Hugo. This can’t happen. Not now. Not after everything I went through. 

“Bring the human to the throne room after he recovers. I will deal with him.” I say as I turn my head back towards Hugo. 

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Hugo replies as he bows. 

I walk out of the room and towards the garden. As I breathe in the fresh air I feel a wave of emotions wash over me. I don’t think this human is dangerous, but looks can be deceiving. 

“Mother,” I say as I look at a statue of my once infamous mother. “I need your advice. Please help me.”

There is silence in the garden. It’s too loud. I walk back towards the throne room. I will figure this out, and I will protect my people from any dangers that this human may bring.