Armendora - Chapter Four

Chapter Four

Trouble at the Gate

The building Alyssa talked about was indeed very old. It’s already slanting to one side, just like the Leaning Tower of Pisa; except that this building was used to be a church. The cross, still visible on top of the dome, tells Ned everything. The archway was still in good condition; except for the missing gates. Overall, what Alyssa had just said to Ned was true; the old church might be destroyed in a few weeks’ time, judging by the condition of the building which is unsafe for people to use. In front of the church, however, was a scene you might never want to see.

Three hideous monsters were busy eating what look like a human family of three. Blood can be seen splattered all over the walls of the nearby buildings, making them looked uglier than they already are. The monsters’ features are far worse and weird than you can imagine.

Their faces are square-shaped with red eyes, slits for nose (like a snake, only the slits are far smaller), no ears and a wide, lipless mouth with razor-sharp teeth. Their bodies are skinny and covered in scales. They’re quite tall, taller than normal human beings; making them stronger and faster in catching their prey. That’s how those humans became their ‘lunch’.

“Rotters; they’re one of my stepfather’s creations. They feed on other animals; even humans,” explained Alyssa. Her face was white as chalk, scared as she and Ned looked at those Rotters. “I can see that, Alyssa; no need to explain,” replied Ned, pulling Alyssa to hiding.

“What should we do? Can you fight them?” Ned asked; his voice full of fear. Alyssa looked at Ned and said “I’ll see what I can do. I might not be able to fight them long. We have to come up with a plan. If we were to enter Armendora safely, we need to destroy the doorway right after we entered. Otherwise, we’ll be dead.”

“How do you think we’re supposed to destroy the door? We didn’t have any grenades or anything that can destroy such a thing!” said Ned. “Will you be quite for a second? I’m trying to think here. It would be better if you’re thinking of a plan to!” barked Alyssa. Her face looked scared and her fear is clearly seen from her eyes; she was trembling, fearing that the monsters can hear them.

Suddenly, Alyssa spoke. “I have an idea. I’ll try and distract them using my powers while you run to the doorway and wait for me there. I’ll try and cover you. My magic won’t be that powerful, but it might hold them for a while.” “Are you sure?” asked Ned. “It sounds dangerous.”

“It’s alright, Ned. I’ll be fine. Just run as fast as you can and head straight to the door, okay?”

“I’m scared! This is dangerous!” shouted Ned. “Shh! Do you want us to be heard by those Rotters?” barked Alyssa. “You don’t want to die, don’t you?” “Of course not!” answered Ned. “Then, do as I say and run for it!”

Without warning, Alyssa stood up and run straight for the Rotters, casting spells. Amazingly, the Rotters quickly fell back once they are hit by Alyssa’s spells. After a while, Ned ran as fast as he can, heading straight for the church’s gates. Alyssa was doing great, he thought. He reached the gates and turned back, waiting for Alyssa. Alyssa cast a spell, heading towards Ned. Surprised, Ned ducked, allowing the spell to hit one of the pillars that supports the archway. Eventually, it was falling and if it was not for Alyssa, Ned would’ve been crushed by the falling archway. Eventually, they made it to Armendora, killing those Rotters who got hit by the falling archway.

“Are you okay?” Alyssa asked Ned, who’s panting and sweating madly like someone who’s been chased by a ghost or a mad chimpanzee. “I’m fine,” he said, kissing Alyssa’s hand. “Are you alright?”

“I’m good. Just a little tired,” replied Alyssa.

They were in a huge room, almost like a ballroom with high ceiling and huge pillars. The floor was cracked here and there, same goes to the pillars. At one end, there’s a huge double-doors that led outside of the place. The other end, two huge chairs – thrones for the king and queen, broken and almost destroyed by time.

“The Old Castle, where my great-great-great grandfather ruled before the New Castle was built.” Alyssa explained as Ned looked around in amazement. “Why do they leave this building to rot? It’s amazing; scary, too. No wonder you said it’s haunted.” Ned said, taking every scene of the castle in his mind. “When was the last time this castle was used? By the king, of course,” asked Ned, curious by the odd looking of the castle; like it has been used recently before. There are carpets on the floor and colourful hangings on the walls. “About 100 years ago. At first, they want to destroy it. But, they decided to keep it; let it destroyed by nature. A bit of history to be learnt by future generation, they said. We used it recently for a little ceremony. That was a few days before I was sent to Earth,” said Alyssa. “Isn’t it beautiful, Ned?”

“Alyssa, how come nobody’s been entering Armendora? I mean, like passer-by who was entering the church,” asked Ned, confused.

Alyssa looked at Ned and answered “In order for someone to enter Armendora, he or she must know when the door will be open. The door to Armendora is not open all the time, Ned. It only opens in certain times or when someone from Armendora wants to go to Earth and vice-versa.”

“This is one big castle. It’s a shame they leave it like this. In my country, this could be the summer house or maybe the guest house when people from other countries are making a friendly visit,” said Ned. “At first, they wanted it to be that way. But, they cancelled the plan since this castle is situated a little too far from the city. Come, I’ll show you the countryside. It’s really beautiful,” said Alyssa, taking Ned’s hand. They walked through the hall and out through the rotten double-doors. Once they’re outside, Ned opened his eyes widely in amazement.