Lost in the Country of Samhain Hallows
Run!
She didn’t think about where she was going.
She just wanted to run far away from home. It didn’t matter where.
She just had to get away from it all. She ran from all the people who spoke about her in third person, even when she was present in the room.
Now, she was running from the new place that she had built up to be her “sanctuary.” She could hear the heavy thudding of the boots of her pursuer coming closer. The thudding was in sync with the pounding of her heart.
She reached the gate from which she had entered this place and pulled at the latch. The wrought iron did not budge. She attempted to squeeze between the rustic bars to no avail.
“Rina!” A male voice that had become familiar called right before he grabbed her, and held her firmly by the shoulders. He turned her to face him. She hated how her name sounded coming from him, how it caused her heart to skip a beat. She squeezed her eyes shut. She did not want to face the young man who shook her world. She did not want to peer into his charcoal eyes that pierced her soul.
In the short time she’d known him he’d made her want to give up everything she knew about herself. Even though he did not make it clear how he felt about her, she wanted to stay in this strange land because of him.
She shook her head violently. But, seeing him with her. She couldn’t compete. Besides, she felt homesick. All her life she had been passed from foster home to foster home, and all she wanted now was get back to her foster parents and siblings. She’d spent nearly a year at her current home-longer than anywhere she could remember she’d been. It was the day before Halloween. She wanted to dress up and go Trick or Treating. She was fourteen years old, almost passed the age to Trick or Treat any longer. She didn’t want to wait another year to do it!
This strange land was like a perpetual graveyard. No color, cold, and cloaked in mist. Her thoughts were broken when she was suddenly pulled into an embrace. Strong arms tightened around her and she tried to push and squirm her way out of his hold. “Don’t, Koen!” She protested. “No?” He questioned. He caressed the back of her head and she buried her face in his chest. Her arms relaxed at her sides. If she struggled any harder, tears would just come pouring out and she would end up looking like a bumbling fool. Maybe if she calmed down he’d release her and she could escape. It’s all she ever wanted to do any way. Escape.
“You cannot leave Samhain Hallows.” He stated. She leaned back to look up at him and cried, “Why not? I wanted to come here! I can leave!” “No, you cannot,” he repeated. “You’ve eaten the food from here. It is part of you now.” Her eyes widened in realization, recalling the tasty candied apples she just couldn’t resist. Sweets were one of her many weaknesses. She narrowed her light blue eyes and frowned before she responded. “Then, I take a part of this place with me when I go. This place doesn’t need me. Your Pumpkin King should just let me go. This is not my home.”
“I have orders to bring you back to the castle.” Koen stoically stated. “Is that all? You’re just following orders. Do you even want me here?” She asked. She sighed heavily and leaned her body against him. This country was cold and windy, but Koen emitted warmth. The feel of his rough hands on her bare shoulders made her shiver. She was only clad in a silver mesh evening gown that wasn’t even hers. Prior to running out of her quarters, she had looked at herself in the mirror and hardly recognized her reflection. Her skin was pallid, her bright blue eyes seemed more gray, and her wavy golden hair was done up in pigtails that made her scalp ache. This place was changing her. She felt like she was losing herself, and she had to get out.
“I was assigned as your guide-“ he began. She interrupted, “I know. You’re my codega, a fellow hired to scare off thieves and demons as you show me the way around here.” “To protect you.” He corrected. She didn’t feel protected. No one kept her from being spirited away. She couldn’t keep herself from falling for someone she barely knew. Sure, what she knew about him she liked, but it was better if she didn’t get to know him better, even if she wanted to. No one had ever looked out for her, starting with her biological parents. She didn’t need babysitting now. The fact that he was her guide only fed her delusion that he cared about her. “Without me you can go back to your real duties,” she remarked. “I know you’d much rather be protecting Princess Aria.”
“Don’t talk about things you know nothing about.” He snapped as he gently pushed her away from him. She had put a crack in his mask. His calm, well-poised demeanor faltered. She was caught in his intense gaze and felt like he could burn a hole through her. She saw his jaw muscles flex as he clenched his teeth behind closed lips. His hands balled into fists at his side.
She opened her mouth to speak when he suddenly picked her up and flung her over his shoulder. “I’m taking you back!” He shouted as he gripped her legs tightly with his arm. It was useless to try to kick. She punched, she screamed, and cried until she exhausted herself.
Defeated, she collapsed against him. He tried to set her down on her feet, but she was too tired to stand. Tears stained her now rosy cheeks. He picked her up again and carried her princess style into the castle. She remained calm, but her heart was pounding. She was terrified. What if she could never return home?
She caught her reflection in the mirrored hallway. Her hair was tangled and strands stuck to her sad face. She looked like a crumpled mess, delicate and fragile in Koen’s strong arms. He wasn’t muscular, but he had broad shoulders, and he was tall. His jet black hair was slicked back and did not have a strand out of place.
“What has happened here, Sir Saunders?!” The king demanded when he saw Rina’s disheveled state. Rina immediately placed herself into a curtsey position and pleaded, “Your Majesty has been most generous and hospitable to me, but I would please like to return home.” The king pursed his lips for a moment before smiling. His smile was wide and rivaled that of the Cheshire cat. “Rina, my dear, I think you’ve been through a lot. Would you like to wash up and rest for a bit?” The king offered. He placed an arm around her shoulders and led her to the nearest wash room. “I’m just going to splash some cold water on my face.” She said before entering. “Yes, we have much to talk about.” He agreed and dismissed her with a slight wave of his hand.
King Samhain addressed Koen, “Could you not convince her to return of her own volition?”
“She was hysterical. There was no reasoning with her, Your Highness. I obeyed your orders and brought her back. I apologize if my method was unorthodox.” He replied with a bow.
“Unorthodox? Your approach should not have upset her.” The elder man circled Koen like a vulture.
Koen followed the King’s movements with his eyes. “With all due respect, you should return her to her home. She does not want to be here nor does she belong here.”
His Royal Highness paused before responding, “The rule for outsiders was established long before I came to the throne. She’ll learn to belong here.”
The cool water soothed Rina’s flushed cheeks. She took a deep breath and one last glance in the mirror. She quickly smoothed golden strands away from her face and back in place. Satisfied with her appearance, she stepped out with renewed strength to face King Samhain and Koen.
“You seem better,” The monarch stated. “Let’s speak in private. Sir Saunders, you’re dismissed for the time being.” He placed an arm around Rina and led her down the hall. She glanced over her shoulder at Koen. The corners of his smooth lips were turned downward in a slight frown and his eyes glared, burrowed into hers. She flipped her hair and stared straight forward.
“My fiancée, Princess Aria, is fond of you. She’d be sad if you left us,” The king mentioned. Rina had to keep from scoffing. “I understand, I have grown fond of being here myself,” she replied. “If there’s anything you desire, just ask it of me.” The handsome man offered. “Thank you, but I don’t really deserve such kindness. My parents and siblings must be worried about me.” She said. “If that is the case, you can write them a letter to let them know you are well.” He suggested. She decided to get to the point, “Koen told me I’m not able to leave here. Is that true?”
The honey-dripping smile graced his lips once again, “You partook of our food and drink, so that is the condition for outsiders.” She fumed quietly and knew better than to enrage someone of his stature. She calmly replied, “You have been very gracious, but I’m sure with your power, you can excuse me and-“ He cut her off, “Stay with us. Did you not say you had nothing in your hometown? I will provide you with everything you could want and need. You had nothing going for you there, you were not happy, and you said no one would miss you. Is this not why you sought out my country?” Her eyes widened as his words struck a chord within her. She parted her lips to protest, but he was speaking everything she felt. Tears welled up at the corners of her eyes. She didn’t want to blink or else the tears would fall.
He continued, “Time will pass. They’ll forget about you.” She looked up at him, eyeing the large gold crown on his head. His hair was straight and the color of beach sand. She peered up into his glistening ruby eyes. She didn’t understand how someone so handsome and kind could say such cruel things. “There-There are things that I’ll miss that my country has.” She stammered as she looked down at her feet. She was barefoot and could not recall losing her shoes. Perhaps she lost them while running from Koen or while he had carried her. She suddenly wanted to be back with him. She did feel safe with him. Something about King Samhain frightened her.
“What do you miss?” He inquired. The way his voice inflected told her he was intrigued. “Well, Halloween is tomorrow. I don’t want to miss dressing up and going trick or treating,” she began. “How about letting me return just for that evening? Let me properly say goodbye to my family. Allow me to-“ He interrupted her again, “I will throw a masquerade ball for you, in your honor!” He was practically dancing in place. “You’ll have all the treats you could dream of. Oh, it will be grand!” He called for Koen before she could object.
-o-0-x-0-o-
The clicking of her heels echoed as Rina stepped into the grand hall. Thousands of candles were the only forms of illumination. The flickering lights reflected off silver picture frames and mirrors and cast shadows on the large marble walls. Ribbons of deep crimson draped from the beams overhead.
She held the feathered and beaded masquerade mask over her face. She was dressed in a royal purple ball gown with silver trim. The dress was low cut at the chest and had a heavily layered skirt. It was so quiet, she could hear her own heart thudding. “You tie it on,” she heard Koen say from behind her. “Like this.” His voice was just above a whisper. His gloved hands came up and took the mask out of her hand. He took the silk ribbons into his hands and tied the mask around her head. He was careful not to snag her hair or tug a strand out of place. Her hair was done up, the pigtails spun into big curls that framed her face.
“Thank you.” She obliged and turned to face him. Her breath hitched in her throat the moment she looked at him. He looked phenomenal dressed in a tuxedo with long coat tails. A black hooded cloak draped over his shoulders. His hair was a tousled mess that somehow suited him despite how formally dressed he was. Only he could look disheveled and make it seem classy, she thought. She cast her eyes downward as she felt a blush creep into her cheeks. Her make-up was done lightly, but she worried that even in this dim lighting he would notice.
A half smile crossed his lips. His smile always looked mischievous even when he was being coy. She felt her pulse quicken. “Shall we?” He said as he bowed slightly and offered his hand, palm-side up, his other hand behind his back held a top hat. She nodded and placed her hand in his, relieved that he was wearing gloves, so he couldn’t notice her sweaty palms.
“Ah, you look stunning!” King Samhain complimented as soon as he entered the room. An orchestra and line of guests followed him in. He took her hand in his and kissed it before striking up the orchestra. An upbeat tune began to play. Still holding her hand he requested, “May I have this dance?” He led her out to the dance floor. Koen put on his mask; a plain silver one that rested on his cheek bones and the bridge of his nose. He stood post by the throne with arms crossed over his chest.
King Samhain held a scepter in his free hand. He wore a ruffled collar and his crown looked like that of St. Edward, this one much flashier than the previous. It had red velvet encased by the bejeweled gold frame. He wore a white mask that covered his whole face; the designs on it reminded her of a Mexican sugar skull. “You’ve learned our dances well,” he praised. “Especially for the short time you’ve spent here.” She lowered her head, hiding her eyes behind her bangs and sheepishly replied, “thank you, King Samhain.” “Please, call me by my first name, Aleister.” He requested.
“May I cut in, King Aleister?” Koen interjected. She saw the king’s eyes narrow through his mask and immediately looked toward Koen. “I was speaking to her,” Aleister corrected. “You are not to address by my first name.” The younger noble bowed and apologized, “I beg your pardon, Your Majesty. I intended no insult.”
King Samhain made his way to the dining table covered in sweets. Now in Koen’s arms, Rina rested her head on his shoulder as they swayed to the slow, somber melody. “I know a way you can get home.” He whispered in her ear. He held her head against him, so she wouldn’t cause the king any alarm. He caressed the back of her head briefly before placing his hands on her shoulders. “Listen,” he continued. “My mother is a witch. She will find you and help you.” She peered up at him and asked, “Why are you doing this for me?” He shrugged and answered, “Because I can.” He held her gaze intensely. She could feel her heart pick up pace. There definitely was a mutual attraction there; she could feel it in the way he held her and looked at her.
There was a sudden bang as King Samhain thumped his scepter on the marble floor. “You!” He suddenly called. Everyone’s attention turned in the direction the king was pointing. A lone figure stood in the corner and stepped out of the shadows. The person was dressed in deep blue and wore a large hat with a single plume. He looked like a musketeer, in Rina’s opinion. The guests parted and made a path to allow the king to approach the silent stranger.
The visitor had one hand hidden in his coat, but the king was unthreatened. He came face to face with the cobalt-masked party crasher. “I thought I’d gotten rid of you!” The monarch spat. The foreigner remained silent and pulled his hand from his coat. King Samhain took a step back and shielded himself with his scepter. The perpetrator held a human skull. “What is the meaning of this?!” The sovereign demanded.
“I think you know,” a woman’s voice replied from the figure as the mask came off. “You had him killed!” “Aria, you’re making a scene.” Aleister warned. She ripped the hat from her head and threw it to the floor with the mask. Her honey colored locks tumbled out from under the hat and cascaded over her shoulders. Tears streaked down her cheeks. Her eyes seemed to stare off into the distance as she spoke, “I exhumed him. I had to know the truth, had to know what you were capable of.” “I love you. I did what was necessary.” The king admitted as clenched his fist to his chest. “You knew I loved him, so you had him killed!” She shrieked.
Koen took Rina’s hands in each of his and escorted out. “But, what about Aria? Shouldn’t you-” She began. He interrupted her, “Worry about yourself. Now is the chance to get you out of here.” He pushed on the wall and it opened a secret passage. He rushed her down the corridor, “Just go down these steps. My mother is waiting for you.” She turned to look down the dark tunnel.
“I need you to guide me.” She pleaded, her voice shaky, and smile wavering. He could see unshed tears glistening in her eyes even in this dim lighting. He cupped her face with both his hands and forced a smile, “You have to go now. There’s not much time. It’s still Halloween where you live, you can make it like you wanted to, spend it with people who love you.” He released her and gently pushed her away.
She pouted her lips and nodded in understanding. “Thank you.” She obliged and reached up to pull his face closer to hers and kissed his cheek. She turned to run down the steps before he could react to what she had done, but she felt a tug on her wrist. He suddenly pulled her flush against him and embraced her for a second before bending down to kiss her lips.
She placed her fingertips over her mouth. “Go!” He ordered before shoving her back and closing the doorway. She forced her feet to carry her down the stone steps, her footsteps moving as quickly as the beat of her heart.
-o-0-x-0-o-
Rina awoke in her hometown’s cemetery, dry maple leaves blanketing the cold damp floor around her. She looked down and was still in the ball gown, the only evidence she had ever been in Samhain Hallows. She brushed herself off and ran back toward home. It was twilight and trick or treaters had just begun to parade around the neighborhood. She prayed her parents and siblings were home.
She climbed up the porch steps and raised a hand to knock on the screen door. She looked over her shoulder, contemplating returning to Samhain Hallows before shaking the idea from her head. The door suddenly whipped open and she was pulled into a hug and relieved breaths of her name by her mother.
Later that night, Rina sorted through her Trick or Treating haul and pulled out a small pouch filled with candy corn. She pulled the silk ribbon to untie the pouch and on it read “to return to us should you ever want to visit. ~Koen.”
She smiled and popped the candy into her mouth.
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Thank you so much for reading! Even more thank you for comments I get! I really appreciate you stuck through and read my whole story! It's been so long since I completed a short story. This is one of the few things I've written that is actually completed! Much appreciated and much obliged. Here is the picture that accompanies this: http://www.myusm.com/usm540073.html?t=USM%20Events
Now that you've read this, you know which character I drew. ;-) Thank you again! Happy Halloween!!
Write on..... 
