The Oval Door

Before starting this one, you may want to read this, which is the precursor to what happens here:

***

Carys regained consciousness, after dreaming of bobbing about on a clear, blue water. It was serene, the sun warming her. She was happy to let it take her.

She was thirsty, the only thing disturbing her vision. And then she swallowed and the rawness hit. This was hurt, pain, the scorch was unaltered by her saliva. As she regained her senses, she realised she was not on a boat. She could smell animal and leather and land. She opened her eyes to the ground below her. She tried to raise her head but it was heavy with light. She desperately wanted some liquid. Attempting to lift her head again, she looked to her right and saw a mane. No legs in stirrups which meant that the horse was being led.

By someone.

She tried to remember but as the images of fire, and smoke rose, she retreated from their anger and nearness to death.

Her throat told her that it was real. This was not her imagination. She was alive. But how? And whose horse was this?

Now, she was in a dilemma. Should she keep quiet or should she attempt to get the attention of whoever was at the head of the horse?

The relief that Carys felt at being alive was gradually dissipating as the uncertainty of her situation struck her.

"Whoa!"

The horse came to a halt and Carys felt a spike of nerves. It was a man's voice, unfamiliar.

She tried to relax. She knew that she was too weak to fight anyone although she'd try if she had to. She was grateful for the rescuing but not if she was now in danger again.

"You're not in danger," a voice said.

She was being lifted off by a strong pair of arms. She tried to see but he was carrying her like a sack of spuds, over his shoulder. She managed to lift her head and saw the door to a dwelling - an oval door.

"I won't hurt you, Carys," said the ragged man. "I saved you."

She tried to ask but her throat was too damaged.

"All in good time," the man said and the oval door opened.

***

366 words

I have inadvertently slipped into serialisation with this little story but I'm going to continue it as there was such a response to The Ragged Man and who he was that I need to expand on it. I haven't really done that here but the next story will reveal more, I promise.

Anyway, in the meantime, I hope that you enjoy it.

Thanks for stopping by! If you do read it, please leave a comment as I love to interact with my readers!

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