odd numbered chapters by rhoda penmarq
illustrated by rhoda penmarq
to begin at the beginning, click here
chapter 6: through the door . with a piece of coal from the cold hearth princess atusa drew a circle in the middle of the room . she held the bottle of potion in both hands before stepping in the circle . she stared through the window at the volatile sight looming on the horizon then she uncapped the bottle and drank all its content in one large gulp . her body bent abruptly like a tender young tree struck with an axe . a black smoke filled up the room whirling toward the ceiling where it accumulated in a thick dark shadow . when the queen opened the door the small pile of ash in the dark circle dispersed throughout the room: her eyes followed the dance of particles on the marble floor and were eventually transfixed on the circle for a long moment . she smiled wryly and turned back to leave the room with the proud steps of a conqueror: two battles won in one day! she whispered to herself victoriously as she was passing through the door . her shadow in the door frame stretched itself to the ceiling darker than ever . a few hours later the queen was kissing princess jimelda's forehead: with a happy heart, she shed a few tears and bid her farewell . when princess jimelda was leaving the hall the queen leaned against an adorned column and closed her eyes in a gesture of relief not noticing her shadow in the door frame stretching itself to the ceiling darker than ever .  |
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