Castle Perilous

Castle

On his way to the family quarters he ran into the great white beast, the girl, and the young man.

“Welcome. I see you’ve met up again. These things are preordained, I’ve always thought.”

The young man looked blankly at his companions, then said, “I’m sorry? We just ran into each other in the basement of this place. Who are you? And where the hell are we, if you don’t mind my asking?”

The King and Lord Protector smiled. “The name’s Incarnadine. This is my place.” He gestured about. “Really something, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but what is it? Where is it?”

“Where? Anywhere you like. Another world, another time, just down the block, or in the next room. What is it? It’s a castle, Castle Perilous by name. And it can be a perilous place. But it is larger than life, and contains wonders without end. Entry is by way of your deepest desires. Until very recently, there was no way out. But we’ve done a little remodeling, a little patching here and there, and things should be a bit more stable. You can probably find a way back, if you wish. But I have a feeling you’ll stay.”

“Stay?”

“Yes, as my Guest. You are all most welcome.” Incarnadine pointed down the corridor. “You’re very likely famished. The Queen’s dining hall is down that way. Must dash now. Enjoy yourselves.”

“But …”

Chuckling, he hurried off down the passageway. He wanted to spend the day at the beach with his family.