The Serpent In The Chasm

By Adriel Montejano

This Story Is Set In Medieval Times And Is All About Love And Magic. Who Will Fall In Love And Who Will Be Jealous And Heartbroken? Who Will Endure? The Only Way To Cure Your Curiosity Is To Open This Book And Read To The Very End.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adriel
• Release date: Oct 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215103357

Adriel Montejano

Adriel Was Born In 1983 In Hanford, California To Mexican Parents. He Came From A Bad Neighborhood With Little To Nothing Growing Up And After Years Of Struggling And Working Minimum Wage Jobs He Finally Found His Calling In Life To Be A Writer And Has Been Writing Ever Since.

Book preview

The Serpent In The Chasm

Adriel Montejano

Published by Adriel, 2022.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

THE SERPENT IN THE CHASM

First edition. October 27, 2022.

Copyright © 2022 Adriel Montejano.

ISBN: 979-8215103357

Written by Adriel Montejano.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

The Serpent In The Chasm

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Further Reading: The Visitor In The Smoke

About the Author

The Serpent In The Chasm

Chapter One

Hanford was a lovely little town. It was built atop a large hill, the view from its walls and high towers made it almost seem like a city itself. A river wound its way through the center, creating an enchanting meadow. Flowers blossomed everywhere, the grass had green emeralds growing all around it, making up for the lack of greenery seen in other kingdoms.

The castle in the centre was as grandiose as expected with a dome that seemed to be holding up the sky above it. It rose out of a mountain, looking majestic but beautiful, as well as very tall.

On top stood a tower, which held two turrets. They looked like giant spiders that stood on their hind legs. On either side of it were balconies that could see all four sides of the village in detail, and if you looked hard enough, you could see people running about and laughing, or going about chores such as washing dishes, cleaning windows, mending clothes, baking bread, anything and everything they could think of! There were gardens in the middle of some fields where small animals lived, along with children playing in them. The whole place seemed so... normal.

It wasn’t the sort of life anyone really thought of, as they often assumed it would have been much different than it actually was. But in a way, it fit the idea of how they expected royalty to live; a place where every single aspect of the life seemed so normal. And yet not everyone got to live it like this. No one knew what happened to the king and queen of Hanford, no one ever did, they just disappeared one day. Their kingdom grew slowly over the years, however. When King Edmund finally came of age he took control, setting up his own kingdom and starting construction of the great castle in the centre of the village, the castle which was named for him.

There wasn't a day that went by when someone didn't wonder why there never seemed to be any new news of their missing friends or the royal family of Hanford. Sometimes people heard rumors that the castle had fallen into disrepair, that they weren't even living there anymore. Others thought that maybe there had been an incident and the king had died in the battle, maybe the queen followed suit later that night. But then most of them dismissed those rumors out of hand, telling themselves to be realistic.

People said that the castle was cursed, that some dark magic had struck it down. Some speculated that maybe they had tried to summon the spirits to help their king in his quest for immortality, and they had failed. People claimed the ghosts haunted the halls, waiting until the king or queen returned to make their next move. Those whispers started to spread quickly, but nobody believed it. How many times had some poor man or woman stumbled across a ghost? They only spoke to them out of fear, never once thinking about trying to understand what they were saying. What good would that do them?

But these rumours changed in recent months, ever since rumors started to circulate that the palace might have been cursed as well, and that it was being guarded by creatures far more sinister than mere ghosts.

The castle, the mysterious place where nothing ever seems to be happening, became more and more popular, people started coming from all over to see it for themselves.

And there, at the top of the tallest tower, sat a figure watching over Hanford's progress. The person was dressed like royalty, in fine silks and rich cloths that clung to their body, giving off the aura of a ruler. They wore jewelled earrings and bracelets and rings, they sported rings that glowed gold in the sunlight. There was something strange about the creature, though. Its entire head was covered in a black cloak, covering all but its face. The cloak looked rather dirty and worn in places, as if it had gone through a lot. As far as they could tell, its eyes were hidden behind a pair of large glasses that obscured their sight completely. But they looked strangely calm, their head cocked slightly to the left, listening to the chatter in the streets. Every now and then they'd shake their head, seeming as if to clear out any thoughts before returning to the task at hand. The cloaked monster leaned back against the wall, a long stick in their lap. After a while, they reached into their jacket pocket, pulling out a notebook and beginning to write.

It seemed to take forever, but eventually they finished whatever they needed to write and put away the notebook, slipping it back into their pocket. They leaned back against the wall, folding their arms beneath their chest and closing their eyes. They stayed this way for a few minutes, as if deep in thought. Finally, they pushed off of the wall and began to stroll down the road, heading towards their home.

After walking another few blocks, they turned onto a path that led straight into the woods, continuing onward until the path ended and they found themselves in a clearing surrounded by trees.

The forest was alive here, birds singing softly to each other, squirrels running about freely, butterflies floating around. The clearing wasn't big, but it felt magical nonetheless, full of peace and tranquillity. The clearing was also empty, save for the stranger sitting on a tree stump at its far end. They didn't notice them approaching as they approached from the back, and when they reached the spot they turned, their features illuminated by the moonlight filtering through the trees.

Their appearance caught them by surprise, and they dropped to their knees in front of their master without warning. Master, They greeted, bowing. They couldn't help but feel nervous, knowing that they wouldn't want the attention drawn to them. If anyone was to walk in on them, they'd most likely be killed right there and then.

Oh? They asked, tilting their head curiously. I'm sure I would have noticed you approaching earlier.

No, Master, that's not what-

Then, why have you come to me now? They interrupted gently. You should have waited, my child, I will need time to prepare myself, after all.

I wanted to show you a dream, Master. They explained sheepishly. It didn't work out so well...

They looked away, unable to meet their master's gaze.

He nodded sympathetically and stepped forward, taking his staff off the ground and placing it under his arm. He lifted his hood and pulled it over his hair so that it concealed his face completely. With one last glance at the clearing he turned, following the path they had taken. Lead the way, He ordered, gesturing to the direction they had come.

They complied, moving swiftly to stay by his side. His steps were confident and steady, and he walked with purpose, the forest parting easily for him.

They had barely taken three steps before a voice called out to him. Hey, wait! It said frantically, running up to them. Can't we talk for a minute before you go? She pleaded desperately. She was young, wearing clothes that looked expensive and bright, though she had mud stains smeared underneath her fingernails. Her hair was red and long, flowing down in waves past her shoulders. She looked worried, and scared. Like she knew what was going to happen to her. Her hands clasped together as she watched the older man carefully, waiting for him to answer her question.

Of course. He said simply, turning to face her, allowing his hood to fall back over his face.

She flinched slightly, expecting to be attacked at any moment. Instead, the woman smiled, putting her hands behind her back and standing up straighter. She walked around him, stopping a foot away from his face as he waited patiently. She stared into his eyes, studying them intensely. Then she spoke, her tone soft.

How many times have we met like this?

Twice. He answered simply.

Is it true?

Yes.

Why haven't we met in the past?

Perhaps because I've always been afraid to look too deeply into your eyes. I don't know why I did it this time. Perhaps because... you're not the same person who first met me. You are kinder, gentler than I remember. We must have met many times.

Are you afraid of the future? She suddenly asked, stepping closer to him.

CHAPTER TWO

He looked at her with narrowed eyes, trying to decide whether or not he should answer. I am not afraid to die. That doesn't mean I want to. Why?

Well, she said softly, leaning her head toward his shoulder. If we're going to live through the coming days, we must learn each other's names.

He sighed heavily, reaching out to take hold of both of her hands, lifting them to his lips and kissing her fingers gently. I am Arthur Pendragon, king of Hanford and ruler of the village and the forests beyond.

Gwen, I'm Princess Gwen.

The castle was huge. Not just enormous, but magnificent. Tall towers stretched into the sky and spires stretched out into the stars above. A beautiful bridge connected to a small lake and bridges lined the walkways between the towers, connecting every single one with each other. The grounds surrounding the castle were filled with flowers, shrubs, and trees that were taller than any human could ever hope to reach. It was truly breathtaking, and Gwen was speechless as she stood in the garden, staring up at it. What is this place? She breathed, awestruck.

This castle has been in our family for generations, He replied calmly, looking up at the castle and letting his mind wander.

Gwen hummed. It's so beautiful. She breathed. He raised his eyebrows at her.

Have you never seen anything like it before?

She shook her head. Nothing like this, at least. Is this where you lived before coming here?

Yes. But my brother lives outside of the walls, not inside them. He paused. You seem to know quite a bit about this place. He observed.

My father was in charge of keeping it safe. This place has been part of his family for years, and he loves it.

A wise man. He remarked. Though I can hardly imagine anyone loving this place more than you do.

She laughed, her cheeks turning pink. I suppose you could say that. She agreed.

Arthur chuckled. So how often does my brother visit? Is he still alive?

Unfortunately yes. She sighed, lowering her head. There was a great plague a year ago, my parents died in it, along with most of our people. He blames himself for not being able to protect us.

He frowned slightly, looking at her. He moved so he was directly in front of her now. Gwen looked up and met his stare. What happened then? He asked. When you fell ill, how did you manage to heal so quickly?

Magic, She whispered, her voice trembling slightly. Our village was overrun, and they tried everything. They used poison, they burned the buildings, they even set fire to the water supply. My brother and sister begged to be saved, pleaded for mercy. And then I healed them. They came back from the dead.

Did you have some sort of gift? He guessed.

She nodded slowly, gazing into his eyes. "It was rare, I was told. But I had no idea what it really was until my mother took ill and passed away. When she finally recovered