chapter 2

Chapter 2

The house of Athos

Snorting loudly, Pontus stamped his hooves as I leaped from his back. Deep in thought, I watched Pontus graze for a minute or two, before I strode down the path, my boots creaking as I walked.

   Colossal, magnificent, and overruling, the large house stood dominantly above the forest. The moon hid its face in a cloak of cloud, afraid of looking at the statuesque, pulchritudinous structure. The wind blew on the ash trees, as their leaves rustled together. Long slender branches were reaching up to the sky, reflecting the starlight off their shimmering leaves. I breathed in deeply, and I could smell the wildflowers on the luscious grass. I could hear twigs snapping beneath my feet, and I stared at the lion’s head in front of my face.

   Majestic, metallic, and malicious, the bronze lion door-knocker stared at me, baring its ferocious teeth. Nervously, I reached for the loop of metal it had been guarding so well, and banged it against the door.