Amber's World: Chapter One

Amber didn't know where she was. When she had walked through the portal she found herself in a meadow full of daisies and sunflowers. She looked around for a moment, feeling confused. She seemed to be in a whole new world. As she realized this, she started to smile. Anything was better than the world she had been in before she had walked through the portal. Amber felt like the weight of the world had suddenly been lifted off her shoulders. She felt calm and free. All she wanted to do was to run through the meadow rejoicing. And that is exactly what she did.

Suddenly a man's voice rang out across the meadow.

"Stop!" he shouted.

Amber stopped running and looked behind her. She saw a man riding a big, chestnut coloured horse. The man had curly, blond hair and clear blue eyes.

"What do you think you're doing, running in my meadow like that?" he demanded.

Amber felt so ashamed and didn't know what to say. Finally she managed, "I'm sorry. I didn't know this was your meadow. I've only just arrived here. I don't even know where I am."

Something in the man's eyes seemed to soften.

"I apologize," he replied. "I didn't realize. Come with me and I will help you."

Amber hesitated, not sure whether to trust this strange man. But she had no one else, and she didn't think it would be such a great idea to wander around on her own. So Amber walked over to him. He helped her on to the horse. There was silence for a while as they rode. After what seemed like an eternity of silence, Amber decided to speak.

"Who are you?" she asked.

"My name is Jake. I work at the stables over there." He pointed towards the stables. Amber had to squint to see it as it was at a distance.

"Where are you taking me?" she asked.

"We're going to my home. Hopefully we can talk and figure things out."

"Okay," Amber said. She paused for a moment. "I'm Amber, by the way."

Jake smiled warmly at her. "Nice to meet you, Amber."

Eventually they reached a cottage. It was small but beautiful. There were rows upon rows of flowers around the cottage. Jake dismounted the horse and helped Amber down gently. He then led the way to the cottage door, Amber hesitantly trailing behind. Jake held the door open for her.

As soon as she walked through the door, Amber felt warmer and more comfortable. She hadn't even realized she'd been cold. As she looked around the small cottage, she saw two armchairs by a fireplace. She found herself moving towards one of the chairs. Behind her, Jake followed. They both gratefully sank into their armchairs, letting silence fill the air for a few minutes. Jake decided to break the silence.

"Would you like anything to eat or drink, Amber?" he asked.

Amber didn't hesitate to answer. She was starving and her throat was very dry.

"Yes, please."

Jake went away and came back with a glass of water, and a plate full of bread and cheese. He handed the plate to her and the glass of water. She took them gratefully. Jake sat back down and let Amber eat and drink. Amber ate ravenously; she hadn't eaten or had anything to drink in days. When she was finished, Jake took her plate and glass away. When he sat back down, he started to talk to her again.

"How old are you, Amber?" he asked.

"I'm seventeen," Amber replied.

"Okay," Jake said. "I've never seen you around these parts before. What brings you here?"

This was the question Amber was afraid to have to answer. He will probably think I'm crazy, she thought. But she decided she might as well tell him. He seemed like a kind, understanding person. So she told him everything that had happened. Amber felt so relieved to talk to somebody so openly about it.

Jake stared at her in shock for a few seconds. Then he said, "You need to come with me."

Amber followed Jake outside of the cottage and they mounted the horse again. This time, when they dismounted they walked through a village teeming with people. Amber had never been around so many people before, and struggled to keep up with Jake. Eventually they came to a house distanced away from all the other houses. It was a small, ordinary looking house. Jake walked over to the door and knocked. Amber stood behind him, anxiously waiting.

For a few minutes, nothing happened and they just stood there. Just as Amber was beginning to think no one must be in, the door opened. A tall, middle aged woman stood in the doorway. She had dark hair that was tied back in a bun, and she wore a beautiful green dress that sparkled in the light.

"What is it?" she asked Jake sharply. "I'm busy."

"Jane." Jake said her name in displeasure. "This isn't about me. I need to talk with you about our guest here." He gestured at Amber.

Jane looked Amber up and down, then glanced at Jake suspiciously. Looking at Amber one more time, she seemed to come to a decision.

"Come in," she said shortly.

She moved to let them pass her. Jake walked into the house, Amber following behind. The inside of the house looked far from ordinary. It was extremely dark and cold. A candle flickered on a table in the middle of the room, but that was the only light there was. There was a cauldron in the corner of the room, and shelves full of glass vials were lined up against the walls. Some of the vials had liquid in them; the colour of the liquid varied from purple, green, to blue.

Jane sat down on a chair at the table. Jake sat down on a chair at the opposite end of the table. Looking from Jake to Jane, Amber decided to sit on a chair closest to Jake. Silence filled the air. Amber could feel the tension between Jake and Jane as they looked at each other coldly.

Amber coughed, and Jake looked at her as if he'd forgotten she was there. He seemed to remember why he was there, and explained what had happened to Amber. He kept his gaze firmly on the wooden surface of the table as he spoke. Amber occasionally added something to help Jake as he was trying to explain. Jane listened intently. Her expression turned from indifference to wonder. When Jake and Amber had finished they all sat in silence for a moment. Jane looked thoughtful.

"It seems that something or someone wants you to be here," Jane said to Amber. "I can't say how any of this happened. It's a mystery. It's.... interesting."

"But what happens now?" Amber asked.

"I don't think you have any choice but to stay. Jake shall be able to provide you with food, water, clothes, and a bed."

Jake didn't look like he liked being bossed around like that, but he didn't say anything. He stood up abruptly.

"We must go now," he said.

He looked like he wanted to run out the door as fast as he could, but he waited for Amber. She stood up and tried to be as quick as possible.

"Thank you for your help," she said to Jane.

Jane smiled kindly at her and said, "You're welcome."

Amber then followed Jake out the door. As they were walking away from the house, Amber looked back. Jane was stood in the doorway, watching them go. She looked grave.