A Dream?

All it takes is a flicker of hope

Chapter 1. Euphoric Girl

Tears pooled in my eyes but I refused to let them spill. I hung my head down and glared at his bare feet instead waiting till he tires himself. 
Whip after whip. His belt scalding my bare arms and legs. The sickening whoosh rhythm will forever haunt me. He stopped, panting hard. My skin burned in pain making it hard for me to breathe. 
"Next time ya try taking my bread I will cut ya up and feed ya to the dogs, slave girl." And just like that he walked out. "But I was starving" almost left my mouth but I caught myself before making another blunder. 
I slowly looked at my arms. My usual pale white skin had gone a beet red. Purple and blue bruises had appeared early this time I noticed.
 No use crying over this now. Better save up my energy.

 I limped into my room or better known as the closet and sat down on the low dusty mattress. Yes my room is small and quite dark, but it was enough. It's not like I stay in my room the entire time. The entire day goes by doing chores. I lifted up my flat pillow and took out a small half-full vial of some herbal oil, that I managed to flick from Lockhart's collection. I'm not proud of my misdeed, but I had no choice.

I sprinkled some precious drops of it on my arms careful not to spill any on the floor, and rubbed it on gently even though it hurt when being touched.
 It felt cool against my skin and eased up the burning sensation a bit. Then I hid the vial again and laid down carefully on the mattress. I stared at the low ceiling thinking about everything and nothing at the same time.

My eyes willingly closed and I entered the dark paradise. So peaceful. Slowly my imagination took over and I pictured pure and utter freedom. I rolled down soft grassy hills with infinte shades of green. I dived into the calm deep blue sea to find its natural treasures within. I flew over my old hometown between fluffy white clouds with swans behind me. What a sight! The wind whipped around my long dark hair and the sun warmed me up, keeping me safe, away from my master.

Heavy footsteps thudded hard on the ground. I woke up with a jolt. Quickly I stood up ignoring the pain. 
Master Lockhart's big figure walked in holding a steel bucket. I cast a fleeting glance on his warty face and hung my head down as I have done for the past twelve years. 

Of course I have not always been with Master Lockhart. My hardworking parents were killed by the dictator and I ended up being sold to Master Lockhart at the age of four. And as for my brother, he was taken by bandits and killed when he put up a fight. Alex was one of a kind. He was five years older than me and so the responsibility of looking after me, when my parents were working, fell on his shoulders. And what a marvelous job he did! He was my everything and the memory of him do I treasure the most. Not even my master can take away those golden flecks of happiness.
I always think about what-ifs. What if my parents didn't die? What if I wasn't sold to Lockhart? What if i had a different life? Just, what if...

Lockhart dashed the bucket he was carrying against my shin jolting me back to reality. I winced in pain but quickly bit my lip. Seeing me in pain only encourages him.
 "Sierra go fetch some water from the river and hurry back! The hounds are thirsty and we have run out of water. Don't spill a drop of it. Go now!" He commanded. 

Time paused. Did I hear him right? I dared a glance at his big double-chinned face. I have never been let out of his land except for one rare occasion and that too barely outside the dirt road. The river though is completely out of the boundary. This is weird. He has never asked me to do chores outside this house. And.. And.. He won't be able to watch me! Am I dreaming? A quick discreet pinch on my arm confirmed that this was no dream. Endless possibilities of escaping ran through my mind but Lockhart put an end to it. 

"No. No. Don't ya think of runnin' . Coz if ya do then that nice bread delivering girl ya seemed to have made friends with, will pay the price."
My breath choked in my throat. He is talking about Mary, I realize. She is the only friend I have, even if our friendship blossomed over a mere sublime smile, and nothing more.

Lockhart sneered as he read my expression of horror. Knowing my weakness, he walked away in triumph. Not a word more has to be added. He knows. I will return.

Author's Note

The first chapter of the book. Hope I captured your attention! :)

Reviews

[Joshua Ramirez]

Hmm, I thought you said this was disappointing. Yet, it seems to be much appreciation toward it. Though, it is one of the more longer chapters I have read on the site, it is a very good write.
You give a taste of these two characters and the interactions, but we don't know too much about them, which is very nice suspense.
Especially, when the reader gets to the bottom. Oh boy, she gets to leave boundaries and then it raises questions (well, for me I know it did)... WHAT WILL SHE DO? WILL SHE RUN?
Oooo... Lockhart is manipulative, threatening her by the potential harm of her only friend. It encapsulates her loneliness.

Solid work Red Rose, maybe I should put up my prologue on the site, and see what people think.

[Red Rose]

Hehe. Glad to hear it! Thanx. Still gotta improve tho.. =)

[Christopher Waltz]

Keep working! Keep writing! Keep editing! You're off to a good start.

[Red Rose]

Thank you! I guess I'll keep going =)

[Dust That Drifts Throug..]

While I was reading this chapter, I thought it took place in modern times, but I was wrong. Anyway, I like the book so far and I see why you used the name "Lockhart."

[Red Rose]

Thank you! I appreciate it. :)

[Rebq10102]

This is very interesting. I like it. It makes the reader long for more.

[Red Rose]

Thank you! ^-^

[annalysiar]

It commands attention with gradual relevations. Your writing is raw and beautiful great work

[Red Rose]

Thank you. I appreciate it. :)

[Tiffany]

Amazing. Very, very captivating first chapter. I can't wait to read more.

[Red Rose]

Thanx a lot! =)

[matrixmark]

Wow! This was an explosive beginning. Very, very powerful use of dialogue in the first few number of sentences to - really strong and vivid. It hit me like a ton of bricks.

I really liked your descriptive you used in this piece - you painted a good picture of the girls room with a small amount of words - Kudos to you.

Your sentences were pretty much spot on - not too short or too long - they were just right.

This was powerful, hard hitting and very rich and vivid in descriptions.

I was impressed.

Mark.

[Red Rose]

Thank you! Your review means a lot to me. :)

[wordman]

this is powerful,it keeps the reader enticed,it will be a great book..

[Red Rose]

Thank you. I hope so too... :)

[AquaWater5674]

Captivating
Ahh
Musing...
We are captives of our times..
Our thoughts..
Our longing to express ourselves..
It is human nature..
To be held captive by our very nature..
And yet desperately seek escape..
I really liked this piece good read
Keep Writing..
Debbie

[Red Rose]

Thankyou. I guess I am held captive. And I am seeking for an escape.

[AquaWater5674]

Rose...You have a gift..
A beautiful gift of expression..
Emanating feelings..
We all are held captive and we all need escape at
Some point in our lives..
So you are in very good company
I admire you
You are writing..expressing your thoughts
This story is very very well written
Debbie

[M. Mae Ringquist]

This is great writing, though I personally think that it could be better if you were to add more physical descriptions, for example, what dose her room look like? but overall I can't wait to read the next chapter

[Red Rose]

Thanx! Ur right, it needs more descriptions. I'll work on it. :)