When the Safe Castle Falls, part I.

the second night in town was mostly calm. the one thing that was persistent for the most part was the howling of a dying animal that came from outside. a sound that could be mistaken to come from a human. and eventually it died at the beginning of the day.

the next morning started calm and serene. the wind blows cold. everyone gets together on the library to argue about their next action to be taken.

"We should leave this place as soon as possible." argues a person.

"No, we should stay here waiting for the others." comments another person.

Anton is thinking things clearly. Anton has a glass of red wine. he hears both sides of the argument as he tries take the safest choice. too many things holding from his shoulders. Anton sweats as he looks around trying to find the better argument.

Olga and Albert are drinking coffee and eating bread. on a corner Helen is crying like a madwoman unable to find reason. Robert Hall is at her side. Ashley argues loudly as she tries to keep her composure. Beth and Antonio have their own argument. Caroline Potts become a spectator. Ingrid falls asleep on a chair.

"Please, people calm down." said Anton feeling exhausted.

"It's daytime. it should be safe now." comments another person.

as the discussing kept going for hours without a solid answer. then everyone notices a man walking inside the library. it is no other than mayor, August Fisherman.

"Hello competitive mortals. I had come to warn you about the tournament. we are getting close to the end of the first round. you have around twenty-five hours to leave the city. and the safe zone will be off limits in about ten hours. relax. sleep. eat. do what you most. but be ready because we are getting there. have nice day folks." said the mayor.

mayor August Fisherman walks away slowly with firm steps leaving behind echo. the mayor turns around and sincerely wishes them luck before he vanishes.

Anton thinks carefully about the words from the mayor. he tells everyone to go to their rooms and get their things. rest if needed. eat if their stomachs are empty. use the restroom. they will leave in about four hours. that is enough time for everyone to do rest and prepare for the departure. Anton scratches his beard.

"To have an annoying position in which you hold too much responsibility, it has to be so tiresome to be you. my condolences." said Ingrid as she walks away holding a pillow.

Anton stands in front of a window. he looks up to see a gigantic eye on the sky observing everything taking place on the city. the eye has taken the place of the sun. blood tears come out of the big eye. dark clouds on the distance.

Robert tells him to relax more. Robert lets him know that he will help in case anyone is hurt or is in danger along the way. he tells him that he has fail before as a doctor. but he won't let it happen ever again as he lives and will die as a doctor.

Jessica walks in front of Anton. she smiles with melancholy. she says goodbye to him. she walks out of the library. she walks within direction to her solitary room. the moment she closes the door behind her. the door is gone. she will be trapped in that room.

Olga and Albert are walking holding hands. she is interested about his past. an older man like him with so many scars on his body. for his age he is quite muscular. he moves with the speed and strength of a younger man. so full of youth.

"I find it interesting that you prefer an older lady like me, rather than a younger girl who is more into playing around. I am a serious person. I don't play." said Olga.

"Fools are those who play around with girls half their age. I am too old to play around. I just saw a fine lady around my age. and then, I was sure. you, my lady. you are the one for me. I only want a life partner, nothing else." said Albert looking directly at her eyes.

"I see, you are the romantic type. any more of those sweet words. and I may fall for you. is a shame I didn't met you early on life. I was so lonely before I met you."

Robert is drinking a cup of tea. he observes the old couple. he thinks about the old days. Robert can't stop thinking about the distorted time inside the mirror. all the things he has done wrong on life are haunting him now. he is running out of time.

as Robert is walking around the corridors. he stops for a second. he looks at Caroline watching tv in one of the many rooms. they act like a mother and her child. they seem to be unaware of the dangers ahead. or pretend to be ignorant.

Robert keeps walking. he looks at Beth and Antonio in another verbal argument. Robert ignores them as he walks towards his room. he opens the door. Helen is sleeping. she is turning and making noises on her sleep. it seems she is having a dream.

Robert seats down on the bed. he puts the cup on the floor. he plays with her hair. Robert thinks about the better days. he whispers sweet things on her ear. some tears come out of his melancholic eyes. so much pain deep in his heart.

"I hope you can recover your old self. I had loved you for so long. since the first time I ever saw you, I knew I wanted to make a life at your side. but you were already too far gone. even back then I was too late to save you. so, I made my mind. if I can't save you. then I will condemn myself at your side no matter what comes. I won't let you fall alone."

"Do you really love me. fall for me." Helen was sleep talking.