Seducer of Souls - Chapter Three and Four

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Later that morning Nirmiam stood outside the door of Ann's prison.  She had stood in lost in long forgotten memories of her own entrapment, which resurfaced freezing her in time.  
She had managed to convince her son that she needed to rest before meeting Ann.  However, as soon as he had left to go hunting she had come alone to greet his future queen. 
With slightly shaking hands, she unbolted the door and entered, pausing to allow her eyes to take in the sleeping girl, which so reminded her of herself many years ago.

Ann started to stir, becoming aware of her presence in the room.
When Ann jumped awake, Niriam smiled trying to defuse the tense atmosphere.

"Please don't be afraid, " said Niriam.
Recognising the caged, frightened looked in Ann's eyes, Niriam smiled sympathetically.
"I understand how you feel.  I too spent time in this dark room."
She slowly moved forward as Ann visibly relaxed, manoeuvring herself beside her on the bed.
"Are you going to help me? " said Ann.
"Yes" hissed Niriam.
When Ann flinched away at the tone of her voice, Niriam grabbed her roughly by the shoulders to draw her closer.
"Do you realise that my son is going to break your will, then your mind?" she whispered.
When Ann turned pale, she reached out and stroked her sleek red hair affectionately.
"Shh.... Don't worry.  Its alright, you won't care by that time," she crooned.
She stared intently at the frightened figure in her grasp.
 "I'm sorry if I scare you dear.  But you need to know that it is best to forget who you where before the Draken's made you one of their family.  Forget yourself and all you cared for."

A knock at the door disturbed the pair.  An old maid entered with a fresh robe for Ann.  She bowed dutifully to Niriam explaining the reason for her intrusion before clearing away Ann's breakfast bowl.
Niriam gracefully left Ann's side.  Reaching up she drew from her clasped hair a black snake that had been sleeping within the thick nest.  Gently she stroked her sleek pet while continuing to approach the maid.

Looking into the maid's face she said,  "I don't care what my son asked of you.  While I am here, in this room, no one else is welcome."

Then quickly without warning, she pushed the head of the snake towards the maid's arm.  Lightening fast, the black viper struck her arm, then recoiled peacefully around its mistress's hand.
As the old maid fell choking to the floor, she turned once again to Ann.
Smiling serenely she said, "Where was I?"

CHAPTER 4

Ann ran through the labyrinth of tunnels beneath the castle.  Blind panic urged her on, running from the horrors left behind in the little room.  She barely remembered escaping from her prison; just the feeling of loathing that Draken's mother aroused caused her to finally reach for freedom. 

Ann spied a stairway leading up.  Without hesitation, she clambered upwards rushing headlong through the castle. Luck brought her into the courtyard at the backside of the building.
She skidded to a halt, barely noticing the sharp stones that grazed her bare feet.  All around servants and soldiers paused from their duties to look at the unexpected guest who had stumbled among them.  Wildly she looked around for a means through the people when her eyes fell upon a large, black stallion that a stable boy was grooming.
She headed towards them at a run when all around shouts of alarm rang out.  On reaching the stable hand she swiftly communicated her intend to the headstrong horse.  To everyone's surprise, especially the boys, the hotheaded stallion calmly allowed Ann to pull herself onto its bare back.  On her command, the black beast broke into a gallop through the throng of people.