L o s t . . . || Chapter Four Up!

[Nonexsitent]

okay :3 great

[nezuko.]

Little bump!

[nezuko.]

C hapter Three

The Sphinx glared at Maree and me, still snarling, it’s hind legs bent as if ready to spring. But this was all a dream. Sphinxes weren’t real... were they? At the risk of being eaten in this nightmare, I suddenly remembered Sphinxes told riddles. I took a deep breath and yelled, “I would like to get past you. What is your riddle?”
The Sphinx looked taken aback, and then she smiled. “Foolish mortal,” she said softly. “So you challenge me? But then again, other mortals never even knew Sphinxes told riddles! Easy food for Sentana!”
Trying to keep the quiver out of my voice, I shouted, “Yes I challenge you, Sphinx! What is your riddle?” Sentana the Sphinx cackled, which sounded more like a roar. “The mortal accepts my riddle. Very well, here it is:

Think of something that runs on and never sleeps
Yet it has a bed, and a lifeless drink, there very steep
It enters and empties, as a cycle it goes
A stream, though not, of a fireman’s hose
It flows right into lakes, into seas, into oceans and bays
Think of something fast to carry you away in a haze
If you can guess this riddle you may go
But if not, you have a foe.

I stared at her blocking the doorway. Sentana smirked evilly and licked her lips in anticipation. I jumped, startled, when I heard Maree’s shaking voice: “I- I think I know what it is.” Sentana’s smirk faded very quickly and was replaced by a very ugly look. I looked at her and asked, “Can she answer?”
Sentana’s gold eyes narrowed. “Yes, the other mortal can answer if she knows. But she only gets one try.” Maree gulped and said, “Well, before my father died, he taught me a similar riddle. It’s sort of obvious, once they mentioned the bed and the sleeping and the lakes and stuff, so I could tell it had something to do with-“
“Get on with it, mortal!” Sentana hissed and Maree stopped talking while casting me a terrified look. Encouraged, I nodded fiercely at her. Maree looked back at the Sphinx and said, “The answer to your riddle is a river. It has a bed and it can lead into all those bodies of water. Water is also a lifeless drink, it has no flavor. And a fast river can make you drown or carry you away.”
I was impressed. Maree, who I always thought a dim person, actually solved the riddle. Sentana looked disappointed however. She sighed and moved away from the door frame. “Very well, mortal girls. But I warn you, I’m not your first predator in the world you’re about to enter now.”
Deciding now that the shock worn of slightly, I asked Sentana if she saw Nellie. “You know, she has my hair? My eyes? Looks like me only shorter?” I said to her. Sentana’s smirk returned and she said roughly, “Another riddle in order for me to answer your question, I think.” I grimaced, turning to Maree who shrugged. “Very well.” Sentana the Sphinx said. She recited the riddle, and I wracked my brain, wondering what the answer was to a riddle about legs in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
I glanced at Maree, who looked as clueless as I felt. I turned back to Sentana. “Can you please repeat it again?” I asked. The Sphinx merely smiled mysteriously. Feeling slightly nervous, I said, “Well, I think it’s a human. I mean it’s the only thing that makes sense.” I looked feverishly at Sentana, who nodded and said, “Alright. I saw your mortal sister. She was being dragged away by the Queen’s guards. But she is okay, just bloody.”
“The Queen’s guards?” I said quickly, my heart racing. “Where were they headed?” Sentana blinked at me. “Would you like to answer another riddle for that-?” she began, but I shook my head. “Nevermind. Thanks for your help, Sentana.” I said. Sentana smiled and nodded, then walked away slowly. I turned to face Maree determinedly. “Are you coming to help save my sister?” I asked her. Maree stared at me.
“I guess I will.” she mumbled carefully and stepped into the room with me. The door swung shut behind us and I suddenly realized we were outside. Rolling emerald hills made me gasp. A willow tree and a cabin stood in front of us too. Maree gaped at it. “What is this place?” she whispered, eyes narrowed. I merely shrugged, too amazed to speak.
I slowly and cautiously walked to the cabin. Surely if there already was a Sphinx, there would be dragons and dwarfs and elves and... other mythical deadly creatures in this weird land. I heard Maree's reluctant footsteps behind me. Approaching the small wooden cabin door, I held out my hand to use the golden knocker with the head of an eagle. "Don't!" whispered a terrified Maree behind me.
I turned to face her, somewhat haughtily. "How come?" I demanded. Maree glared at me. "This stupid land is filled with Sphinxes and... and mental psycho stuff." she stuttered defiantly. I laughed. "It's a cabin. Sphinxes can't fit in cabins." I said teasingly. Maree sighed. "Fine." she snapped. "But I'm not saving you if a- a dragon opens the door." Maree stepped back around six feet and I rolled my eyes.
I took the knocker and pounded hard two times. The door creaked open slowly. An old man peeked through the crack with intelligent eyes. Those same eyes widened. "Hello, sir..." I said carefully. "I was wondering if-" But before I could finish the sentence, the old man pulled open the door and hissed, "Inside, girls, inside you go!" Startled, I looked at Maree who looked ghostly white. "Inside, you lot, in!" the man snapped. Having no choice, dragged Maree into the cabin with me. The man slammed the door shut and locked it.
The room inside was small, a single sofa and armchair with a rug, a rocking chair, a table with three stools and a fireplace. Much like the colonial cabins before. I didn't dare sit down but Maree collapsed onto the armchair, shaking. "Why are we in here, old man?" she said weakly. The elderly man cast her a look of pity. "The Queen is after mortals." he said softly. "Anyone found with mortal company shall be killed."
"You speak as if you're not mortal yourself." I commented, though still scared. The man's eyes swept over me and I realized that behind the pupils of his eyes were neon green. I staggered into the sofa. "Because I am not. I am a Sorrian. You have discovered the land of Sorriah, where all live on till they are gravely ill or killed." he said.
"Look, who are you?" Maree snarled with obvious skeptism. The man smiled sadly. "True, I have not introduced myself. I am Leon Thomas." he said slowly. "Leon, you may call me. Who are you, mortals?" The shocking bit of living on finallybwore off as I muttered, "Nox." Maree frowned. "Maree." she said.
Leon's eyes swept over me once again. "Can you be?" he murmured. "Be what?" I asked. But Leon ignored me. "Well, all mortals come here for a reason. What is your reason Nox?" he said quietly at last. "The brat's sister is missing. She looks like the miniature Nox." Maree growled. "Her name is Nellie." I glared at her before turning back to Leon and nodding. Leon scowled, and I suddenly realized the old man was suporting himself on a wooden cane and had a fairly long pointy beard.
"Have you seen her?" I said, putting aside his eccentric looks. Leon nodded, looking odd. "Really?" I said eagerly. "Where? Can we fetch her now?" Leon shook his head. "Your sister... she was taken by the Queen's guards. It is not safe to just get her. I think getting her back is a good idea not at all." Leon muttered. I felt angry all of a sudden. "But she might be dead!" I shot back desperately.
"Oh your sister will not be dead, trust me on that." Leon assured me. "How would you know?" Maree sneered, but still looked pale. Another voice echoed the room, "Because Nellie is the Queen's daughter."



~•~
Eek, I still feel it's absolutely short. But then, I have an essay to do plus two projects and I have to study for three tests so.... Hope you enjoy anyway! :3

[Nonexsitent]

Doen't that mean Nox is the queen's daughter a well?

Love the new chapter though! I eagerly await the next chapter

[nezuko.]

Doen't that mean Nox is the queen's daughter a well?

Love the new chapter though! I eagerly await the next chapter

Well, telling you that would give things away would it? *smiles wickedly*
I have a surprise in the next chapter...

[Nonexsitent]

If Nellie isn't Nox's real sister I have a bowl of ice cream ready! XD lol

[nezuko.]

If Nellie isn't Nox's real sister I have a bowl of ice cream ready! XD lol

Let's not forget popcorn so you could spit it out! :3

[Nonexsitent]

Great Idea *runs to shop sees no popcorn* NOOOOO never mind pop candy will do instead *runs home*

[nezuko.]

Lol!
Sorry, no new chapter until Friday. I promise I'll have one by then! So much work, so little time. D:

[Nonexsitent]

Okay! I can't wait I am so looking forward to it