Embers. Chapter Two. Part One

Instructions

Chapter Two: ‘Smiles adverts gaze, Lovely is amber-rich. Dazzling red moon for days, And letters were being tied, stitch by stitch.’ The voice resonated within my mind throughout the night, leaving me weary as I awoke. Despite the fatigue, I carried out my morning duties hastily and hastened out the door, embarking on the brisk walk to school. The rhythmic motion of my footsteps served as a means to rouse my senses. Bursting through the door of the nurse's chamber, I panted heavily, desperately craving air. "Ash! I... I need to speak with thee!" I managed to utter between gasps. His drowsy countenance stirred, his eyes meeting mine. "Royalty? What bringeth thee hither? Why art thou rushing so?" I found myself collapsed upon the floor, my breath strained. "Pray, calm thyself. Draw near," he said, motioning for me to join him on his bed. As I regained my composure, I settled beside him, seeking solace in his warmth. Resting my head against the headboard, I mustered the strength to express my thoughts. "I hadst an urgent need to converse with thee!" I exclaimed. "Very well, what dost thou wish to discuss?" he queried. Drawing closer, I sought comfort in the closeness of our proximity. "Art thou skilled in the art of poetry?" I inquired. "Indeed, I possess great prowess in such matters. Wherefore dost thou ask?" he replied. "A vexing poem plagued my thoughts throughout the night, tormenting me relentlessly," I lamented. His eyes widened, and his hands clenched with intensity. "What troubles thee, Ash?" I inquired, concern etched upon my face. "W- What did the poem say?" he stammered, disregarding my query. "It went thus: ‘Smiles adverts gaze, Lovely is amber-rich. Dazzling red moon for days, And letters were being tied, stitch by stitch.’ Ash closed his eyes and let out a sigh, his brow furrowed in thought. "I truly believe thou art in peril," he said, opening his eyes and seizing hold of my hand. "What meanest thou? I am well, I assure thee," I replied, my heart skipping a beat as I withdrew my hand from his grip. "Yet, thou canst never ascertain what fate hath in store. I worry for thy safety," he expressed earnestly. My mind raced, and I snatched my bookbag hastily, sprinting out of the nurse's chamber. What if there was some truth to the riddle? What perils awaited me? How would I endure? Whom would it affect? These thoughts echoed relentlessly in my mind throughout the day, leaving me with an agonizing headache and an overwhelming desire to slumber indefinitely.