Strange Men

Before she had time to scream, she landed on a hard back. Turning slowly till she sat astride the beast, Kara tried not to let the fear consume her, though that was easier said than done. Everything that just happened was overwhelming.

Looking down, she saw she was on a mythical Griffin. She knew them from the books and stories miss Humphrey told. What sort of dream was this?

"You'll wake up soon Kara... everything will just be a dream." She muttered to herself, holding dearly to the neck of the beast, but knew deep down that this was not a dream.

It felt like they'd been flying for hours. Having gotten used to the beast, Kara pulled the scroll out of the knapsack, shoving all the fear in her throat down. Now was not the time to act like an emotional wreck. Would miss Humphrey notice she was missing in time? Who was the man? Was he really the hawk? Where was the Griffin taking her to?

With a sigh, she open the scroll.

~If you are reading this dear child, then the time has come for you to be enlightened. Do not fear.

You are Kara Cahill. The Griffin is yours... it will protect you with its life. Feel free to name it. There will be few who would protect you with their life but most want to end your life. I can't tell you much but I assure you, things will become clear when you get to Oakley. The effects of the tea will take time to wear off but soon you'll remember. Till we meet my dear daughter, be safe~

Dear daughter? Could this be... no no no. She wouldn't think about it. Looking up from the scroll, she realised the Griffin had glided down from the clouds and was about to land on a field. Beyond the field was a huge building , a mansion. It was dark and very shadowy. The structure was intimidating and huge.

The Griffin bent and helped her get off. It looked at her and she felt like it was trying to assure her.

"You sure about this Griffin? I can't believe I'm asking a Griffin for advice." She murmured with her hand in its beak. It made a sound and nudged her towards the building.

Rain was falling. When they got to the huge door, Griffin, that's what she named it, bumped its head against it and it echoed inside.

"This better be good..." a voice was muttering as the door came open. Before her stood a tall man with shock written all over his face.

Kara couldn't blame him. A wet girl and a huge mythical Griffin was not something you saw every rainy night. He cleared his throat.

"And you are?" He narrowed his eyes at her.

Kara drew in her breath. "Apparently, Kara Cahill." She was tired and getting more cranky by the minute.

She couldn't imagine what the hawk-man had meant when he said the shadows were watching. What was coming? Were the kids okay at the orphanage? Was the man alive? All those thoughts were giving her a migraine. They said she shouldn't trust anyone, yet she was brought to a totally strange place.

The man's face softened. "We've been expecting you. I am Reginald. Follow me, master will see you now."

The griffin walked with them, she was relieved. It was the only thing she trusted currently and her only ride out of here if she had to bolt.

"Who is we? Where are we?" She asked, keeping up easily with his fast pace.

"Oakley Manor." Reginald replied.

Well that is very explanatory. Kara thought angrily.

They walked through corridors, up a flight of stairs till they finally got to a door. Everywhere was dark except for the torches on the wall. This was too similar to horror movies, she hoped nothing jumped out of the shadows.

"Kara Cahill is here sir." Reginald announced and literally shoved her into the big room.

There was enough light to see the study room. There were books, a couch and a huge desk. Behind it sat an intimidating man, he stared at her without uttering a word. The door slammed close behind her and she leaned towards the Griffin for support.

"Who are you?" She asked, feeling extra conscious of herself under his gaze.

"The resemblance is uncanny. Remove the hat." His voice rumbled low and sharp.

Kara stared at him not moving. Her mind began racing rapidly. She could be killed right now and no one would know. How had she been stupid enough to follow a strange griffin and come to a strange house to meet strange men?

The chair he sat on scraped the floor has he stood up. " The griffin proves your identity. I've heard much about you child. Now go and sleep, your questions will be answered in the morning."

Reginald walked in and led her away. What just happened! She wanted to scream. Quietly, he led her to a door and pushed the door open. It was a bedroom. Kara's eyes roamed around the room, searching for escape routes.

"This will be your room... you have nowhere to go so I suggest you put all thoughts of escape from your mind. If you are like your father, curiosity will keep you grounded here. Have a lovely night rest Miss Cahill. I will come for you in the morning." he said with a ghost like smile and bowed out.

The room was big enough to accommodate the Griffin. It sniffed around before settling on a spot on the floor. Kara sat on the bed and went through her knapsack. Unconsciously, her left hand stroke the locket on her neck. She had never removed it, luckily for her, it didn't fade.

"Well Griffin, I guess my life just took a sharp turn." She said to the beast in the room and pulled out things from the knapsack.

Two pairs of trousers, an extra beanie, two long sleeve tops, the scroll and a dagger. She had always been with the dagger since she could remember. Feeling uncomfortable, she stripped out of her wet cloths and put on the warmer ones. She lay the wet cloths on the chair and snuggled into bed. She might as well sleep and fulfill her curiosity with a clear mind tomorrow.