The Castle of Screams faded into a kaleidoscope of gray and black patterns as we teleported into the ephemeral realm. Floated through time and space, I stared amazed at the pinpoints of swirling light that perforated the pure darkness like swarming fireflies.

The Shadow Rider's touch felt like a thousand frost crystals brushing against my skin, and I wondered if it resembled the cold embrace of Death.

A powerful wind swept across grassy meadows as we landed on terra firma. The weightlessness of teleportation nauseated me, so at the first possible opportunity, I tore away from the Shadow Rider's grasp.

"Oh, gods!" I exclaimed before I vomited into the grass.

Lord Darius ran to my side and steadied me with a firm grip on my arm. He led me to another patch of grass, my breath nothing more than a series of wheezy gasps. To my surprise, he supported my back as I sat upright and leaned against him.

"Easy now," he said, handing me a clear tonic. "Drink this--it helps relieve nausea. I carried it with me just in case teleportation didn't agree with you."

After a few moments of churning, my stomach finally settled. "Thank you," I murmured with a wry chuckle. "I'm feeling much better."

The Shadow Rider nodded and gave my back a gentle pat. "Just rest for a moment."

While I waited for the weakness to pass, I stared in wonder at the Lord Darius' home. The night could not obscure the magnificent glory of Castle Eismark. Massive stone walls connected three round towers, creating a unique triangular structure surrounded by a moat and manicured gardens.

"Welcome to Castle Eismark, Helena," Lord Darius said as he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder and gave me a gentle squeeze.

In contrast to Lord Darius' ruined village, this part of the district was covered in lush, green forests with gently sloping grassy fields. Nearby lambs bleated until they heard their mothers' deep refrain.

"It's beautiful here," I murmured. "So peaceful and calm."

"Use this chance to gather your strength like I showed you earlier." He steadied me as I reclined onto the blanket of grass. "Once you recover, we can walk to the castle."

Closing my eyes, I sank into the deep pools of my innermost thought. Images flickered across my mind's eye like the beating of a butterfly's wings until my mind finally settled upon the very grounds of Castle Eismark.

With a deep breath, I inhaled the pungent scent of autumn roses and fallen leaves. For a moment, I remained still until ice-cold fingertips grazed my own. The feeling startled me for Lord Darius always covered his hands in leather gloves.

Who was it?

When my eyes shot open in surprise, I saw the young Halcían man from my dream lying beside me and peering at the evening sky. "It's a lovely night for stargazing," he murmured.

Without shame, I gawked at the strange young man. His gray eyes twinkled in the light of a nearby torch, his irises speckled with blue flecks. Spiky, platinum-blond hair pointed in all directions, and his skin was the palest white with an unnatural icy-blue hue. His jawline, nose, and chin didn't seem proportional and jutted at strange angles.

"Why are you staring?" he asked with a hint of annoyance.

"I'm sorry," I murmured. "I've never seen anyone like you, and yet you seem so familiar."

With a wry smile, the Halcían pointed at the heavens. "Do you know which constellation that is, Helena?"

"Which one?" I asked, grateful that we'd changed the subject.

"That one. See?"

I shook my head.

"It's Asteria," he replied. "Known as 'the starfish' in the Common tongue."

"I can't see it."

"Let me show you."

After I nodded, he held his hand over mine, making me shiver at his chilly touch. Gently laying his forefinger over mine, he traced an imaginary line between each star, connecting the dots until the pattern jumped out at me.

"I see it!" I exclaimed with a chuckle. "How beautiful!" His lips curled into a lopsided grin, and he lay back down beside me, cradling the back of his skull in his palms.

"Can you at least tell me your name if you can't tell me who you are?" I asked.

"I'm a lost soul, trapped in another realm," he replied with a sigh. "Usually no one can see me. How did you find me?"

"I have no idea," I replied, gaping at him in shock. "What do you mean, another realm?"

"Mmm, never mind, Helena."

My heart thudded. I didn't want to be rude, but he looked despondent, as though he needed help but was too proud to ask. "Forgive me, but did you die here?"

"In a manner of speaking," he said with a sigh. "My body is like a hollowed husk, and my spirit is trapped."

"What happened?"

He gazed up at the heavens. "Gatál warriors attacked the castle and killed most of us. All of the surrounding villages disappeared in smoke. I don't remember much after that."

"I'm sorry," I murmured. "That must have been terrible."

He squeezed his eyes shut as if he were in pain. "I had to leave my wife and son behind." He turned on his side to face me and pursed his lips. "I long to return to this life, but it takes powerful magic no simple magic user can cast."

"If magic can bring you back, maybe I can help."

"It's very complex magic--almost impossible to crack."

"Lord Darius is going to teach me magic," I said. "Perhaps we can find a way to bring you back."

The Halcían man grasped my forearm, causing the hairs to stand on end. "No, Helena, don't listen to that dreadful man. He's evil."

I paused and gazed into his narrowed eyes. "Lord Darius looks scary, but he isn't evil. He saved me from Lord Hesse. Maybe he can save you, too."

"Helena, no one can help me," he sneered, "least of all Darius."

"Did I say something wrong?"

"Just lay here with me a moment," he said in a husky voice. "I'm afraid my soul is beyond your aid, Helena. Just lay here and gaze at the stars with me."

I nodded, and he smiled as we lay there side by side for what seemed like mere moments and eternity all at once. The leaves rustled in the cool evening breeze, which carried the sweet scent of goldenrod.

My eyes fluttered awake, but the young man had vanished. Instead, the Shadow Rider stood beside me at attention, guarding me like a dark knight.

"Lord Darius?"

"Mmm?"

"Did a young boy die here long ago? A boy my age?"

To my surprise, the Shadow Rider sank to his haunches beside me. "Did you have another dream?"

I paused, wondering if I should tell him the whole truth. "Yes, I dreamed about the stars, and I saw a young Halcían man."

"Halcían?" he asked, his voice laced with anger and a hint of impatience.

"He had spiky blond hair, skin like snow, and gray-blue eyes."

"What about him?" he said, his voice laced with suspicion.

"I think he died here at the castle. His soul still wanders the grounds in search of peace."

"Hmm."

"I want to help him," I said. "Can you show me how?"

"You speak of things beyond my ken," he said in a deep voice. "If you want to avoid dark magic, stay well away from necromancy as well."

"I'm not talking about..."

He held up a palm to silence me, and I crossed my arms.

Fine, be that way.

"I noticed that you enjoy stargazing," the Shadow Rider said in a softer tone. "When you are rested, you should go to the Astronomy Tower and try our powerful lenses. It might inspire you."

"You have telescopes?" I asked him.

"Oh, yes," he replied with a nod as he turned to me. "And helioscopes, among other devices. They come from a time long past when I studied science."

"You can teach me about science?" I exclaimed, wide-eyed.

"No, that was long ago. As an elite Imperial Shadow Rider, I no longer have the luxury of dreams," he said in a harsh voice.

How old is this guy, anyway? He can't be older than twenty-four, but he acts like he's ancient.

"Everyone dreams," I shot back at him as I sat up. "It's what we do. If we stop dreaming, we die."

Once more, he looked up at the heavens. "You may dream all you want, but only if it helps the Empire."

"My dreams are mine alone, Lord Darius," I replied. "You can take my family, my home, and even my future from me. But you can never steal away my dreams."

"You belong to the Empire now," he said as he gave me a rough shake. "The quicker you accept your fate, the easier the transition will be."

"Let's get one thing clear," I said in reply, narrowing my eyes at the Shadow Rider as I shrugged away from his touch. "I belong to only one person, Lord Darius--me."

The Shadow Rider spoke his next words like the rumbling of distant thunder. "Helena, guard your words before they slip from your lips like the noose around a traitor's neck."

"Is that a threat?"

"It's a warning," he growled. "I've shown you leniency, but disloyalty or treason I cannot abide."

"Whose side are you on?"

Lord Darius gave me a nudge towards the castle gates. Dressed in full plate, three Dragonborn soldiers exited the guard house with their weapons at the ready. One stood guard while the other two prepared to defend the grounds.

Wide-eyed, they gazed at me before they shot to attention in the presence of their sovereign. With the customary Gatál salute, they greeted the Shadow Rider in unison by striking their right fists over their heart and bowing their heads.

"Hail, my Lord!"

"Open the gate," the Shadow Rider commanded.

"Is that a new recruit?" one of the patrols asked.

Lord Darius gave them a curt nod. "Take this one to her quarters. Give her the scholar suite."

The Guards exchanged incredulous glances but didn't question their formidable master. "Yes, my Lord," they said in tandem.

"Keep her out of my sight tonight," he growled. "I've had enough of her impudence for one day."

"As you wish, my Lord."

The guards gave Lord Darius the customary salute as he strode past, his robes billowing behind him like the wings of a giant bat. The two guards grasped each of my arms as the other watched over the gate.

"Come with us," the taller Dragonborn huffed.

"Cooperate, and this will be a friendly stroll," the other said. "Get stroppy, and we'll have problems. Clear?"

I nodded in silence as they escorted me to the entrance of Castle Eismark.

___

A/N: Thank you so much for reading. If you enjoyed it, please vote and/or comment to let me know I'm on the right track.

Please bear in mind that this is a raw draft and subject to substantial changes and/or revision. If you find something that feels a bit off, please feel free to let me know. :)