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Chapter 25. Write a Novel Challenge.
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Chapter 25. Write a Novel Challenge.

by Nandini NambiarJuly 1, 2020

Whirling steadily through the vortex, Neina’s body was tossed and turned upside down with great speed and intensity. She felt she had lost control of herself as her head dominated her movements forward and yet at other times her feet took leadership. The tossing and turning that stretched to eternity brought with it a sense of peaceful rhythm. It introduced a sense of stability and balance in her movements, which she had yearned for since childhood.

As far back as she could recall, everything was always done at the spur of the moment, dictated by an impulse that often led to bitter or undesirable consequences. Though she was aware that it would not last forever, she basked in the calmness that comes with watching the waves gently caress the seashore.

Those were her precious moments of tranquility before she was hurled into the hostile, yet exotic surroundings. The cacophony of chirping birds in unison and the whistling of the dense trees presented a different rhythmic experience. The vortex caused a buzzing sensation from the tip of her fingers to the nails of her toes. Desperately trying to shake off the buzz that was racking her nerves, she was able to catch a faint glimpse of the castle only because she had briefly seen it before.

The path ahead was soon blanketed by dense clouds hanging closer to the earth’s surface than to the sky. She trod gingerly, ensuring that she did not inadvertently disturb any living creatures in her path.

Finally, it was there.

Chapter 25 Write a Novel Challenge showing a castle arising out of low flying clouds as they hit the horizon and sweep backwards across the ground.

It stood as resplendent as a princess dressed up for coronation day conjuring in Neina memories of the challenges that she had endured to seek entry into the magnificent castle. The imposing structure towered over her, making her feel small and insignificant. She realized how little she was, compared to the vast, wide world and her contributions could hardly make an iota of difference. Shrugging off her thoughts of despair and failure, she decided to revel in her glorious accomplishment – three tasks addressed before the deadline. She had survived the hardest of challenges in such a short span of time.

These thoughts energized her with renewed vigour and enthusiasm. Bracing herself for what lay ahead, Neina held her head high in the air as she trudged towards the hallowed entrance of the majestic, gilded castle. Its grace and beauty was only eclipsed by its intimidating presence, daring her to enter despite her reservations.

As she patiently waited for the daunting gates to reveal what lay hidden inside, she was quick to notice that the gatekeeper wore a pleasant smile as he approached her.

“Welcome,” he greeted and pulled open the gates. This time he was gracious in his manners and polite in his speech.

The luscious, emerald green blades of grass brushed against the softness of her calves and dampened the edge of her fraying pencil skirt that now appeared a shade darker than before. The tall trees that graced the premises, swayed to the same melodious tune of the breeze as they reached out to the clouds. The soothing surroundings saw Neina relax and unwind her jagged nerves.

She had never before made time to sit and take in the beauty of nature; smell the vibrant flowers, watch the sunset or cherish the mellifluous birdsong in her own backyard. Neina was always on the move, relentlessly chasing some wild dream or other, trying to outdo someone else – and on occasions even trying beat her previous performance.

Her reflections were abruptly interrupted by distant blood curdling screams. She froze with fear, shock and despair. Sweat beads covered her forehead, yet she was unable to raise her hand to wipe it clean. The warmth and comfort that exuded from the surroundings just a few minutes ago, instantly turned icy enough to chill her spine.

She had thought she had finally arrived in paradise, but all those dreams were now rudely shattered as she ventured deeper into the Mors World. The absence of any human presence in this desolate place made her tremble intensely. She turned around to speak to the Gatekeeper but he was nowhere to be seen. Was his vanishing act a part of his role here? Perplexed, disoriented and flummoxed, she was overwhelmed with queries. Was it really worth cracking the clues? Was this doomsday? Would she ever be able to escape?

Only time would tell.

And time was ticking away.

©SchoolsCompared.com and WhichSchoolAdvisor.com 2020. All rights reserved.

For further information on the Write a Novel Challenge by SchoolsCompared.com and WhichSchoolAdvisor.com, please click here

To read Chapter 1, click here.

To read Chapter 2, click here.

To read Chapter 3, click here.

To read Chapter 4, click here.

To read Chapter 5, click here.

To read Chapter 6, click here.

To read Chapter 7, click here.

To read Chapter 8, click here.

To read Chapter 9, click here.

To read Chapter 10, click here.

To read Chapter 11, click here.

To read Chapter 12, click here.

To read Chapter 13, click here.

To read Chapter 14, click here.

To read Chapter 15, Click here.

To read Chapter 16, click here.

To read Chapter 17, click here.

To read Chapter 18, click here.

To read Chapter 19, click here.

To read Chapter 20, click here.

To read Chapter 21, click here.

To read Chapter 22, click here.

To read Chapter 23, click here.

To read Chapter 24, click here.

For our independent review of Hartland International School, click here

For the official Hartland International School web site, click here.

For further information on WhichSchoolAdvisor.com, click here.

About The Author
Nandini Nambiar
Nandini Nambiar is fifteen years old, Indian and a student in Year 10 at Hartlands International School in Dubai. She writes: "I enjoy creative writing and have found the chapters extremely entertaining and thrilling at the same time. Neina has endured a lot since the first chapter and I am eagerly waiting to read how the story unfolds. Good luck!"

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