Yes, that was certainly a gripping scene, Courtman. The first person perspective makes the reader feel much closer to the hero, and much closer to the action.
There are just one or two places that I would like a bit more detail, to heighten the suspense even more.
Quote:
I was confused. Screams and sudden movements surrounded me. I was thrown to the marble floor just as the deathly chill began to set in.
I think some more detail or expansion here would be good: like smells, sounds of panic, children crying, someone babbling incoherently, objects falling over, horses screaming....that sort of thing.
Be careful with phrases like:"tendrils of fear" and "paralyzed by terror", they can sound cliche.
I am very interested to read some more. I hope there is some?
Great to have you back, by the way!