Beauty and the Beast: Chapter II

C H A P T E R ~ I I

T H E ~ P R I C E ~ O F ~ A ~ R O S E

Bellden hummed softly as she sprinkled dried basil over a pan of quietly sizzling scrambled eggs. Father had left six days ago, which by her calculating meant he should be returning home either tonight or tomorrow morning. She set the still sizzling cast iron pan on a tile in middle of the table, she leaned over the table and sniffed the steaming eggs, oh it smelled really good. She knew one whiff would send her sisters to chomping down them like ravenous wolves. So it was with slight reluctance she called them in. "BREAKFAST!" she bellowed on top of her lungs.

Less than sixty seconds had a chance to pass before stumbling and grumbling two rumpled young women entered the kitchen. "I'm going to take a plate over to Jean," mumbled Estelle taking two egg laden plates and heading out the door still dressed in only her flannel night gown. Searlait plunked down onto a wooden chair, "Have you noticed how its slowly dwindling down to just you and me?"

Bellden took a seat across from her, "Imagine how I'm going to feel once you get engaged." Searlait gave her a sour look, "Belle how could think that I, the young of the two, would find a man first? Hmm?"

Bellden laughed, a forkful of eggs halfway to her mouth, "You are beautiful and smart and actually want to get married, that's why."

Bellden didn't think she would ever marry because marrying (in her father's house) meant loving someone who loved you back. She didn't think she'd find the man for her here, not in this village, not in this country, not on this world. Men liked beautiful smart girls, or girls that possessed at least one of those things. She possessed neither, on top of that, she really couldn't imagine loving anyone so much she would leave her father. She shook her head fondly, "No, you my dear sister will find true love and marry and I will be a grumpy old maid and live out my days with Father."

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That night, her muscles aching from carrying bale after bloody bale of hay into the bloody barn, Bellden sank onto their one couch with a long groan. Her legs were stretched out in front her resting on the beaten wood floor and crossed at the ankle, she looked at her legs with amusement, every time she wore britches it made her want to laugh. As if she didn't lack enough feminine qualities to begin with. But today's chores had required pants so on the pants had come.

She looked out the window just to the left of the couch's armrest, hope lining the angles of her face as she peered every which way in an effort to catch a glimpse of her home bound father. She let out a huff of breath, patience, she told herself. She looked around the homey little room that was connected to the kitchen by a wide wood rimmed doorway. The room was only big enough to fit one couch, a tiny hearth, a rocking chair, and one low table that doubled as a foot stool. Old battered rugs bought for next to nothing were scattered across the floor as well, all in all, it was a very comfy little room that lent her much solace.

Searlait hopped onto the the couch and curled up next to her, her head resting on Bellden's lap. "Father's late," she said decidedly, absently tugging on Bellden's hair. "When was the last time you brushed your hair?" she asked suddenly. Bellden laughed kindly at the sheer randomness of her sister, "I don't know, last week maybe?" Searlait shook her head and clicked her tongue disapprovingly.

Suddenly, cool wind swept into the house, the scent of spring thick on its tendrils. Bellden leapt to her feet and standing there in the door was her father looking much as though he were about to topple over. She rushed to his side, Estelle directly behind her, she wrapped her arm around him supporting him as he swayed. Her eyes met Estelle's, "Help me get him to the couch." Estelle snapped to attention and wrapped her arms around him as well and began to guide him to the couch.

"Searlait, go fetch some water," barked Bellden stroking hair of her father's sweat beaded brow. She had never seen him like this, his face pale as snow, his breathing uneven, nonsensical mumblings drifting from his lips. Frankly, it frightened her.

Searlait returned brown clay mug with water dripping over the edges in her hands. Bellden quickly took it from her and propping up her father's spoke as she brought the cup to his mouth. "Drink father, it'll help, please drink," with great effort he parted his lips. She tipped forward the mug, dribbling water into his parched mouth. She sighed deeply, the air rushing out lungs dispelling her own uneven breaths. She willed herself to calm, her father needed her strong.

Soon he fell into deep unyielding sleep, his three daughters still in a semi circle around him. In that semi circle they stayed till morning, each falling asleep around the couch in various positions, unspeakingly refusing to leave his side.

Dim sun streamed through the windows catching floating dust moats in its light which swirled like specks of magic. One of those streaks of dim light ended on Bellden's face, cupping it gently, rousing her like a long lost friend. Her muddy brown eyes flickered open reluctantly at first, then memory kicked in.

"Father?" her hoarse voice sank into the heavy silence of the cozy little room. For a moment she wondered if she had even spoke or she had just thought about speaking. "Bellden?" She was at her father's side in an instant. "How do you feel? Can I get you something? Water? Soup? Fresh clothes? Or would you like me to fetch the doctor?" He smiled weakly "Hush child, all is fine." Some how he looked years older, as though a journey of six days had been six years.

She took his hand in own, he was thinner even, she could feel his every bone beneath her touch. She met his eyes searchingly "What happened father, what did this to you?" There was a sharp intake of breath, his eyes closed, "It was horrible Bellden," he opened his eyes and the look in them sent painful twist into her gut. Fear. Seldom did you see so much in one person's eyes.

Estelle and Searlait slowly awakened but said nothing for their father opened his mouth and began to speak. "The first half of the journey was no problem, I even enjoyed it" he said this with dry humorless laugh. "I made it to Elborn got my money from the investments and was off within a day.

"However while I was on the second day on my return journey, and deep in the Gelf forest a storm hit. I was traveling blind and lost my way," here his voice began to waver, "I was cold and soaked to the bone, delirious almost, when I saw it, a light. I rode toward it thinking it a huntsman's cabin, but-" he broke off briefly "-but as I neared I realized it was a manor house. I knocked and as though by an invisible hand the door opened.

"The inside was grand, but I cared little simply collapsed onto a couch. When I awoke there was food and a fresh cloak. I ate, then searched for a long while for my host-" his voice broke once again, "- but I couldn't find him, so I left. But once outside I a magnificent garden and remembered I had forgotten t-to get Belldan her flower." Her throat constricted knowing she would not like what would follow. "When I picked a rose-" her father closed his eyes as though to hide an unseen sight from himself, "- there was horrendous roar of pain, I could feel the roar in my very bones. Then out of then shadows came-" he gulped, "came-" he squeezed his eyes shut even tighter, "came a monster." His voice was nothing more than raspy whisper now.

"It was horrible, dressed like a man, but every bit a thing of darkness, a wild beast, and as large as a tree, its voice was a growl when it spoke. 'You steal from me? After I saved you from the storm?'

I fell to my knees, 'I only wanted a flower, one rose, for my daughter' I said. It moved around me, like a cat, it moved much like a cat. 'For this treachery you will pay. In four days time you will return and stay here, bond to this place for life.' 'But my daughters,' I cried, 'I cannot leave them.' Then I swear the thing smiled, 'Then let one of them come in your place,' I opened my mouth to speak but the monster stepped forward and spoke first in a hissing voice. 'Return alone, or with a daughter but return you shall, thief.' Then-" he gulped, "it bared its teeth, it had teeth like a wolf. 'You will have no trouble finding me again, I will find you, all you need do is ride into the woods. Now go.' Apparently I hesitated, he roared again 'Go!' and I ran and ran and ran..." He brought Bellden's hand to his face. "I will leave tomorrow."

Loud protests were shouted immediately, loudest of all Estelle. "No! You are unwell, you are not moving from this couch for a at least a week." "Besides, he cant force you to come back," Searlait piqued. Father shook his head fiercely, "No. This was a thing of magic. It can force me to go. Who knows what it would do if I don't return?" Bellden stood up then; guilt pulsing through her like a large douse of some sluggish poison. "No, you will not return." She looked down at her feet, fighting off the nausea that rocked her body, "I will go."

The argument that followed her declaration was heated. Searlait said she would go, she was the youngest, by right she should go. Then Estelle shouted that she as the oldest would fulfill her duty and go. Father said it was his job to protect them, thus he must go. But Bellden stepped forward and said quietly, "Estelle, you marry Jean in a matter of months. Father by leaving you wouldn't be protecting us, only leaving us alone with only our whits to survive. And Searlait, you are young and have so much to do, so much promise." Searlait's long lashed green eyes teared up, "Oh, Bell, you cant leave, you have so much to do too." She shook her head, "I am of the least value, I will not marry anytime soon nor by birthright do I have anything of value. I am in the awkward middle." She gave them all her driest smile, "Don't try to deny that one. I am going."

The argument went on and on, in repeating circles, all chores forgotten. Eventually a concerned Jean entered the house, "Are you all okay?" Estelle ran to him and began weeping to his shoulder. With this brief distraction taking place, Bellden took the opportunity to run to her room and shut the door tight.

She felt so sick, it felt as though her insides were as heavy as lead, and her mind was calm yet panicking at the same. All she wanted in that moment was to throw up and make this stupid infection go away. Slowly, just to make herself to something other than think, she started gathering her things. Not that there were many things to pack, two dresses (her and her sisters shared most of their clothes), three precious book she had saved from being sold, and thin copper ring shaped like twining vines. It was cheap, but it had been her mother's and it had sentimental value.

There was a light knocking on her door, "I am going, please don't try to stop me," she said just loud enough to be heard through the door. There was a pause then Jean spoke, "They've given up Belladonna, I think they'll let you go." There was a thickness in his tone, a slow power that fought to control his emotions, a seriousness. She had never heard him sound like this.

She lifted the heavy oak bolt and walked out into the room containing her family. It felt as though the once cozy room was filled with cold water. She held out her burlap sack to show them she wasn't kidding. Steely determination filled heart and mind. She loved them, this was right, there was no other favorable way "I am going."

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The next morning as Bellden ate her last breakfast at home, there was silence so thick you could cut it with a knife. She gave Estelle and Jean tearful hugs of farewell when she came to where her father lay on the couch her resolve wavered. His nutty brown eyes were glazed with tears as looked at her. "Don't," it was a quiet request that came almost like a question. She bit down on the inside of her lips and shook her head, "Good bye father."

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Once her and her horse were out of the visual range of the house, once she was into the forest, she broke. Crying and shaking and shouting at the trees. The long slow ache in her stomach intensified tenfold. "Why! Why! I just don't understand this," her voice was hoarse as she shouted at nearby beech tree. Tears tumbled unchecked down her flushed cheeks.

For what seemed hours she traveled in this volatile manner. Finally, having spent her energy, her desperation and anger was utterly wasted away. All that remained was unmoving emptiness. Trees that seemed to rumble with their ancient majesty passed her by one by one, green buds showing on the tips of their branches. Just as she was beginning to wonder if this beast had told the truth when he said he would bring her to him she began to glimpse hints of stone walls through the trees. She urged the horse beneath her to speed. She stood up in her stirrups as the rugged brick road curved, the future invisible.

She pulled up the reins, suddenly extremely reluctant to reach her destination. She wanted to smack herself for lack lack of logic contained in her actions, one moment she was speeding forward burning with the desire to see what lay ahead, the next moment she's... afraid, terrified even, of what lies beyond that bend. Reality is cold, she thought to herself as she oh so reluctantly eased her horse forward.

When she at last rounded the bend the sight that greeted her slammed the air out of her lungs. Thick white stone walls shot into the air stopping at the same height as the oldest oaks. Open like arms of welcome to the cobbled road were a pair of ornate black iron gates. They were molded to look like twining rose vines reaching higher than the walls tangling together at random intervals forming the most wild, uncontrollable, piece of art Bellden had ever seen. Beyond the walls, high above the trees, towering like a majestic thing of a wold long gone was a palace.

It was built of such grandeur she sure it must have taken centuries to complete. Flying buttresses flew out holding up arches and towers that reached up for the clouds. The cream toned marble was punctured by bright stained glass windows whose pictures were not but spots of color to Bellden at her distance. She gulped.

So, this was the home of the beast.

She rode in silent awe through the black gate, across the more evenly cobbled road that was bordered by haphazardly trimmed rose bushes all in full bloom, through stretching green grass that flowed forth from the wide path. She stopped in front of white marble steps that rose five feet and led to a towering set of deep red cherry wood doors with black iron knockers but no with means of opening them.

The horse neighed uneasily and stomped its feet repeatedly, she rubbed down it side murmuring sweet wordless sounds into its ear. She gently swung one leg over the horse and slid the ground. When she did this her eyes left the front of the castle for a length of four seconds and when she had both feet planted on the ground and looked up to the doors she saw that she was no longer alone.

He was an animal, completely covered in wavy dark brown fur, with a face too terrible to describe. Sharp white teeth slid out from his lips like ivory razors and eyes, oh his eyes, they were those of a cat, a great cat of prey seizing up every weakness, as cold as ice yet somehow burning with intense golden fire. Perhaps what made all these things all the more terrible was the way he stood and dressed like a man. Proud and defiant, back straight, dark red coat, lace cravat, and hands held behind his back almost like a gentleman.

Any trace of strength or bravery drained from Bellden at the sight of the monster. She trembled openly, unable to stop herself. Then, it spoke in a voice which was much like how one would expect a mountain to sound if it could speak, deep and rumbling, so deep Bellden could feel it in her bones. "Welcome." And with that, she fainted dead away.