Hello Readers. I have had a lot going on these past few months and making a lot of changes. I recently started a new job, keeping up my blog, and I am replacing my B&B story with a new version that I am very excited to share with you all. This is same basic story line with a lots of new material now added in and a new title. Please comment and enjoy

Chapter 1-Once Upon a Time

It had seemed like such a good idea at the time, Roland thought to himself, not to mention a simple sounding one at that. It was to be a few days journey to visit his younger brother, as a long overdue surprise. He had no doubt in his brother's description of the beautiful castle he called home, nor the directions that had been provided to him. Yet now something felt uneasy within him.

It had been several years since the two had last seen each other and in some ways he had always been thankful for that. Being the oldest, he was the son to take over the family farm, tending to the crops and animals for the rest of his days. While his younger brother had the world open to him to do whatever he wished with his life and had left home as soon as he had come of age.

Roland wasn't ashamed to admit his jealousy of this and how that had grown even more so, upon hearing his brother, the favored Cogsworth had secured a position severing the king himself. As time passed he would later receive word that the king had named Cogsworth to be given a grand promotion of some sort. It was hard not to see the gloat in his face that Christmas celebration and in the years following, including the one when they had last seen each other on the farm. That was the year he had found his temper fuse burned shorter and when the time came for Cogsworth's departure, Roland could hardly be bothered to see him off.

Roland had always strived kept a polite manner, but knew he had failed in his deception that year, and this seemed to be confirmed when Cogsworth failed to visit the following Christmas and then following year. It was possible that his brothers duties simply prevented him from coming, but no letter or any word of any kind signaled a nerve must been hit.

It came to reason that their differences had gotten the better, and each brother simply no longer wished to converse with the other, and so it had remained as such for far too many years. Only now regret had set in upon Roland, as knew he was growing older and wanted to make amends for any hard feelings. So now here he was on his way to try and do just that, after having sold the farm and taken his horse, Dublin along for the ride. Only that feeling of uneasiness continued to grow as the woods came to a darker state and the air seemed to grow colder with each passing moment. The journey had been far longer than expected and there was no denying the physical toll on him.

He had entered the woods two days ago and seemed to be to following a never-ending trail. He was desperate to find shelter that night. He had heard the wolves prowling even closer the night before and did not want to press his luck again. Perfectly timed a howl rang out, severing as a cruel reminder of what might await him once darkness fell.

Roland startled awake suddenly; completely unaware he had fallen asleep while still riding Dublin. Darkness now covered where the sun had been shining what seemed only moments before. What had awakened him was quickly discovered as he realized his horse had come to a stop. Moving his gaze forward he was startled to see a tall iron gate blocking the way.

Beyond that lay a long stone bridge leading to a massive castle, which loomed in the darkness like a giant, still slightly surprised at having finally reached his destination, he dismounted his horse and approached the gate. After a couple tries it finally opened with a groan that sounded as though it hadn't been used in ages and the rusting handles only further proved that point. Grasping Dublin's reins he lead the way a crossed the bridge, trying hard not to look down at the deep ravine below them.

After what felt like an eternity he made it to the entrance of the castle, the largest wooden doors he had ever seen. Had he only known what awaited him inside, he would have gladly taken his chances on another night with wolves, or even offered himself directly over to the pack.

Now that the castle was in much closer view, it quickly was becoming clear that something was very much amiss about this "beautiful place." Even with only the moon providing light He could clearly see that the castle main décor was frightening looking gargoyles. Their stone faces leering down at him from nearly every ledge and rooftop. This did seem unusual, still he had no real idea what this prince was like; perhaps he merely had an interest in using these stone demons in his outside decorating.

Only it seemed that the very walls of the castles appear to have a dark shade to them and jagged cracks accenting the stonework in a way that nearly resembled lightning in a stormy sky.

Leaving Dublin by the door he slowly made his way towards the side of the castle looking for someone who could direct him to the stables. Such a large castle would be expected to have guards or a watch man, but so far he had encountered no one aside from the figures standing guard in stone. Finding no one he made his way back to the front entrance, feeling not only confused but also a even greater feeling of uneasiness was starting to set in. Was he at the wrong castle?

How could he be, he had followed the map and yet, nothing was making any sense. He knew the only way to get any answers would be to simply knock and wait for someone to answer. He knew the hour was most likely very late, but there really was no other choice. He glanced back towards his horse, and then quickly knocked three times.

It seemed that he could almost hear the sound echoing back to him from the inside. He stood there for a moment then tried again. Still the only response that came was a resounding echo from within. Realizing he was running out of options Roland pushed lightly on the giant wooden door. Much to his surprise it opened easily.

Again he glanced back at Dublin before taking a deep breath and stepping inside. The door quietly closed behind him and all suddenly became very still. Dublin stood for a few moments staring at the door that his master had gone through, then went back to grazing. The sudden sound of shouting caused him to raise his head, and then all was again quiet. It was peaceful even.

Suddenly the night was overwhelmed with the sound of a piercing roar followed by a scream that spoke complete terror. The front door burst open as Roland ran in a panic, from something like a worst nightmare come to life, from something unseen. His face was still twisted with a look of fear that would almost appear painful.

He grabbed ahold of Dublin's mane and pulled himself up on the saddle, nearly spooking the horse in a panic of his own. Too frightened to form proper words he instead kicked the horse hard with his heels, launching him into a full fledge gallop across the bridge. Roland never once dared to look behind him, not trusting himself to handle seeing what might be coming after him. He only knew he had to leave this place and get as far away as he could. They broke the gates apart in their stampede to safety, not noting that the gates reclosed quickly behind them, as though pushed by invisible hands.

Roland clung to Dublin's mane, his mind still frantic with fear, unlike anything he had ever had the misfortune to know. He wasn't sure if they were going the right way, but he remembered taking a left turn at a fork in the road and passing through a small village before entering these cursed woods.

The village, all those people, they would all be in terrible danger! He knew he was the only one who could warn them of the danger that loomed in that castle. He quicken Dublin's pace to as fast as he could go, praying the wolves would just let them pass. Only once they were a far, and reasonably safe distance from the castle, did Roland allow his horse a chance to rest for a short time. They traveled on for the rest of the night, and by morning had reached the village.

Despite the early hour, many of the residents were already up and about, so innocent they appeared to him, not having the slightest idea of the danger that could be upon them at any moment. They were all so carefree that it was almost maddening and he charged his horse to the middle of the village, waving his arms and yelling wildly, "Everyone please listen! You must take your loved ones and leave this place at once. GET OUT NOW WHILE YOU STILL CAN!"

The villagers all stopped at stared at this man who looked like death warmed over. His hair was all wild from the wind and huge dark bags under his eyes. When there was no reaction at all from the crowd, he tried again, growing more frantic.

"Please you have to leave now, BEFORE HE COMES AND KILLS US ALL!" While the villagers were rather puzzled by this strange man's actions, and some even laughing to themselves, they still couldn't help but wonder; what on Earth was this thing that was "coming" with the intention of killing them?

Finally someone spoke up. "Slow down there, what are you going on about?" Roland turned towards the voice, growing frustrated with the villager's hesitation. He was reluctant to recall the creature he had encountered only hours before, but knew for the villagers sake he had to acknowledge what he had seen.

"IT'S A MONSTER OF A BEAST LIVING IN A CASTLE IN THE WOODS!" Absolute silence filled the air and then suddenly the sound of laughter broke through. "You have to believe me!" Roland shouted, trying to be heard over the now jeering laughter of the villagers. "There really is a Beast. He's in a castle and everything in there is alive. All the furniture, it all talks and walks."

By now much of the crowd had either gone back to their business or had doubled over in complete hysterics. One villager strolled up to Roland shaking his head. "Listen friend, if there was any such Beast in the woods, or in a castle for that matter, our Master of the Hunt, Gaston, would have shot him dead a long time ago." He turned around to grin at his friends who all nodded in agreement. "As for this, um, living furniture, I'm thinking you probably had just a little too much drink on your journey." He then walked away with the other men, all laughing and rolling their eyes. "Talk about crazy, there is NO castle anywhere in those woods!"

Roland could only stand there where he was, glancing around at the disappearing crowd. What did they mean, how could there be no castle when he had only just been there? Despite their actions he still refused to give up no matter how long it took to convince them, even just one person. He couldn't allow this monster to hunt them down. "Please!" he shouted "WILL NO ONE JUST BELIEVE ME?!"