The storm had sprung up suddenly; the lashing wind whipped the rain into Marcus's eyes, making driving nearly impossible. The booming thunder and cracking lightning were spooking his horse, causing Smoke to dance in his harness. The wagon rolled over a tree root, jarring Marcus upon the slick bench seat. He had left the city some five days ago with only a few coins in his pocket and his heart considerably heavier. He had indeed been unable to purchase the fine things his daughters had requested or locate anyone who knew of his son. Not to mention his backside was considerably bruised from all the bouncing along the rutted road.

A branch snapped causing Smoke to jig and prance nervously, the usually docile horse was spooked; the fact that the storm was turning day to night didn't help matters either. When the rain began coming down in buckets, Marcus decided to stop and make camp for the night. Just as the wagon rolled to a stop, lightning struck an old oak beside the road, splintering it into a million pieces and sending fragments flying everywhere. Smoke shrieked in fright and bolted, crashing through the forest dragging Marcus and the wagon behind him. Marcus could do naught but hang onto the reins and pray.

By the time the horse had slowed his hell bent pace, his dappled sides were heaving and Marcus's condition was little better. He dismounted and walked around to Smoke's head, comforting the giant horse until the animal calmed. It wasn't until then that Marcus could take a look at their surroundings. He immediately noticing two things: the first being that the rain had slowed to a drizzle, and the second being he had no idea where they were. "Well Hell," he breathed roughly, scratching his head in puzzlement. Seeing no other choice he climbed back on the wagon, which was still mercifully intact, and flicked the reins at Smoke.

It wasn't long before the rain stopped completely, and shortly after that, they stumbled upon a path through the woods. While it was obvious the little trail hadn't been used in sometime, Marcus reasoned that it had to lead somewhere and somewhere was better than the dark oppressive woods. With a flick to Smoke, they began following the path. Marcus noticed that the trees were becoming less dense; allowing the last rays of the sunset to filter down from above.

Out of the forest, a pair of iron gates loomed before Smoke so abruptly that the gelding nearly ran into them. He snorted in surprise when they swung open silently, seeming to beckon them in. Deciding to take the invitation, Marcus drove through the gates and up the smooth marble path that lead to a white castle. In the last rays of the sun, the structure was amazingly beautiful, gleaming like a rainbow in the sunset. Drenched and weary beyond reason, Marcus barely paused to admire the castle's beauty, instead continuing on to what looked like a stable.

Inside the well appointed building Marcus found fresh hay, bedding, and grooming supplies. After caring for Smoke he turned back towards the castle intent on finding its master, thinking that surely the lord of such a grand edifice wouldn't begrudge an old farmer a night of rest.

The large door creaked open on hinges made stiff from disuse. "Hello?" Marcus called out into the dim interior of the castle; the only noise that greeted him was his own echo. Walking further inside he took in the lavish surroundings such as the rich wine red carpet, grand marble staircases that descended down each side of the front hall and the crystal chandelier that hung high above his head. As he ventured into the middle of the hall he caught a glimpse of light from an open door just under the left wing of the stairs. Gingerly he made his way towards the light.

Pushing one half of the double doors open he spied a feast laid out on a massive table, the delicious aroma drew him forward into the room even as his mind insisted the food was not for him. A single place was set at the head of the table before a crackling fire, Marcus watched as the chair pulled itself out. Far too tired and hungry to care he stumbled forward and all but fell into it, ravenously attacking the food set out before him. After gorging himself on the delicacies he slumped back into the chair content and on the verge of slumber.

Just before he nodded off, the chair pulled itself out and Marcus was ushered by invisible hands back into the entry hall and up the staircase. Before him was a hallway with doors on each side, to the left was another hallway, and to the right the set up was duplicated in front of the other staircase. In the hallway before him a door opened, the soft golden glow beckoned Marcus forward and he gladly accepted the invitation. Upon entering the room he found it lavishly appointed and decorated in a wide variety of blues. Everything from the plush carpet to the velvet drapes to the bed clothes was blue.

Marcus stripped off his soiled clothes and left them in a pile on the floor. He hastily pulled on the blue pajamas laid out on the foot of the bed and climbed between the covers that had turned themselves down. Just as he drifted off to sleep Marcus thought to himself that his bad luck must surely have turned.

After waking to breakfast in bed and a hot bath, Marcus was ready to continue his journey back to the farm. He was eager to see his daughters after spending so much time away from them. Dressed in his old clothes which had been cleaned and mended, he made his way back to the entrance hall where he turned in a bemused circle. He had a powerful urge to thank his gracious host but he had never seen him, shrugging his shoulders Marcus raised his voice and bellowed his thanks to any ears who wished to hear.

The walk to the stables was enjoyable, the sun was shining and the air was fresh after the storm. Birds sang and flitted from tree to tree, all in all, Marcus's spirits had been lifted by his night of rest. He was just about to enter the stables when the smell of roses filled his head. Remembering his youngest daughter's request for the flower, he set off in search of the source of the smell. His nose directed him to a rose arbor that he had missed the night before. Blooms of every color greeted his eyes, from deepest red to white; every conceivable color of rose was represented.

Choosing a bush filled with blood red flowers the size of a fist he carefully selected the most perfect bloom for his Roslyn. Taking great care not to impale himself on the huge thorns, Marcus snapped the slender stem. No sooner had he done this than a great bellow sounded from somewhere nearby, quieting the arbor to a deathly hush. Something grabbed him by the back of his cloak and hauled him up to dangle several feet above the path. It was then that Marcus found himself face to face with the most horrifying sight of his life.

The creature suspending him by his cloak was a beast, a monster straight out of nightmare. It had two black horns that curved back over its ears like a goat's, teeth like that of a bear, and thick brown fur that covered its body from massive head to clawed feet. But that wasn't the most frightening thing. It was the touches of humanity about the creature that were most repulsive and frightening, the fact that he wore breeches and a velvet cape about his massive shoulders and his eyes. His eyes made Marcus quail in true fear, for they were the eyes of a man and they blazed with unholy amber light.

"Thief!" The creature roared, swiping the rose from Marcus's limp fingers. "How dare you steal from me after I have offered you shelter and food? You thank me one minute and take from me the next you ungrateful lout." He tossed Marcus to the ground and loomed over him with teeth bared and extended claws.

"No! Please! Have mercy!" Marcus cried as he scrambled away from the monster before him, unfortunately he kept getting caught up in his cloak and couldn't make much progress. "I didn't think a…uh-someone as generous as you would begrudge an old man a single rose." The beast advanced, unmoved by his pleas. Marcus looked into this savage face and saw his death there, "Please, it was for my daughter."

The beast paused, arm raised and claws curled, poised for the blow that would render Marcus's death. "Your daughter…" his words trailed off as he lowered his arm. He looked between the rose in his fist and the man huddled at his feet. After a moment of thought he spoke, "You will return here in one week's time either with you daughter or without her. I promise no harm will come to her while she is under my care, if you return alone; however, you won't be as fortunate. Do you understand me?"

Marcus raised his eyes to the beast and immediately noticed the change in him. No longer was he aggressively bearing down upon him instead he looked sad and lonely. "I understand." Marcus managed to choke out, knowing that he would never relinquish one of his precious children to such a terrible creature.

The beast's demeanor hardened again, "Do not think to deceive me, for I will find you. You have until this rose wilts to return to me, if you don't I will come hunting for you." He threw the flower down in front of Marcus, turned and vanished in a swirl of fur and velvet cloak. Marcus gazed down at the flower that was now a symbol of his doom and saw that the thorns were stained crimson with the blood of the beast. With an agonized laugh that turned into a sob the thought that mayhap is luck hadn't changed after all.

Wow okay, so here's a long chapter for you to enjoy. Please R&R.