Chapter 12
Rumpel took in his surroundings as they rounded the garden wall. The horse followed a well worn path, around the side of the castle, to the front, where they merged onto a wide, limestone slab, walkway, that led to the main gate. The castle's interior was fortified with an enormously high wall, covered in vines. They approached the formidable steel doors of the gate, and with a resounding 'clank' they opened for the wagon to pass through.
Once through, Bae turned to watch in amazement, as the doors closed, and locked once again.
"How does it do that?" Bae asked, looking to Tacey.
Tacey waved his hand in the air ,wiggling his fingers, indicating 'magic'.
The ride passed quietly, and Tacey noted Rumpel observing the things around him, but his mind seemed elsewhere. Tacey nudged the other man's shoulder, and Rumpel looked up at him, as Tacey raised his eyebrows inquisitively.
"Sorry, I wasn't trying to be rude. My mind was just preoccupied." Rumpel said.
Tacey moved his hand in a circular motion, for Rumpel to continue.
"Before we left, Belle had been telling me there was something she had been keeping from me, and it was obviously upsetting her. I don't know that I should have left, and I'm worried about what she has been hiding from me. I have no idea what it could be. Do you know?" Rumpel asked.
Tacey pondered what he should say to Rumpel. He liked the man, and wanted his friendship ,and felt Rumpel could also use a friend. He did not want to start this new relationship with a lie.
Tacey nodded his head 'yes'.
Rumpel's mouth fell open, but he tried quickly, to cover his surprise.
"Please, tell me Tacey."
Tacey pulled the wagon to a halt. If Bae noticed, he didn't say anything. Bae had been listening to the conversation, and was trying his best to be invisible. He did not even look at his father, afraid Rumpel would see guilt written across his face. He prayed Papa would not ask him, if he knew what Belle was being secretive about.
Tacey looked at Rumpel, not surprised that he had asked, but Tacey knew this was something Belle had to do.
Tacey met his gaze, and firmly shook his head 'no'. He pointed back to the castle, and then motioned with his hand, pressing his fingers and thumb, together rapidly, to demonstrate 'talking', and pointed to Rumpel.
Rumpel tried to piece together, in his head, what the man was implying.
"Belle needs to be the one to tell me?"
Tacey nodded 'yes', and smiled at the man, putting his index finger to his temple, and tapped several times, 'smart'.
"I'm afraid she's going to tell me she's married." Rumpel said quietly.
Tacey put his hand on Rumpel's arm, and shook his head 'no'."
He watched Rumpel heave a sigh of relief, as he then said,
"We can work through anything else then."
Tacey nodded his head in agreement, and Rumpel laughed robustly.
"I will pay attention when Belle teaches Bae to read; maybe it will make communication between us easier."
Tacey again, nodded in agreement.
Tacey shook the reins, and they continued. Rumpel could see the snowcapped mountains in the distance, but the sun was warm, brightly shining down on them. He would be glad for spring to arrive. He thought about reworking the garden, and what he would plant. He felt his hands itch, which reminded him of the spinning wheel.
"Bae, don't let me forget to get fresh straw in town. I haven't spun in almost a week, and I want to try out the spinning wheel in the library."
Some men drank or gambled, some preferred the sins of the flesh, Rumpel spun.
He found peace and contentment at the wheel, and was able to clear his heart and mind of their worries. It had always soothed his broken soul, and made life bearable.
"I am a spinner, and sheep herder by trade. Bae and I had a little place east of here." Rumpel told Tacey.
They had come to a fork in the road, and Tacey veered to the right. He nudged Rumpel to get his attention, as he pointed to a large oak tree, and then turned the wagon sharply, on the far side of the tree. Tacey guided the wagon around behind it, where Rumpel could now see a well worn path, hidden from main road.
"Is this the way to town?" Rumpel asked, confused.
Tacey shook his head 'no'.
They followed the winding path until the forest opened up, and Bae could see a small, dilapidated, cottage.
"Is this where you live?" Bae asked?
Tacey nodded, pulled up in front of the door, and brought the wagon to a stop. Tacey jumped down, and turned offering Rumpel a hand. Rumpel took it, and felt his knee give out from under his weight, when he stepped down out of the wagon, falling forward. Tacey grabbed Rumpel before he ate dirt, and helped him regain his balance. Bae stood by concerned, holding his father's staff.
Rumpel snorted, a little in disgust.
"I think maybe I'm pushing this a bit too fast. Thank you, Tacey, or I would have ended up on my face."
Tacey just clapped him on the back, and motioned for them to follow him into the cottage.
Bae was amazed at the drawings he saw around him, some on the walls, some stacked on a table by the window. Cities and landscapes, he had never seen before. He realized that Tacey, was indeed an artist, and felt even prouder at the compliments he had paid his work.
Tacey put tea on, and gestured for Rumpel to sit at the table. He motioned for Bae to follow him, and directed him to sit on the bed. Tacey took several ledgers off of a shelf, and handed them to Bae. Bae began to look through the drawings, and could not believe the images. They were portraits of people, so insightful and detailed. You could almost read their thoughts. He came across one of Belle, reading a book, and except for the wild hair and clawed hand, she looked beautiful, and serene, but sad.
Tacey steeped the tea, and brought it to the table, filling three cups. Rumpel had his right leg extended in front of him, resting it, as he accepted the tea with his thanks. Tacey took a cup to Bae, and the boy set it in the floor in front of him.
"These are incredible Tacey."
Tacey smiled at the boy, and patted his shoulder. He went back, and joined Rumpel at the table.
"Do you spend most of your time drawing and reading?" Rumpel asked.
Tacey nodded.
"Don't you get lonely?"
Tacey shrugged, and then nodded 'yes'.
There were all kinds of questions Rumpel wanted to ask, but he knew it would be very difficult with their limited communication.
Bae put the ledgers back on the shelf, and brought his empty cup to the table.
Tacey stood, and gestured to the door, as Rumpel got up with a wince. They left, and back in the wagon, returned to the fork in the road, this time, to the left.
Town wasn't far from Tacey's, and as they neared the outskirts, Rumpel could see many small farms and cottages, most in poor condition. They moved closer to the heart of the village, where he could see a large well in the center of town. The main thoroughfare was busy with vendors, and small stands set up. A large store, tavern, and a few other businesses, lined one side of the street. Rumpel could hear the raised voices from the tavern, as a few of the patrons were escorted out the door. On the other side of the main drag, the smokehouse churned out a wonderful smell of meat and burning wood. There was a blacksmith, mill, and pens of animals, for sale, or for butchering. He was surprised at the side of the town, quite larger than where they hailed from. Tacey found a spot to park the wagon, and helped Rumpel down. Rumpel took the staff Bae offered him, as Tacey tied the horse to the hitching post. Rumpel pulled the hood of his cloak up, and watched Bae follow suit. They walked through the street, as vendors called out to them to inspect their wares. They were almost to the store, when Bae spotted a man sitting under a tree with a litter of pups.
"Papa, can we look at the pups for a minute, please?" Bae pleaded.
Bae had always wanted a dog, but Rumpel had not allowed it. There had been times, when it was hard enough to feed just two mouths, and with the sheep and other animals in close proximity, he did not want to be responsible, if the animal turned, and caused damage. Bae also knew his reasoning, since he had heard it a hundred times.
Bae gave Rumpel a hopeful look.
"Belle doesn't have any animals, and there would be plenty to feed it in leftovers."
"Can I have one Papa, please?"
"Bae, we would need Belle's permission, it is her home. If she says you can have one, then I will ask Tacey to pick one out for you."
Tacey put a hand on Rumpel's shoulder, and shook his head 'no', pointing to the boy to pick one.
"Do you think Belle would mind if he had a dog?" Rumpel asked Tacey.
Tacey smiled broadly, and shook his head 'no'.
"Rules," Rumpel told Bae.
"He is your dog Bae, and your responsibility. You will feed it, train it, take it out when it has to go, and clean up whatever mess it makes."
"Yes Papa. I will Papa. I promise." The boy could not hide his excitment.
Rumpel asked the elderly man the price for a pup. The man said he was giving them away, because he couldn't afford to keep them. The man told Bae to take his pick. The boy chose a pup that was solid black, husky, and looked healthy. He sat down on the ground, and held the pup, as it licked and nibbled at his fingers playfully.
"Bae, stay here with the dog, while Tacey and I go into the store. No where else." He warned.
"I won't." Bae said.
Rumpel and Tacey went into the store, and Rumpel followed Tacey to the art supplies. Tacey picked out some small glass bottles of oil paint, that would start Bae out with primary colors, a mixing board, and few brushes of different shapes. Rumpel noticed the charcoal stick, and picked them up. He picked out some pastel chalks, and a leather bound sketch pad, filled with pages of parchment as he flipped through it.
Rumpel looked up to notice the woman behind the counter, watching Tacey intently, as he was looking at various items hanging on the wall. Tacey found a small easel that would be perfect for what Belle wanted. A smile crossed his face, and he was happy that he wouldn't have to attempt to build one. Rumpel walked around the shop, taking inventory of what would be available, when he spotted rolls of fabric. He looked at the selection and chose a heavy, sturdy, grey fabric, and a beautiful, dark blue, brushed, one.
He made his way to the front with his purchases, as the shopkeeper still gawked at his friend. She seemed completely unaware of Rumpel's presence. She was very tall and lanky, without curves, her jet black hair pulled back severely into a tight bun, but her face was kind, as her lips were almost curved up into a smile.
Joan had felt her stomach flutter when she saw Tacey walk through the door. He was a giant of a man compared to most, but probably one of the only men around she did not have to look down upon. He never met her gaze, never smiled, and never said a word. It was rumored that he was mute, the witch's henchman, and the people of the village were afraid of him. She could not understand why, he seemed like a gentle giant, but always so sad. He had just been in here yesterday, and she was surprised he was back this soon. She watched as he looked at the easel hanging on the wall, and saw him smile. She had never seen him smile before, and would give anything, if he would just once, look at her, or smile at her that way.
Rumpel cleared his throat, and the woman looked at him, and blushed.
"I'm sorry. Did you find what you needed?" She asked.
"Yes, thank you. Could you cut four yards of the grey fabric, and 6 yards of the blue for me?" Rumpel asked.
"Surely, it will be just a few minutes." She said with a warm smile.
Rumpel walked back over to Tacey, inspecting the easel in his hand.
"I think you have an admirer." Rumpel said quietly.
Tacey looked down at the man, his brow furrowed. As he watched Rumpel point to the shopkeeper's wife, Tacey shook his head 'no'. Tacey put down the easel, and held out his hand, touching his index finger of the other hand, to the ring-finger of the one he held up, where a ring would be worn.
"Married?" Rumple asked.
Tacey nodded his head 'yes'.
Rumpel wore a confused expression on his face. He had seen the way she was looking at Tacey, but dismissed the thought.
Suddenly all three looked up, when I high-pitched scream filled the air. The woman was headed for the door, when an older man burst in, pale and panic stricken.
"Joan, they are trying to take Cass!" He exclaimed.
The woman ran for the door, Rumpel on her heels, fear running through him.
Rumpel walked out of the door and he froze. A caged cart was across the street with children inside, as one of the soldiers was dragging Bae, kicking and fighting, to join the others. The frustrated man hauled back, and struck Bae in the face, his head flying to the side sharply. Rumpel felt the rage well up inside of him, his fear and lack of courage, gone, his leg be damned, he ran over to the soldier clutching his son. Rumpel drew back his staff, like a long sword aimed to give the final blow, yelling out, as he brought it down over the back of the man's skull with a sickening crack. The soldier slumped forward falling to the ground, Bae half trapped by the man's body. Rumpel pulled Bae from under his arms, trying to free him, finally wrenching him loose, as he shoved the soldier off of Bae with his foot.
"Bae, Bae!" Rumpel shook him, and yelled, panic rising up inside of him.
Rumpel was tackled from behind, and forced to the ground, Bae falling to his side. Rumpel turned his head to look behind him, as a fist slammed into his jaw, with a loud crack, knocking his head with a sharp jerk, as he could taste the blood in his mouth. Rumpel kicked with his legs, jamming his elbow into the guard on his back, as hard as he could. The sound of the man's grunts filled his ears.
Rumpel felt the guard being lifted off of his back, and he tried to get to his feet. Rumpel ended up crawling over to Bae, as he turned his head to watch Tacey, kicking the man on the ground with all his might.
Rumpel yelled for Tacey to look out, but it was too late. Another guard attacked Tacey from behind, beating him down to the ground with a club. Tacey on his hands and knees looked up at Rumpel, and their eyes met, as a final blow to the head, broke the club in two, and Tacey collapsed to the ground. He didn't move.
Rumpel tried to pick Bae up into his arms to flee, but two of the soldiers grabbed Rumpel. One on either side, they dragged him away from the boy. He struck out, pulled, and twisted, fighting them, as he kicked his legs furiously, until a fist punched him in face, and then the nose, and another on the opposite jaw, until he was limp, defeated,between them, being dragged away.
Rumpel's bloody face hung down, as the henchman approached. He lifted Rumpel's chin with a deadly grip, so he could look him in the eye. Rumpel knew this man who stood before him sneering. The henchman had threatened Bae before, and had humiliated Rumpel in front of his son. Half blood, half saliva, Rumpel spit in his face. The man gave an evil laugh, as he wiped his face off.
"You'll pay for that Hooglefoot, or was it Spindleshanks?" The man chided.
"I must admit I'm surprised. I didn't think you had it in you, not the coward I know."
Rumpel flung his head back, tossing his hair out of his eyes, head held high, proudly. He jerked forward suddenly, with a burst of strength, trying to reach the man.
"It's Rumpelstiltskin, you ignorant, fucking, asshole."
For that, the henchman punched him in the stomach, and reflexively Rumpel hunched down.
"That's much better, I prefer that you bow to me, shows me you know your place." The man leaned closer to speak in Rumpel's ear.
"You have caused me enough trouble little man, and the last thing you see, will be your son's face, as he watches you die."
The man reached up, and patted Rumpel's cheek.
"Please don't worry yourself about the boy. I'll make sure he is well taken care of, and sent straight to the front lines. He'll be joining you soon enough."
Rumpel lunged for the man, as he laughed in Rumpel's face, followed by another punch to the gut, this one doubling him over.
Bea opened his eyes, looking at the dirt ground before him. He pushed himself up slowly onto his hands and knees. He turned his head to see Tacey, face down on the ground. Scared, he looked around for his papa. Then he spotted him. Two men held him up, as he hung, head down, between them.
"Papa," he screamed!
Rumpel raised his head, to look at his son, tears now filling his eyes.
The man in front of him gave a monstrous, twisted, smile, as he turned to look at Bae. Then he began to walk towards the boy.
With every once of strength Rumpel had left, he yelled out to him.
"Bae, I love you!"
Bae felt his insides cave, as he started to shake, he knew they were going to kill his father.
"I love you, Papa" The words tearing from his throat with raw emotion.
Bae then did the only thing he could. He screamed at the top of his lungs.
"Belle!..."Belle!"….."Belle!"
Belle woke as if someone had thrown a cold bucket of water on her, and felt Bae's fear consuming her. She appeared standing in front of him. The boy on his hands and knees, dirty, his nose bleeding.
"Papa!" It was all he could manage to get out, when Belle turned to see Rumpel.
A loud 'crack', like a lightening bolt could be heard. Belle's glamour faded to reveal the darkness within. Her eyes were blazing, red with a black center. Everyone could feel the electricity in the air, as Belle stormed towards the men holding Rumpel, as a warrior ready for battle. She reached out her hand to the henchman walking towards Bae, as levitated him into the air, and then smashed his body down onto the large, stone, well nearby, with such speed and force that the sound of his bones shattering could be heard all around. The soldier to Rumpel's left side took off running, as she raised her hand out to the man who now held Rumpel up alone.
She cut off his air supply, choking him, but the malicious guard was not going to die alone. He pulled out his dagger, and thrust it upwards, into the left side of Rumpel's back, until the tip piecred through his chest on the other side. With the guard's last gasping breath, as she squeezed the life from him, he pulled out the dagger, and with all of his might slammed the base into Rumpel's skull. She reached Rumpel, and grabbed him, pulling him into her arms, as the guard dropped dead to the ground. Rumpel slumped against her body, as she held him upright.
She went to her knees, lowering Rumpel to the ground, laying him down. She knelt over him, his eyes wide open.
"Belle?" He asked, his face twisted in confusion.
"Yes Rumpel, I am here." Her voice tightened with emotion.
His eyes fluttered shut, and she shook him.
"Rumpel look at me! Stay with me! Don't you dare, die on me!" She pleaded, her eyes filling with tears.
His eyes opened again, but looked through her.
"I love you, Belle."
His eyes closed. He didn't open them again.
