Chapter 14
"Both of you are acting mad!" Annette cried, stomping her foot. "Tell us why Gaston and the others shouldn't be fighting the bandits. Yes, we know it's dangerous but isn't it just as dangerous for those men...Jean-Claude and Brandon?"
"I wish I could tell you both," Belle answered apologetically. "But for now, I can't. You'll just have to trust me...both of us…But it's very dangerous for Gaston and everyone else, and I have to warn my friends that they're coming."
"Then we'll go with you as well," Danielle decided, raising her chin defiantly. "This time Annette and I won't be left alone while you save Papa and Frédéric. I want to come."
"So do I!" Annette chimed in.
Belle sighed and exchanged a look with Daniel.
"I'll lock both of you up if I have to," Daniel growled.
"Then I'll just find a way to escape!" Annette challenged. Daniel let out a frustrated groan and grabbed his hair, turning away from her. Belle looked from Daniel to her sister, feeling the tension in the room, tight like a taut string.
She wondered whether she should tell Annette and Danielle the truth but looking at their worried faces, she just couldn't bring herself to tell them anything else.
Danielle met her gaze and moved forward, her eyes imploring. "Please, Belle…" she said, taking her hands in her own. "Tell us what's wrong. Perhaps we can help. In fact, we want to help. Do you know what it's been like for Annette and I these past few months? The least you can do is tell us." she added, her voice and eyes taking on a sharp edge.
Belle exchanged a look with Daniel, who frowned and just shook his head. She looked back at her sisters, their faces pale and anxious.
"I...I'm afraid it will be too much for you two…" Belle said, looking at them pleadingly.
"Belle…" Annette began. "Do you not think these few months have been trying? Danielle and I were two young women...alone in a village, without our father or older sister here to vouch for us. Try us. Nothing can shake us as much as that did."
Belle winced at her words, realizing now how difficult it must have been for her sisters. She hadn't even thought of how vulnerable and scared they must have felt, sitting in the house night after night, easy prey to ambitious men, burglars and wild animals.
Before Belle could respond, Daniel cut in.
"I would beg to differ, Annette," he said sharply. "I would rather protect you and Danielle than subject you to more danger like Belle has been through."
Both sisters looked at her and Belle guessed they were probably wondering what horrors she had endured.
"And I'm starting to think that maybe you should stay here too, Belle…" Daniel added, looking over at her.
Belle started, looking at him in shock. "What? Daniel! You can't! I can't! You don't know the castle as well as I do! I know these vampires and Gaston better than you do! I know what Gaston is capable of, Daniel. If he sees them…"
It wasn't until she noticed Daniel's wide eyes and her sisters' gasps that she realized she had said something shocking. She looked from her sisters to Daniel.
"What…? What did I say…?"
Her sisters were looking at her, mouths agape, hands covering their faces. Daniel had noticeably paled too.
"You just told them...about the vampires…" he breathed, stunned.
Belle's mouth dropped.
After a few moments of stunned silence, Danielle took a few steps toward Belle.
"V-vampires Belle…? You mean...like the ones they talk about in stories and tales…?"
Belle nodded, watching her sister's face. She shook her head, as if in disbelief, stepping away from Belle.
"No…" she breathed. She looked to Daniel and he nodded gravely. "It can't be...They can't!" she gasped, looking from Belle to Daniel.
"Are...are they dangerous?" Annette whispered. "These vampires…? Is that what you and Daniel and Papa were running from?! And Frédéric?"
Belle hesitated for a moment but realized it was futile to lie. "Yes…"
"You told us they were taken by forest bandits…" Danielle said.
"We never thought you'd believe us," Daniel interjected. "And we didn't want to worry or frighten you and Annette anymore than you were…"
"Well, it doesn't matter now," Danielle remarked, shrugging. "We know now. How do you know they're even still alive?!"
"Because I saw Frédéric…" Belle told her, watching as her eyes grew larger. Danielle rushed clasped Belle's hands again, but this time tighter.
"Please tell me he's all right!"
Belle exchanged a worried look with Daniel and then looked back at her sister. "He's...he's…" she trailed off and shook her head. "Danielle, don't worry. Brandon and his friends are going to help us. They're going to take care of this and bring him back."
Although she had said these words to soothe her sister, it did nothing to assure Belle herself.
She glanced back at Daniel and saw that he looked troubled. Belle felt horrible for lying to her sister but if she could delay her sisters more hurt and worry, she would go to great lengths to lie.
"Those men you met yesterday…" Daniel began. "They are cursed-just like the vampires near Colmar. They are what you would call werewolves."
"Were-werewolves?" Annette stuttered, eyes wide with fear. Danielle was pale with shock.
"Yes," Daniel said, walking forward to place his hands on Annette's arms. "That's why I want you to stay here, Annette...It's dangerous." he said, reaching up and gently stroking her chin with his thumb.
Annette shook her head. "I don't care, Daniel...I know you say it's dangerous but if...if I die...or if you do, I want to be with you. I couldn't handle losing you when you're so far away. Please, Daniel...Let me come. I want to help save my father."
Daniel sighed and turned away from her, clearly troubled by the idea of her joining them.
"Maybe...maybe there are ways we can protect ourselves…" Belle suggested, grabbing everyone's attention.
"Protect ourselves?" Daniel asked. "You mean things like...like holy water...?"
"Yes…" she answered. At Daniel's raised eyebrow, she added quickly, "I know it sounds silly but at least if we have some talisman with us it might give us a sense of...protection...or good luck."
Daniel shrugged. "Well, I guess it's worth a try…" he remarked. After a moment, he added, "Is there any way you can summon that enchantress? The one you told me about in the carriage ride here? Can't she help us?"
Belle sighed heavily. "It's just not that simple," she replied. "I wish it were...but she only seems to appear at will...But the one time I was in danger she was there to help, so maybe she'll be there next time."
"I wouldn't count on it…" Daniel muttered. "I'm going to see if I can get any crucifixes or crosses…"
"See if you can find ones made out of wood," Belle suggested. "That would be even better."
"Bells work too," Danielle chimed in. Everyone looked at her and she smiled sheepishly, shrugging. "At least, that's what the stories say…"
"Good idea, Danielle." Belle said.
The next morning was grey, drizzly and damp. They were setting out to ride toward Colmar, their supplies loaded, wooden crosses hanging from their necks, bells in the pockets of their cloaks.
"Let's ride slow. It'll be slippery and dangerous with this rain." Daniel warned.
Belle shivered in her fine cloak—the one she had worn from the castle. She hated this kind of cold; it was uncomfortable, unpleasant and unkind.
She looked underneath her cloak for the enchanted rose the Beast had given her. It was still in its place, in her dress pocket where she had tucked it away, as a talisman. Somehow carrying it with her made her feel safer and more protected for the journey.
She was sitting on Philippe while Annette and Danielle sat on two borrowed horses. Daniel stood beside Annette's horse, holding the reins. He was going to ride with her. The neighbours they had borrowed the horses from were curious about their request. The sisters explained that they were traveling to meet some relatives in a nearby town to lighten their spirits upon the disappearance of their father and Frédéric, to which the neighbours replied with sympathy and understanding. Daniel was accompanying them for protection and for chaperoning.
The foursome had awoken at dawn, ready to get a head's start on Gaston and his party. Now the sun had almost completely risen and day had begun with its pink-orange glow, signalling their leave.
Belle furrowed her brow. "You don't think Gaston and his party will catch up to us if we travel slowly, do you?"
Daniel shook his head. "No…I doubt they will be foolish enough to travel quickly in this weather…"
Belle didn't argue but made a dubious face.
They set out and made good progress throughout the day but reached the forest by late afternoon. A dread always started in Belle when they reached the edge of the forest, the edge of the unknown.
Earlier they had agreed to stop for a rest and warmth just before getting to the forest. There was a sign pointing in the opposite direction, to their left, showing that the path led to a town in the Champagne region, known for its vineyards and quaint houses nestled into gently rolling hills.
"We agreed to rest for a bit, so here it is…" Daniel said, guiding his horse toward the town. Belle and Danielle followed, quiet. Belle longed for the warmth of an inn and its walls of safety. Out here, she felt so exposed and vulnerable, the cold wind howling and biting at her face. She wondered vaguely if the vampires were watching them, lying in wait. If there were others. The thought made her shiver.
"Are you all right, Belle?" Danielle asked from beside her.
Belle turned to her sister, forcing a smile. "Yes, yes. I'm fine...just a little bit cold, that's all."
The trip to the village was short, only taking them several minutes to reach. Belle stopped Philippe at the top of the hill, where the path led down to the town. From here, it looked quiet and lonely-the landscape covered in a white frost that coated the fields, the roofs and the woods surrounding the town.
But through the cold and frost, she could see the tendrils of smoke reaching up from the chimneys, where she was certain families were gathered together, eating, drinking and sitting by the warmth of the fire.
"I'm so cold…" Annette murmured, snuggling deeper into her cloak.
"We're almost there, Annette." Danielle said, sounding slightly annoyed. Her nose was red from the cold and it was running. It was then that Belle noticed she had started coughing every so often.
"Let's hurry. We don't want to find out the inn is full in this weather." Daniel said, urging his horse on.
The inn was a long, two-storey stone building with many windows. A sign hung above, reading: L'auberge Petite. Belle smiled, thinking that the name certainly matched the inn's charm. Daniel and Annette took the horses to the nearby stable. The inn housed a tavern on the ground floor. A fire roared on the far right wall and travelers sat on stools around it. A dog lazed in front of the fire, transfixed by the flames. Small children ran around, chasing each other around the tables while the adults talked and dined, their voices a collective hum in the inn.
High stone arches drew attention to the latticed windows above, which let in traces of light. The window high above the fireplace resembled a flower. Large windows lined the front of the tavern as well, allowing visitors to view the outside scene of the street, watching newcomers as they arrived. There were various paintings adorning the walls and many wine barrels sitting on the floor.
Daniel approached Belle and Danielle. "The owner said there's room. Two rooms available. One with two single beds, another with a double bed. Annette and I picked the one with single beds. You don't mind, do you?"
Belle and Danielle were both stunned into silence for a few moments and Daniel added in a low tone, "We told them we were married. I think it's most appropriate for us to have separate beds."
Belle nodded slowly. "Of course... Yes…" she said, glancing at Danielle, who looked slightly uncomfortable.
"Either way two of us would have to share a room…" Danielle added. She paused a moment. "Unless, of course, us three share a bed and you have the room to yourself, Daniel. I think that would be more appropriate…"
Daniel looked surprised but laughed hastily. "Oh, don't be silly, Danielle. No need to sacrifice comfort for decency's sake. Besides...Annette and I will probably marry one day anyway."
"Probably?" Danielle repeated, eyebrows raised.
Daniel nodded, smiling. "Yes."
Belle glanced over at Annette, who was staring at them from the bar, waiting for them so they could plant their travelling bags in the room.
"Is... Annette comfortable with this...?" Belle asked.
"Yes, of course! She suggested it." Daniel replied.
Belle raised her eyebrows. "Really?"
"Really…" Daniel answered, nodding.
"Mhm," she said, turning to Danielle, who looked at her worriedly, shaking her head no. Belle shrugged. "I really don't see the harm in this…"
Danielle's mouth dropped open.
"All right, then. It's settled. Good." Daniel said, turning and walking away. Belle was about to join them when Danielle stopped her with a firm hand.
"I can't believe you just agreed to that, Belle!" she hissed, wearing an expression of disbelief. "Can you imagine what father would say? Annette sleeping in the same room-unwed...with...with a man!"
She kept her voice quiet so as not to draw any attention to their conversation but Belle could hear the force and anger in her words. Belle was surprised at herself for agreeing to something that would normally be seen as inappropriate. But she trusted Daniel. And after living in such unorthodox and strange circumstances at the castle, two unwed people sharing a room seemed a small deal to her.
"I trust Daniel. Don't you?"
Danielle set her jaw. "I don't trust any man."
"Not even Frédéric?" Belle asked before she could stop herself. Danielle froze on the steps, flinching, staring at her, as if she had misheard the words.
Confusion and pain crossed her eyes, and she pressed her lips together to keep from crying. "I can't believe you just said that…" she whispered, hurrying up the stairs after Daniel and Annette. The full force of regret hit Belle hard. Suddenly, she felt like the most horrible person in the world.
The evening passed languidly with an uncomfortable silence between Belle and Danielle. As Annette and Daniel laughed and ate, Belle wished the night would end. But Daniel and Annette refused to cease their drinking, requesting more and more wine.
"Daniel-you can't be drunk. We have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow!" Belle admonished, shocked.
Daniel waved a hand dismissively as he sipped his wine. "I'll sleep it off, Belle. Stop fretting, you sound like a nagging wife."
Belle's mouth dropped at his insult and Annette gasped, staring at him with a mixture of shock and amusement, a smile lifting the corner of her mouth. Then she burst out laughing, pouring herself more wine.
"That's so horrible, Daniel!" she squealed. Belle looked incredulously at Annette. She had already finished her cheeses and wine, and wanted nothing more than to go to bed. She shook her head, sighing heavily.
"I'm going to bed. At least I'll be alert and awake," she said angrily as she rose. Daniel and Annette stopped, staring at her. "You two better be ready to go in the morning or I'm leaving without you."
"Have more wine…" Daniel said, holding out the jug to her. Belle sighed and stormed away, retiring to her room for the night. She removed her dress and stockings for the night, clothed only in her chemise. Then she sat on the edge of the double bed, which was soft and plushy, enclosed in an oak frame with thick posts and a canopy above.
Paintings of rural scenery hung on the walls near the latticed window. A small bedside table sat on the right of the bed and a small stand with a basin of water with a cloth stood in the corner. There was a wide, deep trunk at the foot of the bed, where Danielle and Belle had conveniently locked their valuables, in case of theft. Belle had taken precautions to lock the door as well. There were too many drunken people about to be trusted...
I can't wait to be at the castle, she thought, sighing and reclining back into her pillow. It was a strange thought, considering that the castle had been surrounded by some of the most dangerous creatures she had ever encountered. But with the Beast she felt protected. Belle wished that he were here to tell her not to worry or to just talk to her, easing her worries.
The thought of Daniel and Annette being intoxicated the next day among an army of dangerous vampires scared her, causing her chest to ache. The thought of what she had said to her sister pained her. And the thought of Gaston and his party discovering the werewolves and vampires panicked her. She wrapped a blanket around herself and padded barefoot over to the trunk. Unlocking it and reaching inside, she found the rose the Beast had given her. Still intact and perfect as ever.
She locked the trunk again and returned to the bed, sitting on the edge as she idly stroked the rose's velvety petals. Lowering her nose to the flower, she inhaled and found its sweet scent intoxicating, more so than other roses.
Belle got up and pulled back the covers, snuggling into bed with the rose laying on her pillow beside her. Before she knew it, her eyes were drooping and she was falling into oblivion...
She was walking down one of the castle corridors again. This one was lit with candles on the walls but it was still dark. A tremor of fear passed through her. On this floor, she couldn't see very far. Only one side of the floor was lit and the rest were dark and shadowy. Belle looked around her anxiously, thinking that the vampires were lurking in the shadows, in wait. A figure appeared out of the dark and she gasped, stepping back.
But it was Anton.
"Belle!" he said and his voice was strong, urgent. He grasped her hand with a firm, strong grip and pulled her forward, toward the darkness, into it. Her breath caught and she felt like she was falling into the darkness as it enveloped her.
A bright light burst forth out of the darkness, exploding all around her, blinding her. She tried desperately to open her eyes but the light was so bright. And then, when the light seemed to dissipate, a figure appeared. But it was not Anton.
Instead it was the enchantress.
"Who are you? Why are you helping me? How can I break the curse?!" Belle shouted.
"Patience, Belle," the enchantress answered, her voice light but authoritative. "I'm the enchantress, of course. I was the one who placed that curse on the inhabitants of the land. They were corrupt and their hearts were hardened and darkened...They deceived one another, hurt one another, betrayed one another…"
"Wha…? What do you mean…?" Belle asked. "Andre and Adam and Brandon are all good people! They're all good people!"
"There are things you do not know about, Belle...Things they don't tell you…"
"Like what…?" Belle said.
"Let me show you…" the enchantress said.
Belle was suddenly flooded with images of Brandon and a beautiful, dark-haired girl with olive skin. She was young and giggly, and clearly enamoured with Brandon. But Brandon hurt her, cutting off all ties, making her cry. She ran to her father-Alexandro. Alexandro confronted Brandon and they had a duel, a swordfight to defend his daughter's honour.
The scene changed again. This time, that same daughter was bed-ridden. Feverish and sweaty. Racked with sickness and delusion. Alexandro was beside himself, head bowed at his daughter's bed, holding her hand, which had lost its former glow. There was a casket, flowers, a headstone. Alexandro yelling at Brandon.
"You killed her! You caused her death! She died of a broken heart!"
"The sickness killed her! I didn't! I cared for her but you know it could never be! You know that!" Brandon shouted back.
"It could have been!" Alexandro snapped back. "But you French do not want to make peace! You only want to destroy!"
"You only want to meddle in our business!" Brandon yelled.
She was flooded with other images. A young boy, plucking a ripe, red apple from a tree. Taking a bite out of it. And freezing as Edouard and Adrien appeared out of an archway, spotting the boy eating the apple.
"Hey!" Edouard shouted. "What are you doing, boy? That's the Prince's orchard!"
Adrien clicked his tongue and moved forward. "Brats!"
The boy took off at a sprint, quickly trying to climb the stone wall of the orchard, panicked. He dropped the apple in the process, his fear taking over.
Adrien grabbed him with one arm, pulling the thin teenage boy away from the wall.
Edouard faced him with his hands on his hips. "You've just committed a crime-a crime of stealing against the Prince!"
The boy struggled, looking at him wide-eyed and scared. Edouard frowned as he peered closer at him.
"Are you one of the foreigners…?"
Adrien looked down at him. "Regardless of his origin, he will have to be punished for his crime. Anton will decide what to do with him."
"No! Please, no! I didn't mean to!"
"But you did it anyway." Edouard replied flatly. They took him to the throne room, where Anton was seated, plucking the strings of a lute lazily. He looked toward Edouard and Adrien, who were dragging the teenage boy in, and leaned forward with interest, setting his lute aside.
He stood up, surveying them, a deep frown on his face. "What's the meaning of this? Why have you brought this boy here?"
They stopped and Adrien spoke. "We found this boy stealing from your apple orchards, eating an apple. He must have climbed up the wall from the other side. Is that right, boy?"
The boy looked down at his feet and didn't answer. Adrien cuffed him roughly on the head. "Answer me!"
The boy ducked. "Yes, yes! I did!" he cried.
The Prince observed the boy with a look of disgust. "Are you one of those tiresome Montenegros?" he sighed, stepping down from the dais wearily. His heavy, black boots made a thudding sound on the floor.
"Yes…" the boy said quietly, observing the Prince nervously.
The Prince sighed and crossed his arms over his chest. "Your family and friends think you can do and take as you please. But you can't- I'm the Prince! Do you understand that?"
The Prince glared at him with anger.
The boy nodded and the Prince turned around, his back to them. "Take him to the dungeon. Let him know what a night in a jail cell is like."
"Sire, no! Please! I won't do it again-I promise!"
The Prince kept on walking toward his throne. "You have to be punished. You can't get away with theft. Even petty theft must be punished."
Adrien and Edouard dragged the unwilling boy down to the dungeon.
She suddenly saw the young boy, huddled with his arms around his legs in a corner. There was little light in the dungeon, except for the candle lights glowing on the wall. Scared mice skittered past, squeaking. The boy started, whimpering in fear. Although Belle was only observing the scene, she felt a chill from the prison. The boy's stomach growled in protest and he held a hand to it as his face contorted, likely fighting hunger pains. He was alone in the dungeon, no guard watching over him or giving him food.
The scene switched to a man yelling at the Prince in his throne room. The Prince standing on his dais, yelling back at him.
"He's just a young boy! How dare you!"
"How dare me? How dare you! He stole from me, you fool! Perhaps you should spend a night in the dungeon too!"
The man was taken away to the dungeon for the night. But he was relieved to see his boy.
There were more scenes and Belle wondered how much more she could take. She felt bombarded.
She saw Gabrielle and a girl her age she hadn't seen before. Tall and willowy with pale skin and bright green eyes. Her hair was the color of a raven's.
They were both very young-probably about thirteen or fourteen. They giggled as they snuck in and out of passageways, avoiding the calls of their ladies-in-waiting or the knights, responsible for watching over them.
Belle watched as they snuck out of the castle, scaling walls and weaving in and out through trees. At the edges of the forest, they met a group of young men, gathered around a fire. They sat with them as the young men flirted with them and made them laugh. Before they knew it, they were being pulled away from the castle, whisked away on the young men's horses. Gabrielle and the other girl sat in a cave, afraid and crying, their hands and feet bound with rope.
"Make sure the rope's not too tight," one man was saying. "They won't give us money if they're hurt."
One of the others gave a laugh as he glanced at them over his shoulder. "Stupid girls...thinking we actually cared the about them...The Alvarados are too proud and clever for that..."
Another burst of bright light appeared and the enchantress was once again in front of her.
She approached Belle and she could see the deep violet of her eyes-a mesmerizing and beautiful blue.
"Here," she said and dropped a heavy, velvet pouch into her hand. "Take this for protection. They are amulets. One for each of you. Each gem contains something different to help you all. Godspeed."
Belle felt something push her back and she stumbled, trying to catch her balance. But she was falling…
"Belle! Belle!"
Her leg jerked and everything disappeared.
She opened her eyes to see the familiar decor of the inn room. Its stone walls and rural paintings of farms and country cottages, with cows and horses grazing in the fields. The room bright with sunlight and cold with early morning air. The birds chirped outside, signalling the dawn. Down below, she could hear the screech of chairs against the floor, the muted hum of voices and the sound of doors shutting loudly as people woke up to go downstairs for breakfast.
Danielle was shaking her-none too gently. She guessed that her sister was still mad at her for what she had said yesterday.
"You were restless all night and kept shouting in your sleep. You kept me awake! And we're late," Danielle said sharply, throwing her clothes in her travelling bag roughly. "We were supposed to leave before sunrise. Daniel and Annette are like rocks-passed out and slovenly! I knew it wasn't a good idea, Belle! First, you agree to it and then you ask me about Frédéric! What has gotten into you?" Despite her sister's angry words, Belle could hear the scratchiness in her voice, the sign of sickness.
Belle lifted her head and looked over at her sister. She was securing her cloak around her neck now and she threw her travelling bag on top of the trunk, ready to go. Crackly coughs seized her but she continued on. Belle felt a pang of worry.
"I guess I've changed, Danielle…" she croaked, sadness tinging her voice. Danielle looked at her in surprise, as if noticing Belle more closely now. She raised tired, bleary eyes to her sister. "I'm sorry for that...For agreeing to it...and for what I said...I...I wasn't thinking. And...I had a bad nightmare last night. I'm sorry."
Danielle looked at her for a few moments, taking in the apology. Then she nodded approvingly, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
"I accept it...and...I'm sorry to hear you didn't sleep well last night either. And if you want to know, Daniel and Annette behaved very well last night, despite getting drunk...I went in and checked on them in the middle of the night."
Belle smiled. "You see? Now instead of me being the older, responsible sister you are now."
Danielle shrugged. "Well, I had to learn to be, with you gone..." She walked toward the door, bag in tow. "I'm going to try and wake them up again. You get ready."
She shut the door and Belle was left to herself. As she got up, she saw the rose and remembered she had taken it out of the trunk. She smiled at it fondly, gently touching its petals, thinking of how much closer she was to seeing everyone at the castle again.
And closer to freeing those close to her. Her father. Frédéric.
As Belle moved to get out of bed, she was suddenly aware of an object at her side. She frowned and reached down to feel something lumpy…
She threw back the covers and to her amazement, saw a pouch, thick and heavy with its contents. She just stared at it, frozen. Her colorful dream from last night came back to her in fragmented pieces.
Anton. The enchantress. Brandon and Alexandro. His daughter and her affection for Brandon. Edouard and Adrien and the young teenage boy caught stealing. Anton's strict punishment for one so young. Gabrielle and the other unnamed girl, deceived by the charming rogues. The bag that the enchantress had handed her looked exactly like the one on the bed.
Tentatively, she reached forward to touch it and open it up. She peered inside and gasped when she saw the group of amulet necklaces tangled up together inside the velvet pouch. Reaching in, she pulled one out to examine it.
It was silver and delicate with its filigree, like a pretty piece of jewellry on the surface. But Belle had remembered the enchantress' words: "...Each gem contains something different to help you all…"
She stroked the amethyst gem with a thumb, admiring it. A knock rapped sharply at the door and she jumped, gasping.
"Belle! Are you ready? We're going downstairs now." Danielle called from outside the door.
"Y-yes! I'll be just a minute! I-I was just feeling unwell, that's all!" Belle called back. Hastily, she placed the amulet necklace back in the pouch and dressed. With her travelling bag slung over her shoulder, the rose inside her cloak and the pouch hidden underneath her cloak, she made her way downstairs to meet the others, wondering how she would explain this to them.
She met them at a table in the tavern, where they were already eating porridge and drinking fresh milk from the nearby farms.
Daniel and Annette looked absolutely exhausted with bags under their eyes and a tired slouch to their shoulders. Worry nagged at Belle as she sat down across from the two at the table.
Annette raised her eyes to Belle's. "I thought you were so adamant last night about leaving early…"
Belle straightened. "Well, I had a restless sleep last night. I was worried about you two drinking all night! And look at yourselves!"
"We'll be fine…" Daniel said, although his weary appearance said otherwise.
One of the tavern maids brought her a warm, sweet bowl of porridge. The tavern was alive and well again with talkative, hungry patrons; energetic dogs and grumpy children, upset at being rudely woken up so early from their peaceful slumber.
Belle stirred her porridge and grabbed a piece of hard bread, breaking it in half. "I saw her last night...in my dream."
There was a moment of silence and then Daniel said, "Who?"
Belle looked at him and leaned forward, whispering, "The enchantress…"
"The one you saw?" Danielle whispered back. Belle nodded. She dipped her bread into the porridge and took a bite.
"And…?" Daniel pressed, sounding slightly irritated. Belle guessed it was his lack of sleep.
She finished chewing and swallowed. "She gave me something in my dream...and when I woke up, it was in my bed…" she said, lowering her voice so people around her wouldn't think she was completely mad.
They all stared at her in shock. Daniel dropped his bread into his porridge, the contents splashing onto the table and onto Annette.
"Hey!" she gasped, annoyed, wiping the porridge off her sleeve.
"What did she give you…?" he asked, ignoring Annette. He sounded afraid and curious at the same time.
Belle touched the pouch sitting on her lap, concealed carefully by her cloak. "Amulets. For protection. She said each contained something different for all of us."
The other three took this in and Belle looked around at them, eating her porridge.
"I know you all probably think I'm mad…" she began in between bites, shaking her head. "But it was a shock when...when you found out the truth before…" she reminded them. She sighed and turned to Danielle, who regarded her with genuine concern.
"Can we see what she gave you?" Annette asked, leaning forward curiously.
"Let's wait until we're away from here. I don't want to draw any unwanted attention from anyone." Belle advised, before taking a spoonful of her oatmeal.
Annette sat back and pouted. "Oh...all right…"
"How can we trust her though?" Daniel challenged, leaning forward. "She was the one that put that awful curse on them in the first place. Why does she want to help you?"
Belle shrugged. "I don't know...I've asked myself that countless times... But she seems to have my best interest in mind whenever I do see her...I mean, she's the best chance we have right now. We can't really do anything else other than trust her. And…" she trailed off, wondering whether to divulge the others' secrets or not. She wasn't even sure if they were true but she felt they might be. It would certainly explain the long-running animosity between the two groups.
"And what, Belle?" Daniel pressed.
She sighed, looking away. "And they aren't perfect either, Daniel...Everyone in that village has a past. Some darker than others."
"What do you mean?" Danielle asked, her curiosity piqued now as well.
Belle shook her head. "That's all I'll say on the matter. It's not my place to say anything more…"
"Fair enough," Daniel said. "But I want to see what she gave you when we get outside."
Once they had filled up with warm oatmeal and hard bread, the four headed out on the road again with their horses, toward Colmar. The morning air was fresh and crisp but it felt warmer today-the sun glinted off the snow-covered hills. Puffs of their breath floated out in front of them like smoke. Snow crunched underneath, solid and heavy.
The road before them stretched out like an icy river, winding through the town, past the frozen vineyards and little houses, up to the wooded hills, where Belle and Daniel would once again return to the dark and shadowy forest.
Despite the enchantress' gift of protection, Belle shivered in her cloak, feeling a chill run up her spine, cooling every nerve and bone in her body.
They rode and didn't stop until they reached the hill, at the edge of the forest. Daniel looked around furtively, turning his horse around as he did so.
"I don't think anyone's around here," he said. He turned to face Belle. "So can we see these amulets?"
Belle pulled the pouch out of her cloak and loosened the strings, feeling the heavy weight of the gems inside. She held the open pouch out to Daniel.
"Take a look for yourself. There's three in there. I already have mine on." she said. Reaching with her other hand, she pulled the amulet out from underneath her cloak, revealing the precious amethyst jewel at its center.
Her sisters regarded it with awe, eyes slightly wide, mouths agape. Daniel pulled the amulet necklaces out, carefully examining them. Annette and Danielle each reached for one too, regarding it with the same careful consideration.
"They're beautiful!" Annette exclaimed, turning hers over in her hands.
"Yes, but they're not just beautiful…" Belle told her. "They're supposed to offer us protection."
"So, how are these supposed to help us?" Daniel asked, a bit dubiously. Belle couldn't understand why he had a harder time believing this than her sisters. He had seen more that seemed unexplainable.
Belle shrugged. "I don't know...but amulets are supposed to protect you from harm or evil, are they not? That's how it always goes in books…"
Daniel snorted but placed the amulet on his neck nonetheless. Annette and Danielle followed suit, securing the amulets on their necks as well.
"I would hide the amulets," Belle advised them, tucking hers back underneath her cloak. "If we run into highwaymen, they'll see us as targets and think we have lots of money to give them."
"I was hoping to show mine off…" Annette said with a pout, tucking hers inside her cloak.
Belle smiled and shook her head.
"So...this enchantress…" Danielle began. "She just...appears? In person and in your dreams? How do you know she's real?"
Belle sighed and shook her head. "How do I know any of this is real, Danielle? As far as I know, I'm sleeping through a bad dream that's lasted far too long."
Danielle reached out to pinch her and Belle jumped. "Ow!"
Danielle smiled and shrugged innocently. "I don't think it's a dream…"
Belle sighed and threw her sister an aggravated look, rubbing her arm. "I wish it was…" she muttered.
"Let's stop talking and go," Daniel said, pulling on his reins. "If we don't move fast, we won't make it there before nightfall."
Annette gasped. "I don't want to ride like this in the dark!"
"Neither do I," Daniel said. "That's why we have to hurry." Belle and Danielle guided their horses behind his, heading into the forest.
"Watch out for icicles and falling snow…" Daniel instructed them, as he ducked underneath a particularly sharp-looking branch. A thick sheet of ice covered the branch and Belle thought it looked like a witch's finger, long and pointed.
As if on cue, a powdery pile of snow fell from a pine tree, as two crows flew from a branch to perch onto another a tree across from them. They cawed and Annette looked up nervously. If the amulets were supposed to offer peace of mind, it didn't work for Annette.
The forest floor was thick with snow and made the journey much slower and arduous for their horses. Belle remembered Daniel's words earlier and realized that they might be travelling through the night once again.
The thought filled her with dread, making her stomach tighten and her heart thud rapidly. But then she remembered the amulet at her neck, and she touched it instinctively, hoping it would lend her strength and courage.
They rode on and on, and the sun seemed to sink lower every second. Belle kept looking at it anxiously through the cover of trees and branches above, willing it to stop and give them enough light for their journey ahead.
Even Danielle seemed on edge, looking toward the sun as well. It shone like a beacon of light through the trees, its rays becoming shorter and shorter.
"I hope we make it on time," she said to Belle, who rode beside her. "This day seems so short. It seems it was only hours ago that we left."
"I know," Belle said. "The forest is strange. Time seems to move faster. At least in this forest it does…"
Danielle glanced at her, startled. "Is this forest haunted, Belle?" she whispered. Belle turned to her, seeing the frightened expression in her sister's eyes. "Did the enchantress also curse this forest?"
Belle frowned, thinking about this. "I don't know, Danielle. But it does seem very strange. Just stay close to us though and you'll be fine."
Danielle nodded but Belle could see that she wasn't reassured.
They continued riding, only stopping to take a drink or rest. Despite her fear and unease, Belle admitted that the forest was beautiful in the evening during the winter. The trees and land were all awash in soft, powdery white; the shadows of the trees created long, dark shapes that touched the snowy ground, and the sun was a beacon, sending its rays through the forest.
"Daniel, are we almost there? The sun's setting…" Annette said worriedly to him.
"Don't worry, Annette. We're almost there. I'll keep you safe." Daniel said.
The forest stretched on and Belle started to wonder if they had gone the wrong way. She tried to scan the horizon for the mountains and castle towers but saw only sky and treetops. The sky was turning a dusky blue-a telltale sign that nightfall was soon coming. It shrouded the horizon and the snow turned a bluish colour, the forest around them dimming.
"Will we be able to see anything?" Danielle asked Belle, the panic in her voice evident.
"Don't worry-your eyes will adjust. You'd be surprised at how your senses heighten when it darkens."
"Stay close to me," Danielle told her, moving her horse nearer to Belle's. "I don't want to lose you all."
Belle glanced over at her and finally reached over to squeeze her sister's hand. "Don't worry, all right?"
Danielle nodded, sniffling. "All right."
"The snow's heavy and it's harder for the horses," Daniel said over his shoulder to Danielle and Belle. "That's why it's taking longer than expected. I suppose we'll have to rely on these amulets the enchantress gave you, Belle. Let's pray they work."
"Well, as I've said, she's saved me once before," Belle reminded him. "I know she'll save me again."
The sun lent its last bit of light and slowly disappeared over the horizon, much to Annette's protest.
"Shhh! You don't want to attract any attention of animals...or spook the horses, Annette." Daniel said gently.
"The only way we'll make it through this is if you keep calm, Annette." Belle called from behind her.
"Well, that's all very easy when you say it but it's completely different when you try to do it!" she objected, an edge of panic to her voice. "I'd rather not ride through a forest at night! Oh...why did I agree to come…?"
"Because, according to you, you've been through much worse waiting at home." Daniel responding smartly, earning a huff and glare from Annette.
Danielle and Belle exchanged smiles.
"You're faring much better than her…" Belle said in a low voice to Danielle.
"Am I?" Danielle said, eyebrows rising in surprise. She rubbed at her arm with one hand. "It's gotten colder, hasn't it?"
Belle nodded. Around them, the air had cooled considerably and there was a fogginess to the air, a dampness. She prayed it wouldn't rain. Rain would be another crack in their plans. It was slippery enough for the horses with the snow and ice, and it would be even harder to see.
The sky was turning a dusky blue but to her great relief, she glimpsed the castle towers and mountains in the distance.
"Look, Danielle! There's the castle towers and mountains up ahead! Do you see them?" she cried, pointing excitedly. She had never been more relieved to see the dark and foreboding castle she had once been afraid of before.
Danielle craned her neck and she gasped.
"Yes, yes I do!" she said. "We're close then, aren't we?"
"Yes, very close," Belle answered. "Daniel-look ahead! Do you see the castle?"
"Yes, I've pointed it out to Annette."
They rode on, a bit quicker this time, wanting desperately to get to the cover of the castle under nightfall.
"We've made it"- Belle was suddenly cut off by the thunder of horses and their hooves in the distance. By the sounds of it, there were many horses...and people.
Daniel stopped his horse and held up his hand, motioning for Belle and Danielle to do the same. They waited and listened, holding their breath.
"A group of hunters went through this forest this afternoon…" a voice was saying. "They went this way...Can you see their footprints?"
"I can smell their blood and their scent…" another voice answered. Belle's blood ran cold at the sound of it. She knew it immediately who it was-Alexandro.
Annette made a small whimpering sound and Belle froze. Daniel shushed her and she buried herself into her cloak, trying to hide her fear. Danielle turned to Belle, looking at her fearfully, as if to ask: Did they hear us?
There was a pause and the four waited, a thick tension in the air, making Belle's blood pulse through her ears, her heart beating rapidly. Panic struck through her like lightning, igniting and pricking at every sense and nerve, making her feel as if her nerves were on fire, ready for anything.
"You said they went toward Colmar, didn't you?"
Belle's shoulders fell in relief and the others visibly relaxed, knowing that they hadn't been found out yet.
"Yes...but I'm certain they won't be staying there long. They're a hunting party, after all. Should we wait out tonight or go toward the town?"
"No...if we disturb the town, we risk getting near the werewolves...And tonight, I'm not in the mood for a fight...We can demolish them later. They're already weak enough as it is...Trying to get their servants and women to fight with them...Pathetic! At least our women are strong and capable…Tonight, I want blood…"
Annette shook in Daniel's arms, covering her mouth. Belle glanced over at her sister, noticing that she was slowly pulling the amulet out of her cloak. Belle did the same, wondering if it needed to be visible to work.
Daniel glanced over his shoulder at them and Belle motioned for him to pull his amulet out as well.
"If we just lie in wait, we can stalk them until they are farther into the forest and hunt then." a voice suggested. Danielle let out a soft gasp and Belle knew she had recognized his voice. Frédéric.
She turned teary eyes toward Belle, covering her mouth.
"Good idea, Frédéric. Let's go, camaradas!"
There was a great thundering of horses' hooves against the snowy ground as the vampires raced toward the edges of Colmar. They raced past them and Belle froze with fear, her heart nearly stopping. But they seemed to fly past them, not noticing them, as if they were invisible…
And then Belle remembered the enchantress' first spell on her. It had rendered Belle invisible...
"The amulets..." Belle breathed, touching it and looking down. "They make us invisible...That's how they work…"
"Frédéric!" Danielle cried, jumping off her horse. She slipped as she raced toward the opening in the forest, toward the large party of mounted vampires riding past.
"Danielle! No!" Belle shouted, jumping off Philippe and racing toward her. She fell and slipped on the ice too, catching herself with her hands. Her hands stung, from the ice or from the pain, she couldn't tell. She looked up and saw that Daniel had already beaten her to it, racing toward Danielle, to hold back her crying figure as the vampires disappeared into the cover of forest.
Annette, still on her horse, turned around to look at Belle with wide eyes. "How...how...how did they...not hear-hear us?!"
Belle looked up at her and pulled her amulet into view. "Because of these, Annette...They must have made us invisible to them...They couldn't see us...Or hear us, apparently."
Annette slid from her horse dazedly and helped Belle up.
"Are you all right…?"
Belle nodded as she mounted her horse. It was a lie though-her hands burned and she was sure she had hurt the right hand. It ached with a sharp pain. She realized she must have twisted her wrist.
Annette watched as Daniel guided Danielle back to her horse.
"Oh, Danielle! It will be all right." she soothed, pulling Danielle into an embrace. Danielle shook her head, sniffling.
"No, it won't," she protested. "Look at what he's become-a monster! One of them! A monster who hunts people!"
It took some effort to get Danielle up on her horse and riding again, but they managed. And they made their way to the castle, much more subdued and silent now. Her sister, Danielle now more than ever.
AN: Thanks so much for reading and for your continued interest! Will try to upload the next chapter soon. I know it's been ridiculously long since I've last updated. I'm determined to finish this story but it may take a while for me.