Chapter 21
There was no option on what course of action should now take place. The staff had quickly rallied in the front hall, some, including a coat rack and large candle holder, were preparing to venture out to find their master. The rest, under the unfailing leadership of Mrs Potts were deciding what would be needed to assist them, both during the journey and return. When first it became known that Belle fully intended to accompany them on any such rescue efforts, there was some debate over regards for her own safety. But Belle refused to take a no for the answer and to stress this, pointed out that she could prove very helpful, which was true. While she had been expecting they would require Philippe as a means of travel, she was surprised to learn other accommodations were already in preparation for their departure.
They were to ride in a carriage that could take them anywhere needed, without the use of horses. Belle wasn't entirely sure how that might work, but there was no time to think on it now as another concern came to light. Among all the voices of those gathered in the hall, Belle could hear the whispers of "what if's" making their way through the crowd. What if they were already too late, what if he had been badly injured or succumbed to the bitter cold?
She couldn't take another word of it "Everyone QUIET now!" She heard herself shout at them, without even realizing she had. "He is NOT dead, and we are NOT going to act as though he is and just leave him out there! NOT without trying to find him and I do NOT care how long it takes I am NOT COMING BACK WITHOUT HIM! Is that clear?"
They had all turned their eyes to her, impressed with her determination and somewhat hopeful that this might be partly due to her starting to develop feelings towards the Beast. It was then announced that the carriage was soon to arrive, so she and the others started out the front doors. The air that blew in was so cold it bit at her skin sent many objects rushing away to avoid being blown. Lumiere remained standing by the doorway, gripping the frame with his candles. "Sacre bleu!" He gasped.
The snow fall appeared to have resided for the present, which would be a great help in finding their way, but the dark clouds overhead remained in a menacing formation. Speed would need to be of the essence to take full advantage of this break in the storm, however brief. As the light from the entrance spilled onto the white powder a path of slight imprints could just be seen, leading away towards the gates and beyond.
Lumiere saw this as well, and as he had often seen the Beast starting out to roam during the nights he knew at once where they would have to go. "Mademoiselle" he called out to Belle "The ravine that begins just outside the gates of the castle, that's where he would be." She nodded to him, grateful for this information.
The carriage, having arrived at the front door, stood waiting for them. It looked like a strange wooden spider, with legs and a coach for its middle. The servant's politely stood aside, allowing Belle to board first. Stepping through the door, she found the inside very much the same as any carriage would be. She quickly took a seat, pulling her knees up against her as the accompanying staff climbed aboard with her. Along with them came several large blankets. She didn't have to ask what they might be for.
I know he's out there, she thought to herself, and we will find him alive. The door swung closed and the carriage began to move forward, cutting off anymore thoughts. They moved with a galloping like motion a crossed the castle grounds, and headed over the stone bridge way. Looking through the side window she could now see the ravine, its looming depth and rocky formations.
She had not paid any real attention to the ravine during her stay and had not retained any memory of its appearance upon her arrival. It was really breathtaking and beautiful, aside from its daunting size. How on earth are we going to find him, where are we even going to start? The worried whispers of the staff came back to her in a haunting fashion and she wrapped her arms around herself more tightly trying to gain the calmness she would require to face this task. The gates ahead came apart allowing them entrance to the outside world.
Now moving alongside the ravine the carriage slowed its pace and for a moment the path of tracks had vanished making the situation seem hopeless. Looking out the window, as the carriage took a few cautious steps in the direction they had been heading, the coat rack spotted the trail of imprints a short distance way. There wasn't a minute to lose as they hurried forward.
It seemed they had gone for several miles by this point and the break in the storm was threating to unleash it's pent up fury upon them all at any given moment. None of the carriages occupants spoke on this, too afraid to create even more doubt and fear. Then… something began to come into their field of vision, though it was very difficult to make out from the hazy surroundings.
It's didn't matter, Belle saw it and began screaming franticly "BEAST! BEAST!" The wind carried the sound of her screams to the still form lying ahead of them.