A/N: Welcome back :) I'm very excited about this chapter. As mentioned last update, where I dropped a "huge" hint, an important plot changing event is about to be revealed. I hope the chapter was worth the wait.
As always a big thank you goes to my beta Wanderlustandfreedom for her precious help with this chapter. And I'd also like to thank my reviewers Carvie16, fresh-BLOOD-was-drawn-2night, AmethystDragon14, Harry Potter Fan 1994, SparkyGurly 227 and Marie19 for having left a review for the last chapter. Any feedback (big or small) is always appreciated and is a great motivational boost for me to continue writing so don't be afraid to leave me a message with your thoughts.
AmethystDragon14: Ow! I'm sorry for the heart attack but all the drama will be worth it at the end. Great Bal coming up that will make up for all the drama. And mistakes are what makes us better and Ben will learn to be an even better ruler because of it. I'm excited for this last part of the story and I'm sure you will be too!
Marie19: Thank you so much for returning with another review. I'd love to continue hearing your thoughts so don't be shy ;) and I hope that you'll continue enjoying each chapter...enough to make you squeal for excitement.
fresh-BLOOD-was-drawn-2night: You've made some great comments. I'm sure this chapter will leave you very satisfied.
SparkyGurly 227: yeah Ben has a lot to be forgiven for...fingers crossed that Mal can understand. I'm excited to find out what you think about this chapter :)
Carvie16: Don't beat yourself too much. But I'm curious to know your thoughts on the big plot point. As with the summary...I'm thinking of doing some sort of recap so the story so far either through a separate chapter or through an intro to chapter so look out for that. And by the way YEP I definitely agree with you - Ben needs a major whack on the head to get back to his senses - at least he seems to be on the right track ;)
Harry Potter Fan 1994: Thanks for your comments and your help - I'll treasure them like I always do. I'm loving our little game of guess the plot. I'm so obviously so so eager to see your reaction after this chapter.
Anyways speaking about last chapter...Ben, realizing that he still loves Mal, gets a hold of himself and asks Arthur for help in freeing her from Gaston's clutches. But Camelot's council refuses which pushes Ben to leave Camelot with the aim of re-instating the Black Arrow to save her. Meanwhile Uma, feeling betrayed by the young prince, swears revenge on him and Mal. Will Ben manager to save Mal in time before she marries King Stefan? And what is the shocking plot point I hinted at last time? Time to find out:
Chapter 31
Mal looked straight ahead and tightened her hold on her long, blue tunic skirts as they flapped behind her. If only the wind would free her and take her back to Camelot and Ben, she thought with despondence. Mal continued to walk across the courtyard of King Stefan's castle, her left hand resting on Gaston's outstretched one as he led her towards the awaiting king. Her only comfort at that moment was the thought of the innocent lives she'll be saving by agreeing to marry the king. A group of soldiers carrying Auradon's blue and yellow banners strode behind her. She took deep breaths and tried to bite down the bile rising from her throat. Gaston hadn't uttered a word during the trip to Auroria, but this had done nothing to calm her mounting nerves. Mal finally dared to glance around and bit her lip. She was unarmed, surrounded by soldiers, and with no means of escape.
"King Stefan will be waiting for us at the end of the throne room." Gaston began. "We will walk up to him in slow steps, but you must keep your gaze fixed to the ground until we've reached him. Only then do you look up at him. Understood?"
"Yes, Gaston," Mal snapped. "You've told me all this already."
"It's not enough," Gaston countered. "Everything needs to be perfect."
Mal's expression darkened as her face twisted in a scowl. "I'll show you perfect. Just give me a bow and arrow," she told herself. Instead, she bit her tongue until she felt blood in her mouth and let Gaston continue to lead her up the stairs. They entered a large room, and Mal heard the scuffling of feet on the ground as her eyes caught the shadow of people lining up at their sides.
"Sire, may I present to you, Mal, princess of the Moorlands," Gaston announced in a high voice gesturing to the princess before taking a step back.
Mal looked up at Stefan as Gaston had instructed her. Her brows arched in confusion when her gaze was met by the king's blank and dazed expression. Stefan's eyes widened as he stood from his seat and began to walk towards her.
"My God," he muttered.
Mal felt a sudden cold wave was over her. She gulped and stared at him. There was something in Stefan's look that left her feeling uneasy.
"Maleficent, it's you," Stefan continued.
Mal froze, and her skin became littered with raised goosebumps as memories from her mother's death began to flash in her mind's eye. Mal heard voices around her, but she couldn't decipher them as she tried to swallow.
"Identical, aren't they?" Gaston's voice pierced through her foggy thoughts.
"Maleficent," Stefan continued, "You've returned to me."
Stefan caressed Mal's jaw. The world around her turned pitch black before the princess found herself back in her old bedroom, hiding behind her headboard as her mother fell to the ground.
"I have a present for you," Stefan exclaimed as Mal's eyes grew larger. A servant came to his side and opened a box. The king reached inside and pulled out a red pendant and offered it to her.
"It," Mal stammered, her eyes flickering between Stefan and the familiar necklace. "It was my mother's." The scene around her shifted again. Mal watched as the towering knight from her nightmares stood from beside her mother's limp body, holding her necklace. 'I'll keep this to remember you by,' he whispered before turning around to address two armored that had entered the room, ordering them to burn the house down. Mal caught the knight's eyes, and she felt the scorching heat from the flames begin to burn her body.
The visions released her, and Mal was back in the throne room. She stepped forward, eyes focused on the necklace in Stefan's hand. There was a dagger strapped to the king's side. In one swift movement, she managed to snatch it away. Loud shouts and screams began to echo in the chamber.
"Murderer!" she yelled, aiming the dagger at the king's heart, but Gaston had caught her wrist mid-air.
"What are you doing, Mal?" Gaston bellowed. He forced the knife out of her hand and pushed Mal to her knees. "Is this the way to repay King Stefan's generosity? He spared your life and wants to make you the queen of all the Fairy-Tale lands."
"You killed them," Mal cried, as tears started to trail down her pale cheeks. "You're the knight that killed my parents!"
Stefan smirked down at the distraught princess. He knelt beside her and caught her jaw in his hand. "You're mine now, Mal, and you're going to become my wife."
"Never!" Mal shouted.
"We shall see about that, my dear," Stefan declared, motioning at two guards to join him. They walked up to the king and picked up a struggling Mal and dragged her out of the room.
Stefan gestured to Gaston to join him. "You did well, Gaston," he praised, clapping him on the shoulder. "But from now on I'll be taking care of Mal," Stefan smirked. "She's stubborn - just like Maleficent. I'll enjoy making her change her mind."
"Thank you, Sire," Gaston replied with a smug smile. "I'm sure that you'll take good care of her. Now, Mal is like a daughter to me, and you're my king, but I want something in return."
Stefan stilled. His smirk dropped, and he glared at Gaston. "What's this blackmail about?"
Gaston thrust out his chest. "I want you to get married in Auradon," he explained. "The whole world must know that I was the one who made it all happen."
Stefan let out a loud laugh as he gave him an understanding nod. "Okay, Gaston, I guess you've deserved it. Now come, my friend. Let's celebrate my upcoming marriage and victory in the Great War."
- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴-THE BLACK ARROW ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴-
Tugging at his horse's reins, Ben stopped to stare at Auradon's castle on top of the hill. He'd been riding through the valley for days trying to think of a way to sneak into the castle. He'd gone to the river hoping to find Lonnie, but the maid hadn't been with the other servants. Ben's hoped that nothing had happened to his childhood friend. His head snapped to the side as the sound of voice and noises alerted him to the approaching patrol guards. He dismounted and pulled his horse behind a thick group of trees and bushes and watched as a group of soldiers led by Dopey rode through the path ahead of him. Ben let out a sigh of relief when they passed through and reached out for his horse. He stopped mid-track when a low voice called his name. Ben twirled around, unsheathing his sword and aiming it at his attacker's heart.
"One word and you're dead," Ben exclaimed, staring at the well-built, tanned Auradonian soldier. He'd seen him at the castle before, and he recognized the soldier's distinctive traits of Agrabah, but he didn't know his name.
"You're the one who's going to be dead if you don't leave Auradon, Prince Ben," Jay retorted, taking a step back.
Ben lifted the tip of his sword to the soldier's neck. "I need to get into the castle, and you're going to help me."
Jay kept his steely gaze fixed on Ben. "Go to the old woodsman barn at the eastern edge of the lake. It's a two-hour walk from here." Ben brows furrowed in confusion. "You'll find Lonnie and Carlos. I'll meet you there."
"What's your name? You sent you?" Ben asked.
"You have no choice but to trust me," Jay replied.
"Jay! Jay!" Dopey's voice echoed throughout the forest. "Where are you?"
Ben turned around in the direction of the voice. He couldn't let Dopey find him. He had no choice but to trust the soldier in front of him. Ben lowered his sword, making his decision. Jay nodded, and the prince went back to hide behind the bushes.
Jay mounted his horse and rode back to the patrol. "I'm here, captain," he called out.
"Did you find anything?" Dopey asked.
"No, it was a wild animal," he replied before joining the rest of the soldiers.
Ben waited until the soldiers were out of sight before mounting his horse and galloped towards the direction of the lake. The soldier was right, and it took Ben around two hours to reach the cabin. After dismounting and tying the reins to a wooden fence, he began to walk toward the door. His face broke into a smile when Lonnie opened the door and rushed out to greet him. A wave of relief washed over him at seeing her unharmed. "Lonnie," he whispered.
"Ben," she exclaimed, running up to him. She enveloped him in a tight hug.
"Ben!" another young voice rang out. Ben and Lonnie broke their hug as Carlos burst out of the door to join them. "I was sure I'd see you again," he gushed. Ben bent on one knee and hugged him.
Ben stood up. "I'm so happy to see you both," he sighed.
"Gaston wanted to imprison us, and so we had no choice but to run away from the castle," Lonnie recounted.
Guilt slipped into Ben's stomach at her words. Lonnie would've never been in any kind of danger if it wasn't for him and Mal.
"But how did you find us, Ben?" she asked. "You've got to be careful. It's too dangerous for you to be here in Auradon."
"A soldier told me," Ben exclaimed. All heads turned to the side of the forest as an Auradonian knight approached them. The prince recognized the soldier from the forest. "Him," he confirmed.
Ben raised an eyebrow when Lonnie walked away to greet him. The soldier dismounted his horse, and the two shared a hug before he pulled her for a brief kiss. They broke apart, and Lonnie reached out for the soldier's hand and walked back to Ben and Carlos. Ben's heart warmed as Lonnie's smile seemed to brighten up the entire forest. He'd never seen her look so happy.
"Jay and I love each other," Lonnie exclaimed. "And we're going to get married."
Ben's smile grew wider. "I'm so happy for you." A somber look then settled on his face as the memories of all that had happened in the recent months flooded him. "Lonnie. I'm sorry," Ben blurted out. "I owe you an apology. I asked you to help me fight against Gaston, and all I've done is put you and your brother at risk." Ben broke eye contact. He lowered his gaze to his hands, which began to tremble. "I've already got Doug's blood on my hands. I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you too."
"Ben," Lonnie whispered, reaching out for his hands and giving them a warm squeeze, causing him to look back at her. "You don't have to apologize. I've said terrible things to you too. I let the hurt and sorrow for Doug's death cloud my judgment and doubt you and Mal's' intentions. But I was wrong, and I don't regret anything I've done. Ben, we're friends, and I care for you, and nothing is ever going to change that." Silence rested between them for a few seconds, and then Lonnie let out a breath. "And Doug's death is not your fault, Ben. It's the war that killed him, and unless tyrants like Gaston are stopped, more innocent lives will be lost." She let go of his hands and wrapped her arm around Jay's waist with a kind smile.
Lonnie's comforting and forgiving words prompted Ben to smile. He nodded. "Thank you." Ben was silent as he turned to face Jay. "Do you have news of Mal?"
Jay sighed, his lips pinching together in a frown. "Mal's no longer in Auradon. They've taken her to the Dwarf's mines."
The hairs on Ben's neck stood up straight, and he took on a far-away, fearful look. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He'd heard horrific rumors about the mines. "The Dwarf's mines," Ben stammered, "the hell of the living souls."
̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴
Hours later, after Jay revealed Gaston's plans to make Mal marry King Stefan to Ben, the prince and Carlos made their way to a tavern, on the outskirts of the Auradonian territory. Ben helped Carlos dismount from his horse and turned to face the tavern's pictorial sign hung over the door.
"Why did you bring me here, Carlos?" Ben asked, wrinkling up his nose in curiosity.
Carlos reached for Ben's hand and began to pull him towards the door. "I swore not to tell anyone, but I'm doing this for you and Mal."
Ben caught him by the shoulder and turned Carlos around and knelt beside him. "Thank you," Ben said. "You're going to be an honorable knight when you're older."
Carlos's face lit up at the praise. The little boy spun around and entered the tavern, followed by Ben. The smell of fresh bread and wood smoke from the fire accosted Ben as soon as he opened the door. Ben looked around him, his gaze darting across the large room. The patrons were busy chatting around the gaming tables while a fireplace at the far right, with a cauldron cooking, provided warmth to the cozy inn. The prince continued to follow Carlos until the boy stopped in front of the counter. Ben's eyebrows shot up as he gaped in surprise.
His head snapped back up, and he blinked. "Tuck! Godmother!" Ben breathed.
Friar Tuck and Godmother looked up and caught sight of him. "Ben," Tuck exclaimed with raised eyebrows. "Oh dear god," Godmother whispered with a small smile. All three froze for a few seconds until Tuck turned around the counter and led a still shocked Ben towards the kitchens. "Come, before anyone sees you. It's dangerous out here. Gaston's men are looking all over for you."
They passed through the kitchens and entered a small storeroom, sitting down on a long table. "During Gaston's attack on the Black Arrow's camp, I was mortally wounded," Tuck recounted. "I was so close to the brink of death that everyone believed it, and they left me there."
"And then?" Ben asked.
"God had mercy of my soul, and somehow I managed to survive and woke up. Dead and resurrected," he quipped with a grin. "But tell me about you? I've heard about Arthur's assassination attempt."
"Gaston almost succeeded, but we managed to stop the assassin just in time," Ben replied.
"And Mal? Where is she?" Godmother interjected. "Why isn't she with you?"
"They've captured her, and Gaston was going to force her to marry King Stefan, but she refused, and they've taken her to the Dwarf's mines." Ben explained.
Tuck withdrew back in shock. "Mal's imprisoned in the Dwarf's mines?" he repeated.
"That's why I'm here, Tuck!" Ben declared. "I need your help. I need to save her at all costs."
"At all costs?" Tuck asked.
"I'm willing to do anything to find men who are willing to help me. I want to reinstate the Black Arrow." Ben stated. "I also need to keep the promise I made to Robin and free these lands from Gaston's and Stefan's rule."
Tuck stole a side glance at Godmother and bit his lip. He didn't say anything, but Ben could tell that he was lost in thought. "Okay," he nodded, locking eyes with the prince, "there might be someone who might be able to help us, but you've got to promise me that you won't do anything stupid."
"What do you mean?" Ben asked.
"Just promise me," Tuck insisted, with a solemn expression.
"Okay, I promise," Ben agreed.
"Good, now come with me," Tuck said, getting to his feet and making his way out from a side door. Ben followed the friar through the narrow, cobbled streets of the village until they arrived in a square where a group of children was seated on several logs watching a puppet show. Tuck and Ben stopped beside them.
Ben stared at the two puppets on the stage with a frown. One was wearing an archer outfit while the other a long white dress. Why did Tuck want to waste time watching a puppet show?
"Now we need to fight the tyrant ruler who's been oppressing us for far too long," the male voice rang out.
"But it's dangerous," the female voice replied. "Gaston is a ruthless man. He could kill you. Please don't go!"
"Don't be afraid, young maiden," he comforted. "We'll outsmart him as we've always done, and we'll force him to retreat. And then when we've won…"
"We'll get married as you've promised me," she interrupted him, causing all the children to erupt in a fit of giggles.
"We'll see about that," he said. "You know I still have to fight for everyone's freedom. I'm the leader of the Black Arrow. I'm…"
"Robin of Locksley," the children shouted in a chorus before beginning to clap loudly.
The two puppets bowed to their young audience before disappearing under the stage while the children scattered and went their separate ways.
"What's does this mean, Tuck?" Ben scowled with an accusatory tone. "Is this a joke?"
"He's a changed man, Ben," Tuck replied.
"Who are you referring to?" Ben asked as his breast caught in his chest. "Who's changed?"
"Remember you've promised not to do anything stupid, Ben," Tuck reminded him as he began to walk towards the stage.
Ben's expression turned blank for a moment before his eyes began to blaze as they focused on Chad and Audrey who'd just appeared from underneath the stage. The pair stopped, frozen on the spot, and threw a glance at each other in nervousness before turning to face the Auradonian prince. "Chad," Ben spat, staring at Tuck.
"Ben," Chad whispered in a tense tone. Audrey pressed herself to the blonde's side. "You aren't here to kill us, right?"
"You don't tell the kids how the story of the Black Arrow ends, right, Chad?" Ben accused as Chad looked taken aback.
"Kids should only hear stories full of hope," Chad protested.
"The same hope you stole by betraying us to Gaston," Ben jabbed, face growing red.
"I'll never be able to forgive myself for what I've done, Ben." Chad replied.
"Come on, Tuck," Ben declared, spinning around, "let's get away from here before I'm sick."
"Ben, wait," Tuck exclaimed. "Chad is a different man now. I wouldn't have brought you here if it wasn't true."
"Tuck, I don't have time to waste," Ben retorted. "I need to save Mal from the Dwarf mines."
"That's why I brought you here. You need men to help you."
"Men, exactly," Ben spat. "Not traitors."
"But Chad has changed Ben." Tuck raised an arm to grip Ben's shoulder. "He's only asking for a second chance."
"How can you ask me to trust him after all that he's done?" Ben asked. "Everyone is dead because of him."
"Yes because of him Gaston killed all our friends but think about all the innocent lives that Gaston will continue to kill unless we stop him. Chad just wants a chance to redeem himself. If it was you who made a terrible mistake, Ben, wouldn't you want a second chance?" Tuck rebuked as Ben's face turned stony. His chest tightened and several conflicting emotions filled him. He'd killed Doug, put Lonnie in danger, and fell for Uma, betraying Mal. He wasn't free of blame either. And what if Mal didn't forgive him?
"Think about Robin. He'd given him another chance." Tuck pressed on.
Ben narrowed his eyes on Chad and then sighed. "Okay, I will," he agreed. "I just hope I won't come to regret my decision. And now let's go. Mal needs me."
A/N: So what do you think? Stefan's secret is out! Well done to Harry Potter Fan 1994 and fresh-BLOOD-was-drawn-2night for giving the correct guess in the last review - Stefan was indeed the knight that killed Maleficent. There were other subtle hints I left along the story - if you recall the prologue Stefan had extensive knowledge of the Fae and ultimately used it to become King. And there's also Chapter 22 where Gaston whispered something in Stefan's ear and the king perked up at the news i.e. that Gaston had captured Mal and was going to give her to him to marry.
Marie19 - You've asked about Lonnie and Jay - there's your answer - I hope I've pleased everyone. And Lonnie and Ben had that long overdue talk and their friendship is back to being as strong as ever. And we haven't seen the last of Lonnie and Jay either. The news of their marriage might seem a bit rushed and it might not seem like it but there's been a time lapse since we've last seen them :)
And what about the bombshell that Tuck and Godmother are still alive? Did anyone see that coming? And Chad has returned to try and redeem himself (HPFan 1994...well done on that too ;)) - will he succeed? And what has happened to Mal - are the mines as horrific Ben has heard? There's so much more about to happen...tune in next chapter to find out what! Till next time.
UPDATE 08/08/20 - HEY :) Just wanted to put everyone's mind at rest that I'm okay...I've just gotten delayed with writing the new chapter. I've started to work on it but RL has really got in the way these last few weeks and my beta Wanderlust is also extremely busy. So, please have a little more patience with us but I hope to get it out in the coming weeks. But I also got sidetracked by a new fanfiction project which I'm super excited about but which I'll tell you all about with my next update. See ya soon and stay safe in the meantime!