Innocence of a Child Chapter 5
It took Maurice a while, but he finally managed to give that pack of wolves pursuing relentlessly pursuing him the slip. He'd done his best to draw the pack away from his youngest child and the plan worked, but then he found himself in danger. There were a few close calls. By some miracle Maurice avoided losing his life to become their next meal.
Now Maurice was plagued with another problem. He was still hopelessly lost and if he didn't find shelter soon Maurice was sure he'd fall victim to the cold. Like Cosette he was dressed for the summer season not this chilly weather.
Just as he was about to lose faith Maurice came across the same castle that Cosette found refuge at without even realizing it.
Exhibiting extreme caution Maurice walked on the grounds heading for the main entrance. When he got to the steps that led to them Maurice found someone he did not expect.
"Philippe," said Maurice, jogging over to the horse.
Philippe was still in his stall warm and well fed. He nickered at Maurice in greeting.
Maurice stroked the loyal horse on the neck, saying "Well if you're here, my friend. That must mean Cosette is here too. Judging by the look of things you've been well looked after. I guess I'll go in and pay my respects to our host and see where Cosette is."
A tingle of fear rippled through Maurice as he gazed up at torches held by hands sculpted from iron. The hands looked so lifelike that it deeply unnerved Maurice and he couldn't resist reaching out to tap one just to be sure. The remained still and as Maurice touched the door it creaked open under the slightest pressure.
"Hello," called Maurice, peering in. "Anyone home?" Maurice stepped inside shaking off his snow-ridden coat. "Forgive me. I don't mean to intrude. I need shelter from the storm. Hello?" His voice echoed in the large empty hall he found himself in. "Also, I'm looking for my daughter. Her name is Cosette. She'd been riding the horse that is outside in your stable."
Maurice took off his hat hanging it to dry on a nearby coatrack. Relieved of some of the heavy burden slowing him down, back turned, he failed to notice the coatrack shake the snow off Maurice's coat like a dog.
"He must've gotten lost in the woods with the girl."
"Would you shut up!"
Maurice heard the hushed whispers and he believed someone else was in there with him.
Turning, Maurice said "Hello?"
But there was no one there only empty air o his dismay.
Maurice then saw the same candelabrum and mantel clock that Cosette had taken an interest in earlier that night. Picking it up Maurice traced the intricate features of the metalwork.
"Beautiful," said Maurice in admiration. Maurice then did the same for the mantel clock.
Maurice then caught the sound of a soft music distinctly from a harpsichord playing from where a pair of large gilded doors that were open. He then put down both objects to get closer to them.
"A man of taste," said Lumiere, the candelabrum.
"He was talking about me," said Cogsworth, the mantel clock.
Maurice followed the heavenly melody to find a ballroom of massive proportions. The strange thing is that the moment he took one step into the interior the music came to abrupt end. He scanned to see if the musician responsible for such lovely music was present, but the ballroom is as vacant as the rest of the castle.
Maurice returned to the front parlor to warm himself and found a welcome surprise. Through the door to the dining room he saw a roaring fire and food laid out for him to enjoy.
"Oh, thank you," breathed Maurice, sitting down to sup.
The food presented to Maurice was actually part of the leftovers from unfinished feast that Cosette had been provided with earlier on.
Maurice immediately tucked in draping a napkin neatly over his lap tearing into a loaf of bread relishing the taste. Maurice went to take a cap of tea already filled to the brim, but he needn't have done so. All on its own the teacup slid towards him of its own accord.
Maurice leapt back in the chair stunned staring at it in bafflement.
"Mum said I wasn't supposed to move because it might be scary," said Chip, quietly.
Maurice was mute grimacing in discomfort.
"Sorry," said Chip, sufficiently cowed.
"It's all right," said Maurice, smiling. He then bolted from the table leaving a guilt-ridden Chip behind.
Outside thunder crackled signaling a storm was brewing.
"I cannot thank you enough for your hospitality," said Maurice, retrieving his coat and heading for the exit slipping out the doors. "I'll bid you adieu and good night."
Maurice failed to see the person concealed on top of the staircase watching him go.
Temporarily taking leave of his senses it slipped Maurice's mind that he had a second daughter still inside this place. Right now he was so scared he couldn't think clearly.
Maurice quickly saddled Philippe trotting to the front gates. Maurice backpedalled when he saw the abundant roses growing in the garden.
"No, wait, wait, wait," said Maurice, stopping Philippe. He'd almost forgotten the rose he'd promised to bring home to Belle. "Roses. I nearly forgot." He dismounted taking Philippe's reins walking him forward on foot. "We're safe here. I promised Belle a rose." Maurice anchored Philippe down moving into the terrace where the vines were most grown.
As Maurice went to pluck one from its branch he was oblivious to the warning Philippe was trying to give his master. He grunted and huffed kicking snow as Philippe tried to run.
"There," said Maurice, plucking a flower.
That sealed his fate.
A ferocious growling was heard from above. Philippe couldn't take it anymore. Whinnying shrilly broke free fleeing for home as what could only be described as a monster stomped over to Maurice covering him in shadow.
What had he done?
Authors Note:
Wow we're already nearing the 1st anniversary of when I posted the very first chapter of this story. How time flies.
None of you are going to believe what happened to me recently. I was on the way to get my nails done for a potential job interview when suddenly another car slams into my from behind. An idiot driver wasn't paying attention so I and the car in front of me got hit pretty hard. I'm fine, got lucky, not a scratch on me, but it could've been a lot more serious. Right now the side of my head hurt and my left side is really starting to feel the pain. Nothing's broken just sore and bruised.
Bad news is my car got totaled. I really liked this car to I've had it for three years. Good news is I'm going to be able to buy a new one, unfortunately, it'll be a while before I can.
Today was looking so bright and then this crap happened.
For those of you who drive here, take my advice. EYES ON THE ROAD! I came out alive this time around. The same thing might not happen for any of you if you get into an accident. It's harsh, but the truth.