~Chapter 6~
Rapunzel
Scarface looked down at me from the open hatch as Eye Patch climbed down the rope ladder joining me and Flynn. I may have known their true names thanks to Flynn, but I had already grown used to identifying them by a physical feature. In the same way Flynn calls me 'Blondie', I suppose. Eye Patch clamored down into my space as Flynn watched us. He took out a knife from his belt. A long serrated knife that looked sharp enough cut animal hide. I sucked in a nervous breath upon seeing the weapon, but in one fluid motion, he cut through the ropes around my ankles.
"Get up," He ordered.
I didn't know what was going to happen at this point, but I saw no use in not maintaining the status quo.
"So here's how this is going to play out," Eye Patch grumbled, "You're here to heal the lord of this land. Do that with your freakish, magic hair and nobody will harm you."
The odds weren't exactly in my favor. Once I got topside and could get any idea of where I was, maybe I could make a break for it. Though if I had the chance to heal someone it would show my usefulness.
"How sick is this man?" I asked.
"Your job isn't to ask questions," Eye Patch said.
"Well, here's one anyway, Sherlock," I snapped, with sudden courage, "How do you expect me to climb up that ladder with my hands tied?"
Instead of answering me, he picked me up by my waist heaving me onto his shoulder. Before I knew it, I was out of the hold of the ship and the sun was hitting my face. Eye Patch took me off his shoulder and put me back on my feet again. I glared at him for his rough approach. As I took in the view around me, the ship was still surrounded by water with a single dock leading toward the land. I knew this wasn't near my home. The colors of the plant life were anything but green and vibrant. Hues of brown of all ranges were all that I could see. I didn't like this place. It just seemed to be dying and withering away. Already I missed the greenery and life of Corona. Aside from the colors of the surrounding trees and plant life, this landmass was probably four times the size of Corona. I knew that the world outside the tower was large, but beyond that world, this one was even larger. It was equally intimidating and exciting to me. In such a large place, it would be easy to find somewhere to hide though there was limited tree cover. I glanced around me as Eye Patch and Scarface were waiting for the walkway off the ship to be placed. There were all sorts of weapons sitting in racks nearby and one caught my eye being quite sharp. I didn't know the names of such things, but I had seen the likes depicted in books. There were hatchets and axes among the racks. I swiped the rope around my wrists against the blade freeing myself instantly. I didn't care where I went, but anywhere was better than here. I leapt off the side of the boat into the water expecting to splash and run up to shore and make my escape. I did hit the water, but my feet couldn't touch the bottom. It was deeper than I anticipated. My head popped above the surface for a few seconds, but I felt a weight pulling me down. It was my braided hair. Pascal was a good swimmer and I pointed out the hair ties that he needed to bite through. He did so quickly and soon my hair was free. I struggled to get my face above the surface again when an arm grabbed me at my waist yanking me up. It was Flynn. I gasped for air upon reaching the surface followed by loads of guttural coughing.
He swam me to where my feet could touch the bottom of the water. It was embarrassing I didn't know how to swim, a fact that I didn't realize until today. Though my hair had weighed me down more than I anticipated with it being wet. Scarface and Eye Patch were waiting on the shore as Flynn and I came ashore beside the boat. Eye Patch wrapped several rounds of rope around my entire torso instead of my wrists pulling and yanking good and tight holding onto one end of the rope.
"Let me go, this is kidnapping! This is not how someone should be treated!" I yelled.
I tried to pull against them this way and that.
"Shut her up, let's get this over with," Scarface grumbled.
Eye Patch shoved a cloth over my mouth rather aggressively as my fighting spirit ebbed.
"We could have done this the easy way," Scarface commented, "Let's go."
Flynn marched forward on my left as Scarface and Eye Patch led in front. I followed them obediently as my blonde hair got tangled and matted as it dragged behind me.
The kingdom of wherever we were was expansive like its land. We came through a village as the townsfolk looked at me in my state, tied up like an animal. There were flags strewn across the rooftops of the homes. They were navy with a silver stitching of a moon on them. I didn't know what that meant and gave me no clue as to where I was. Following a winding path from the village was a stone fortress that was covered in dead ivy coming from the foundation. This place had to have been beautiful and green at one time or another. I was starting to feel fatigued, not that anyone here cared. Flynn felt bad for my situation, sure, but lacked the courage to stand up for what was right. Though if I were to choose, I'd make him an ally. Ally doesn't mean I had to trust him, but he would get me back home. My constraints and this wretched cloth covering my mouth and nose made it more difficult. A large gate outside the fortress halted us with guards clad in navy uniforms patrolling the entrance.
"State your business!" One of them growled.
Eye Patch stepped forward, clearing his throat.
"We found the notice in Corona of the lord here who fell ill and we have come to heal him."
The guards exchanged glances and seemed very doubtful of the claim looking at the four of us.
"How?" The guard asked.
Scarface tugged on rope yanking me a few steps forward forcefully.
"She has healing magic. We found her lost and alone in the woods." Eye Patch continued.
The guards started laughing at the idea. It was humiliating not being able to speak for myself.
"Your claim is ridiculous, but the steward says to let anyone attempt who says they can though it appears you're wasting our time, especially with someone who doesn't seem to be a willing participant."
"Well open the gate, but it is strict regulation that any weapons are left here with us. You can claim them when you leave.
Scarface and Eye Patch glanced at each other hesitating, but Flynn was the first to lay down his dagger on his belt. The twins followed suit and once the weapons were given over, the guards both pulled a wooden wheel on either side of the gate opening. Beyond the gate was a courtyard, with a lifeless tree and brambles that surrounded it. I never knew I could miss grass this much especially given I had been walking so long with my bare feet. The courtyard was expansive and another guard met us on the other side posted outside a door leading inside the fortress. He asked the same questions as the previous guards and as Eye Patch explained again, he led the way inside. The entryway hall was huge with a large window in the ceiling that drew my eye letting sunlight flood the room. Oil paintings hung on the stone walls and I wished I could have appreciated them more if I hadn't been a kidnapped victim. Past the entryway, we turned a corner going down a long corridor and through a pair of double doors. Through the doors, a man in regal attire sat on a burgundy cushioned seat in the middle of the room. Tapestries hung from the ceiling of the same moon stitched in silver I saw in the village. I wondered if it was the kingdom crest. Candelabras were fixed on the walls giving the room a rough dim light. The man looked to be of some age as I took note of the greying beard around his face.
"Steward," The guard said, "This group claims to be able to heal our lord. They've come far from Corona."
The man in the seat stood up and dismissed the guard to wait outside the room. It's not like we were alone as there were four other guards posted within this room.
"You're not Lord Xander Conwyn?" Eye Patch inquired.
"I'm his brother Lachlan, Steward of Ravadyn since he has fallen ill. Many have seen our notice of request for a physician or healer and many have failed, what makes you so confident?"
"This woman has magic hair and we've seen it in action," Scarface said.
The Steward glanced at me looking at my predicament.
"She looks highly restrained, is she dangerous?"
"No sir," Flynn blurted out, "She just wants to-"
"We desire the bounty for her services." Scarface interrupted.
The Steward walked toward us and stood in front of me.
"Let this woman speak for herself." The Steward ordered.
Eye Patch quickly began untying my ropes and as he did so he whispered something only I could hear.
"Don't abuse this freedom, just heal and I won't tie you up again. Just obey."
I swear I wanted to spit in his face after all that these men have put me through, but obedience is one thing that mother ingrained in me thoroughly. I didn't want to prolong my situation and after walking for miles from the harbor bound and constrained in such a way really was eye-opening for me. As Eye Patch removed the cloth from my mouth, I looked at the Steward and fell to my knees.
"I want to help your lord however I can, please." I muttered.
"Before I allow that, I must witness this power." The Steward replied.
The brothers glanced at one another as Scarface stepped toward the Steward.
"Do you have a knife I might use for this demonstration?" He asked.
Lachlan hesitated but was curious to see what he was doing to show. He pulled a small dagger from his belt handing it to Scarface.
"Rider, come here for a sec."
Flynn obliged his request and before Flynn or any of us could question further. Scarface grabbed Flynn's hand and sliced it open as drops of blood dripped on the ground. Flynn gritted his teeth initially and was probably holding back the pain he felt from the cut.
"Contain yourself, sir." The Steward growled, "That hardly seemed necessary."
"Go on then," Eye Patch ordered me.
I grabbed the end of my hair and quickly wrapped it around Flynn's injury. As I pulled my hair tight, he winced and I bit my lip nervously.
"Sorry, but this will be better in a moment."
Flynn looked at me curiously as I closed my eyes and sang.
"Flower, gleam and glow
Let your power shine
My hair began to glow as I opened my eyes, concentrating.
Make the clock reverse
Bring back what once was mine
Heal what has been hurt
Change the Fates' design
Save what has been lost
Bring back what once was mine
What once was mine
As soon as my song was done, I unwrapped my hair and the only traces of blood were on the ground from before and the cut was no more.
"Are you pleased, sir?" Eye Patch asked.
"Quite." The Steward acknowledged, "Follow me so you might heal the master."
The guys stayed behind as the Steward led me through a nearby corridor and up three flights of stairs. My legs were already fatigued from the day and this wasn't helping. Once we reached the top of the stairs, we came down another long hallway with two guards posted outside a door at the end. The Steward instructed the guards to open the door and the two of us went inside. The bedroom I walked into was massive with typical furnishings though ornate and the crest of Ravadyn posted on every wall. Tucked in bed on the other side of the room was a man probably around the Steward's age. It made sense as they were brothers. The man looked as if he were merely asleep laying there. Though he did have ghastly pale skin.
"So what's wrong with him?"
"Three months ago, he was coughing up blood non-stop and sleeps throughout the days. He's only awake long enough to get some food and water every other day."
I wasn't familiar with any ailments that was always my mother's specialty. Though at least Lord Conwyn was able to get fluids in.
"May I?" I asked the steward gesturing to my hair not wanting to assume I didn't need permission after healing Flynn's hand. The Steward pulled back the covers as I picked up the whole of my hair and gently laid it on top of the Lord like a blonde blanket. I didn't know the source of his illness, but if my hair covered his whole body, there would be nothing to miss. The Steward stepped back as I closed my eyes and began to sing. The glowing began and I could feel the warmth. A few seconds after my song was done, Lord Conwyn opened his eyes as the Steward briefly explained what happened. Lord Conwyn sat up in his bed looking up at me curiously.
"If what my brother said is true then I owe you a great debt, what's your name?"
"Rapunzel," I replied.
"Thank you for your help, I won't forget it."
Conwyn rose from the bed probably for the first time in months judging by what the Steward had mentioned. He put velvet robes on over his bed clothes and proceeded for the door.
"I'm in a generous mood, I must reward those who brought this woman here today."
When we came back downstairs into the main hall, Flynn was on the ground unconscious as Eye Patch and Scarface looked on carelessly.
"What happened here?"
"Our friend was trying to double-cross us and take the bounty for himself and we managed to knock him out. We brought the woman, so he doesn't deserve a cut, maybe it's best for him to serve for his crimes here." Eye Patch explained.
"You filthy liar!" I growled, speaking on Flynn's behalf. I knew what it was like to not be able to speak up for yourself. "Are you that greedy to leave him behind?" I fell on my knees in front of Lord Conwyn, "Sir, these men are vicious, don't give them a bounty." I pleaded. Eye Patch and Scarface quickly showed their hands to the Steward and Lord Conwyn.
"This woman was rebellious and a disobedient wench the whole journey over here. My brother and I have rope burns from trying to keep her at bay. Our friend here does not because he didn't even try to help get her here to heal a man in need." Eye Patch said.
Playing the victim card and Lord Conwyn was buying it. I just healed him, but surely he couldn't make a decent decision on this so soon. The steward examined Flynn's hands and secured Eye Patch's claim to the bounty.
"My jurisdiction as it stands only applies to that of my people of Ravadyn, but I will oblige the request that the traitor will serve out punishment as a servant.
Lord Conwyn cleared his throat and ordered the twins to receive their bounty. A large treasure chest was brought forth and the brothers hardly could contain their pleasure. They tossed aside Flynn like trash and went on their way though not before handing the lord a folded-up paper of some sort. Lord Conwyn returned to his seat and sat down clearing his throat. Flynn came to shortly after seemingly dazed and confused. Lord Conwyn gestured for a guard to come forth as they clapped Flynn in irons and I knew I had to try again to plead for him.
"My lord, what is the meaning of this? I'm innocent." Flynn said, as the irons were promptly fixed on his wrists. Technically, he assisted in my kidnapping, but he was my ticket out of this place.
"Your comrades relayed to me your guilt, so as punishment you will work here in my home as a servant until your debt has been paid."
"He's done nothing wrong!" I commented timidly.
"I'm a citizen of Corona, I have rights!" He said.
Conwyn unfolded the paper the twins handed him before they left and showed it to all of us. It was the wanted poster of Flynn that was plastered on the trees throughout the woods at home. The likeness wasn't an exact match, but you could tell it was Flynn in a general sense. Flynn widened his gaze in surprise, but cleared his throat and knelt down before Conwyn
"Look," Flynn said, "I've done some things in the name of surviving, but whatever falsehoods my so-called comrades told you, it's a lie."
"So you didn't want this woman to come here to have the chance to heal me?"
"She was abducted against her will, sir, nothing against you." Flynn added.
"I've heard enough!" Conwyn shouted.
I bit my lip nervously as two guards lifted Flynn to his feet.
"See that he starts his new duties."
The guards began to lead Flynn away as Conwyn's demeanor changed upon facing me.
"I owe you a large debt I cannot repay so simply, but ask for anything, my dear, within reason of course."
Anything? I thought.
"My lord, I just want to go home."
"This is your home now."
"But I can't stay, I was told that once you were healed, I would leave."
Conwyn frowned, noticing my hesitance.
"You were wrong to assume such things." He snapped, "I can't let someone with such a gift be used against me. No, you will remain here and may go anywhere you like on these grounds, but never beyond the front gates or near the village. Do you understand?"
Out of one prison straight into another. I couldn't believe I could miss the tower even with this fortress being more spacious. At least at home, I could be myself.
"I said, do you understand?" He emphasized again when I didn't answer.
"Y-Yes." I nodded.
Conwyn looked at his brother as I began looking around for some quick escape strategy.
"Show her to a guest chamber and summon Evangeline the maid to ready her for dinner in a few hours; she should be more presentable. I wish to learn more about Corona. Though we have all the time to do so."
The Steward gestured me to follow him and I did so obediently. We went down a south facing corridor and climbed three flights of stairs. He opened a door on the right side of the hallway as there were several rooms on either side. The room was barely furnished and had no windows to speak of. A room without a view was hardly a room at all. My eyes began to well with water, but I blinked away the tears.
"Evangeline the maid will be with you shortly. She will make sure you are properly bathed, dressed, and that your hair is in order. After that you may wander the grounds if you wish, but you should be back in this room by five sharp for dinner."
He turned toward the door as I spun around nervously.
"But I don't know how to-"
The door slammed behind him.
"Tell time," I muttered.
Pascal crawled down to my shoulder from his hiding place making sure to keep out of sight and I went over and sat on the edge of the bed. He made his way down my arm and stopped in my lap looking up at me.
"Oh Pascal, how are we going to get home?"
I held back the tears that were forming in my eyes. Now was not the time. Thinking positively, it could be a lot worse than this, but realistically I was still a prisoner in a foreign land. Pascal and I were alone for ten minutes before there was a knock on my door. A middle-aged woman came through the door. She was probably around mother's age or so wearing a grey dress and white apron with a white little cap on her head. She carried a sky blue dress in her hands along with other tools for what I could guess would be for my hair. It seemed like a bit much. She laid all the stuff beside me on the bed as she handed me a paper from her pocket. Nothing had been said nor did she introduce herself. Curiously, I opened the note and it read:
Hello Rapunzel, I'm Evangeline and I welcome you to Briarwell Manor, home of our Lord Xander Conwyn. I'll be taking care of your dressing needs for the time you are with us. I am mute, but I can hear just fine. Please, never hesitate to ask anything of me, it is my job.
I finished the note and smiled warmly at her. I wasn't used to having anyone tend to me other than my mother, though she stopped dressing me years ago. This felt weird, but perhaps this was normal for people in the world. Evangeline opened the door and went across the hall to the room parallel to mine opening the door revealing the bathing room. I quietly told Pascal to stay on the nightstand and blend in while I was away. Evangeline doused the bathwater with several bottles that smelled very sweet, reminding me of sweets like cookies or something. As I began to wash all the mud and grime off of me, Evangeline gathered up my hair with some difficulty and got it into the tub as well.
"I know, it's a lot." I smiled sheepishly.
Once I was washed and dried off, Evangeline had to get ten towels to help wring out the water from my hair. I felt like such a nuisance. It was times like these I wanted to take some scissors and shorten the length, but my gift would be no more if that happened. The sky blue dress I was laced into was lovely. It was light fabric with laced long sleeves with embroidery on the hem. I had never worn such a fine garment before. Evangeline began to work on brushing my hair and I insisted to help her because I knew how long a process it was. The process of brushing my hair took less time with four hands combing through the lengthy mess that was my hair. I gave Evangeline a few tips and recommended braiding as those sisters did back in Corona. I merely knew the term, but I didn't know how to do it myself. Evangeline had me sit in front of a table and mirror in the corner of the room. I watched as she separated my hair into three parts. Each separate part she took and wove those together. One braid she took and wrapped around twice around the top of my head like some sort of headband. Then she took the remaining braid and wrapped it over my left shoulder as it fell luckily not to the ground, but just above the hem of my dress. This was good, at least it wouldn't drag, but Evangeline kept fussing. I preferred my hair to be simple and it left little to mess with. Every time mother had tied it back, it always gave me a pain in my head. Evangeline looked at my hair like she was trying to solve a puzzle and I honestly couldn't offer her any suggestions, I thought the braid was fine. Then she snapped her fingers and went over to the wardrobe. She pulled out something that looked like a net and she pulled out some knitting needles and began adding to the net making it longer. She put the knitting needles away after several long minutes had passed as I watched her curiously. Then she approached pinning part of the net behind the braids on top of my head and the rest I couldn't see until she stepped back looking proud of her handiwork. She spun me around so I could see. This net was holding my hair up securely, so now my hair only reached down to the small of my back. It was weighty having my hair arranged in this manner, but I supposed I'd get used to it. Shortly after finishing, the Lachlan knocked at the door signaling for dinner. I wanted to explore since I was free to do so as Conwyn said, but that would have to wait. Pascal was still hiding on the nightstand and I didn't dare risk him being found out and treated like the staff would treat a rat. So I closed my door behind me as Lachlan escorted me to the dining hall. I found myself feeling nervous as I approached the table. Never had I eaten a meal with anyone, but mother. This dining hall was expansive and could easily feed at least fifty people at several tables if they were set up in such a way. Lord Conwyn was sitting at the head of a very long rectangular table. This was a different country and I didn't know if manners were the same here. I already was in the unknown about so much. Lachlan pulled out a chair for me and I casually sat down nearly tripping on my dress hem as I did so. I cleared my throat taking notice of the fine dishes placed in front of me. Lord Conwyn folded his hands together sitting up tall in his chair.
"I must say, Rapunzel, you clean up nicely. Ravadyn garments suit you well."
"Thank you for letting me wear such a fine thing. Though it is too extravagant."
"Nonsense." He replied.
With that, he gestured for the servants to bring in the dinner service with a snap of his fingers. Five servants came in including Flynn who was wearing a servant's garb that appeared to be a little large on him. Each servant brought a tray of food to me for me to move to my plate. A slice of buttered bread, leafy greens, and a slab of meat. It was thick and juicy and I hadn't ever seen such a delicacy before.
"I hope you like your steak rare." Conwyn commented.
He dug into his food as I just picked at mine. Flynn came around the table with water from a pitcher leaning down next to me to fill the glass. Conwyn went off in random commentary about the food as I turned to Flynn in a hushed tone.
"Are you okay?" I asked, "We need to leave."
He quickly shushed me.
"Not now," Flynn replied under his breath as he stood back up and went back to stand in the back of the room. For someone who I now knew to be a thief, he seemed to adapt to service quickly. I know I'd be dropping trays and platters right and left. Nobody should be forced into servitude especially when it's for a crime they didn't commit.
"So Rapunzel, tell me, have you lived in Corona your whole life?"
"Yes sir," I nodded simply.
"Enough with the sir, it's very formal. You can call me Xander."
"Sure, uh, Xander." I muttered.
"I'm sure you're a highlight of any party that is held in Corona."
Was this unique Ravadyn jargon he was going on about. More reasons why I felt like a fish out of water.
"Party? I'm not sure what you mean." I said.
"Surely a young woman like you has gone dancing."
"My mother limited my activities." I replied, simply, "I've always stayed home with her as she often falls ill and I use my hair to heal her. It's my job as her daughter."
"Sounds lonely to me," Xander replied, lifting his water glass to his lips, "Do you have siblings?"
I shook my head.
"Any instruments that you've found to your liking? Many women in Ravadyn take up the harp or piano."
"I have tried guitar, but I'm really no good at it."
"How are the horses bred in Corona? I bet they're fast. I'm sure you're an accomplished rider."
"I'm afraid I've never been on a horse," I muttered.
All these questions seemed simple, but just made me sink down in my chair further and further. There was so much I was unsure of and it was awkward and embarrassing.
"What do you know, Rapunzel? A woman with such a gift as healing must do something with her life."
"I love to sing," I whispered,
Xander raised a brow.
"Speak up, girl. No woman should be a mumbler. It's a nasty habit."
He and mother would certainly get along well.
"I love to sing and I often do it while I'm painting. It brings me much joy." I answered at full volume.
Xander leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms contentedly.
"Finally, we're getting somewhere. Come on then, would you be so kind as to sing for me as we finish our meal?"
"Now?" I questioned.
"Is that a problem?"
"You just put me on the spot, I have no songs that are worthy for your ears. Many I make up in the moment that are nonsensical."
"Come, come Rapunzel, don't be so shy. If you truly love to sing then show me, whatever tune you like."
He was commanding in a way that reminded me of mother, though it was less demanding and veiled behind courteous manners. Though anyone with authority would come off that way to me, I was always intimidated by them. I stood up from the table clearing my throat. I glanced at Flynn who watched curiously. I took in a breath to hum the tune and then the words came out of my mouth.
"A new dawn is breaking
A day for memories in the making
My child, my dear, sweet child
My love for you remains
sure as the rising and the setting sun
I'll always hold you tight as my love remains
For I am yours and you are mine"
The melody was soft and slow, but this tune was the earliest in my memory. I must have heard mother sing it to me, but whenever I sang it around her, she always snapped at me to stop the noise. I often filled the tower with songs whenever I got a chance when she was gone. When the song ended, Xander did two short, stiff claps as I sat down.
"Wonderful, you may be inept in many ways, but singing is not one of them."
I wasn't sure what 'inept' meant, but I was almost certain it wasn't a compliment.
"My lord," I started to say.
"Ah, ah, what did I tell you?" He interrupted.
I pursed my lips.
"Xander," I corrected myself, "I'm glad I could come to help you even though the manner of transport was rough and against my will from the start."
"I should have reprimanded those twins further for such rude behavior. Would you have come had they not forced their hand."
"Perhaps not," I muttered.
"A happy accident, Rapunzel. Nothing more."
"Since I was forced here, I'm glad I could help, so you didn't have to suffer." I continued. "You've been a gracious host and have treated me well."
"And your point?" He interrupted again.
"I wish to go home. All your questions about Corona just bring my home to my mind. My mother will fall ill again without my help. Please, let me go back."
Xander hesitated a reply and grabbed his water glass waved it around to signal Flynn for more.
"It seems to me, Rapunzel, that you cannot possibly miss what you don't know."
"I'm afraid I don't understand," I replied.
"You're a member of my court now. You will learn the ways here in Ravadyn. Your gift is precious and your invitation to stay within my home is welcomed."
"That's not my point, though I thank you for your willingness and hospitality, but my mother-"
"Enough!" He growled, for the first time having raised his voice at me, it was startling. He slammed his hands on the table, but immediately softened.
"Forgive me," He muttered, "As was said before, you may go anywhere in my home that you like, but you are not to leave the grounds. Do you understand?"
I glanced at Flynn and then back at Xander.
"But my mother, without me, she'll-"
"How about a compromise?" Xander offered.
I wasn't sure what he meant by that.
"You compose a letter to your mother telling her that you're safe in Ravadyn. I will send my fastest ship to get your letter to your mother so that she won't worry about you."
"That would help put my mind at ease," I nodded.
"But Rapunzel, this is your home now. I urge you to accept that."
It's like my mother was speaking such restrictions. 'Rapunzel, don't ask to leave the tower again' to Conwyn saying 'This is your home now'. I had no choices of my own. Conwyn's offer to write a letter was agreeable, I didn't know how to write. I was a strong reader, but writing, I never learned or was taught. Mother said it was a skill I didn't need for life at home. I think that's why painting became such a valuable hobby. I couldn't express myself with the written word, but I could with bright, vivid colors of paint. It became such a valuable outlet. Conwyn promptly clapped for the servants to begin clearing the table.
"Rapunzel, I will summon a tutor for you?"
"A tutor?"
"As a young woman your age, you should be privy to more knowledge than your mother allowed you before now. By the time you're finished being taught, you won't even think about Corona."
"Xander, b-but-"
"Though who will teach you. With winter coming, many of the local scholars are traveling to other kingdoms in the off season."
"My lord, if I may, I volunteer."
Flynn stepped forward bowing his head.
"You Flynn?" Conwyn hesitated, "You're serving an active punishment for your crimes-"
"And will continue to do so, but there is some down time between my other duties as I have been learning, so in that time I can teach Rapunzel all she should know,"
"I don't know-" Conwyn replied.
"Do you see anyone else volunteering?" Flynn said.
Conwyn glared.
"Watch your tongue, boy." He paused, " I will give you until tomorrow evening to teach her to ride just a simple canter will do. We will start there."
"Very well, sir." Flynn nodded.
I stayed silent because I doubt my opinion could even sway Conwyn's decision. Though I couldn't see Flynn alone until tomorrow and I wouldn't be here that long. I'd be leaving tonight.
After having my hair stuffed tight for so long, it was beginning to give me quite the headache. Conwyn gave me a freedom I never had at home, wandering the grounds. I could go anywhere I liked, but wasn't allowed to leave. He would be disappointed come the morning. Lachlan showed me where the stables were located since I was requested to meet Flynn there in the morning. It was easy to get turned around anywhere in this manor. Every hall and corridor looked like a copycat of another. I found a lavish library with hundreds of books stacked in shelves that lined the walls of the room with a small fireplace built into the wall. It would take one an entire lifetime to read all these, I thought. Or someone trapped in one location for years on end. I did a lot of reading and rereading in the tower since mother only brought me books on some of her ventures outside. I maybe got one new book a year, so eighteen books are easily gone through with all my spare time. I made notes of large windows I passed throughout the manor, some were just decorative for the views outside and others could open. I think that was my ticket out of here. I came into the kitchens and Flynn was with one other servant washing dishes by the sink. He heard my entry and turned seemingly surprised to see me.
"What are you doing here?"
"Just looking around. Are you okay?" I asked.
"These chores I now have are a welcome distraction," He shrugged, "If I'm left alone in my thoughts too long, I'm angry about what my brothers did."
"I don't get how they can just betray you and leave you here like that and take the money and run."
Flynn took in a short breath as he pulled a plate from the sink to dry with a towel.
"Honestly, I'm not surprised. It's in their nature to be duplicitous and cruel. I guess I didn't think they'd aim it toward me."
"I suppose now you can move on with your life and figure out what Flynn wants." I said. He paused considering the thought as he put the dry plate into the nearby cupboard.
"I'd like to be free to make my own choices. Logan and Leeland made my choices for me for so long. I think I'd like to live on an island on my own away from people with riches I will one day acquire."
"Seems like we have things in common." I said.
"How do you figure?" he replied.
"My mother directs my choices too. I know that she loves me and just wants to protect my gift and keep it safe. After all, look what happened after crossing paths with you and your brothers. I was stolen from my home."
"It wasn't my idea."
"As you've said, but you still assisted them when you could have walked away." I frowned.
There was a harsh, accusing tone to my voice, but I didn't know how to say these words without making them sound awful even if there was truth in them. The other servant grabbed a mop and bucket and headed for the dining hall to clean leaving Flynn and I alone. Though still in hushed tones.
"And in any case, money isn't everything," I added changing subject.
Flynn laughed.
"Okay, sure." He scoffed,
"No, I mean it. I've done just fine without it."
"Yeah because your mother pays for everything for you. You're an adult, Rapunzel, why do you still stay at home."
"Is that unusual?"
"A bird needs to leave the nest sometime."
"Well my circumstances are unique."
"Your hair?" He questioned.
"Protection and the fact that my mother needs my healing. She needs it daily because she is sick."
"I've met your mother and she hardly seemed ill."
"Well, you don't know what's underneath the surface." I defended.
"That's true." Flynn shrugged, "But do you really want to return to a home like that? It must be suffocating."
"My mother needs me, Flynn. I can't abandon her. Ever since I woke up on the ship bound for here, she's constantly been on my mind and I'm worried she's dying back home all alone without me to heal her."
"That's a large burden for her to put on someone so young."
"I'm her daughter, it's my job. Anyways, I need to get back." I said.
"You've made your point. See you in the morning." He commented as I headed for the exit.
"Goodbye, Flynn." I muttered.
There were more servants downstairs than upstairs, so I'd need to use my hair to effectively use one of the windows from the second floor. I've had much practice at home getting mother in and out of the tower. There was one window on the far right side of the hallway by my room that did in fact open, so I fetched Pascal from my room placing him on my shoulder and pushed the window open. The cool winds of the night hit my face and I was trying to hurry before anyone came by. There was a hitch in my plan I quickly found as there was nothing for my hair to snag onto to lower me down.
"Pascal, do you see anything to latch my hair onto?"
He shook his head making a saddened noise. Not wanting to give up, I kept looking, but I didn't want to acknowledge that my plan was failing. Growing more desperate, I thought I'd have to find a window downstairs. Then Pascal began making noise and as I looked in his direction he used his tail to point to the grandfather clock in this hallway.
"What?" I questioned.
The clock's pendulum moved back and forth and I watched it curiously not knowing what Pascal was trying to say. He then pointed to my hair and the clock and I put it together.
"Great idea, thanks Pascal!"
I took out the net that had my hair fixed up so tight, the relief it gave me was immediate. The braids that Evangeline worked so hard on earlier fell down and I shook out my hair. Blonde waves in my hair fell upon the ground as I took the end of my hair and secured it around the weight of the clock. Once I tugged on my hair to make sure it was tight, I hopped onto the window sill and slowly began to decend. Pascal stayed up top to undo my hair once I was safely on the ground. I slid until my feet hit the ground and Pascal released my hair from the clock. He easily climbed down the wall joining me as I picked him up putting him on my shoulder again. I landed in a flower bed of sorts with bushes and blooms surrounding me. Though the blooms looked anything, but healthy. Withered and dead like much of the land in Ravadyn. I had to hold the mass of my hair and watched the hem of my dress as it was catching on everything. As I tried to avoid tripping with every step, a nearby window opened and I was caught red-handed by none other than Flynn.
"Evening," He smirked raising his brow.
I tried to come up with a believable explanation, but I had none to give.
"I'm allowed to wander the grounds."
"Oh, is that what this is?" He paused, "Looks to me as if you're on your way out."
"I can't stay here. I refuse to be a prisoner even if it means I'm actually appreciated and treated well."
"Trust me, I get it, Rapunzel. Though you shouldn't go."
"And why is that?" I challenged, "Are you going to stop me?"
"As you stated many times by now, I helped get you into this mess, but let me try to get you out of it."
"Wait, are you coming with me?"
"We need to maintain the status quo, now is not the time to get on a boat. Especially when a storm is coming."
I looked up toward the sky and there seemed to be dark clouds looming that I could differentiate from the typical night. Dark grey clouds were hovering overhead as the wind picked up with an icy chill in the air. I turned back toward Flynn.
"But what if I don't get another chance? My mother, she's-"
"It's going to be alright." He nodded.
Flynn offered me his hand back inside and I reluctantly grabbed it as I tried my best gathering up all my hair now that it was fully out at length. Rain started hitting the ground outside as we closed the window behind us.
"Thank you for seeing it my way," Flynn nodded.
"I don't," I snapped, "I just didn't want you to report me."
"I wouldn't have," He insisted.
Part of me thought he was just saying that because I was accusing him and just defending his actions, but there was sincerity in his eyes.
"Besides, the weather looks nasty. It wouldn't surprise me if this rain turns to snow by the morning."
Every moment since I've been away from home, I've been learning new things every step of the way. Snow was a new term.
"Lord Conwyn gave me permission at dinner to get a letter written, so my mother won't worry about me."
"That was kind of him."
I pursed my lips utterly embarrassed to say what left my mouth.
"Flynn, I need your help to write the letter."