Sorry it took so long to update sigh. I guess I am just getting lazy. I'll
try real hard to get the next chapter in soon. So what do ya'll think of my
poetry? Usually I don't do any, so any advice is welcome.
The dwarf felt the shield collapsing. It was gone suddenly and completely. He levered himself off of his chair and hobbled over to his worktable. On it was one lone object, a crystal plate. At least that is what it appeared to be. On closer examination it was revealed to be made of ice. But the ice was so clear that it was appeared to be glass. The only thing that exposed its existence was a silver lining. And even that was hard to detect, as it was so thin and simple.
Though the dwarf said no spell a face soon appeared on the smooth surface. The face was that of a young woman. She was very lovely, but covered it mud. A smile spread on her face radiating warmth and joy. She blew a stray strand of hair out of her face and laughed when it stuck due to the mud. Although he could not hear the sound of her laughter, the dwarf could feel the happy sound in his bones. The harsh planes of his face softened into a smile. It was the loveliest feeling he had felt in a long time. Just as her rosebud mouth began to move the image slowly changed to a moving cloud, than nothing.
He stepped back as the image faded away. A thoughtful frown covered his face as he shuffled back to his chair. He sat back down and continued to stare out at nothing. With out a muscle twitching on his face he strengthened his guard around the girl; it had to be stronger now that it was her sole defense. A great thing had happened, but he was not sure yet if it was for better or worse. All he knew for sure was that it was time for him to interfere.
It was not that he had been unaware of the changing environment around her, but having everything crumble down in an instant was still unsettling. He had felt the subtle shifting of the shield around her in the last few weeks, but he had not thought it would tumble so suddenly. Seeing her face had proved its disappearance.
He had looked into the ice mostly so he could see her sweet face again, it was a privilege he rarely let himself have, and enjoyed every second of. Because he already knew the shield had fallen, he had just wanted to see her with out it to hinder his observation. He had only seen her periodically through the 16 years of her life, yet knew her better than anyone else.
Before the witch had come it had been much easier to watch over her, and on one or two occasions the dwarf had even done so with his naked eye, but after she arrived he was more wary. It would not do for the interferer to know of his existence, she was much too powerful to be taken lightly. Her presence had changed his entire plan drastically, but he had always been a practical man and tried to adapt to the change.
Now was the time to interfere at last. He had been keeping an eye on her when she was in range of his creatures, because he had felt the time was going to be ripe soon. Only once had she discovered one of his spies. She had panicked, but had been unharmed. After that he had been very careful about who he sent and where. Soon the queen would find out about Gweneida's come out, and who knew how she would react. Someone would have to protect the princess. He sighed and decided on the wolf. Even if he was not the most careful of his creatures, and Gweneida knew of his presence, he was the most intimidating and fierce.
The dwarf pushed himself out of his chair and back to his mirror. He would summon the wolf.
***
Faenach's pale hand waved over the surface of her mirror. Colors started to swirl over it, at first having no pattern or form, but soon they created a scene. A young woman was sitting before a mirror of her own, head in hands, crying. The only feature of her's visible was her thick red hair. Or what was left of it. For in her hand she held a lock of it, and on the floor tresses of it were scattered. Spread out like strands of fire ready to consume the woman they sprang from.
A satisfied smile appeared on Faenach's face. The stupid wench had stolen one of Faenach's admirers with her flaming hair, but she would do so no more. It was not really revenge; she consoled herself, just taking action to keep her place as the most beautiful. After all, how could she be the most fair if another head of hair could sway one of hers?
It had been a successful day of work. Alexander had been captured by her charms earlier. Lately he had been too absorbed in his quest for Gweneida to take time for her, but he was not idiot enough to continue doing so, he knew what a powerful witch Faenach was. After some persuasion Basil had given in to her argument for a new dress. And most importantly, the red headed girl had been taken care of.
There was only one thing left to complete for the day to be complete. Faenach smoothed out her gown and straitened her hair. Then she began to chant.
"Spirit in the mirror I conjure thee,
So pray come to me,
It is honest you cannot lie,
So on the truth you tell I must rely,
In my kingdom who is the most fair?
Of all you must compare,
To the lowly serf,
To she of most noble birth,
Is it I, Is it I?
For if not, she must die."
The hollow tone of the spirit issued forth,
"Oh my queen,
Before this day none more beautiful has been seen,
But now Gweneida has come out of her shell,
Like a witch's first spell,
You have been overthrown,
Fair Gweneida now holds you're coveted thrown."
No sound came from Faenach's gaping mouth. She stared in mute horror at her reflection. How could such a perfect face be paralleled? Was it a joke? Yes it had to be. Her mouth thinned in annoyance at the mirror. It had gone too far to mock her beauty.
"Spirit in the mirror I conjure thee,
So pray come to me,
It is honest you cannot lie,
So on the truth you tell I must rely,
But yet an untruth you say,
Answer my question right with out delay".
Again the voice of the mirror called out into the room. Echoing against the walls making it seem louder and more sinister than usual.
As you say, I may not lie,
And my telling has not gone awry,
The answer to your question is as before,
You are fair, but snow white is fairer more".
Faenach started to quiver. Her vision blurred to an angry red, as her whole world tumbled down before her eyes. When her sight had cleared to a dull pink she grabbed the mirror and pulled it toward her. With wide-open eyes she stared at her reflection. For the first time she noticed the loosening of her skin, and rare streaks of silver shot through her flaxen head, so close in color that they were almost imperishable. Before her eyes the slightly aged woman's hair turned more and more gray. Soon it was all lank and white. Wrinkles formed between her brow, her skin sagged and cracked. Her slim figure turned first plump, then bone thin. The old hag smiled at Faenach. She had no teeth.
Faenach screamed and jumped back. She shook as the nightmare disappeared to be replaced again by her current reflection. As the shook of her newfound knowledge sunk in Faenach put her hand to her heart and collapsed onto her chair. Still trembling she held her head into her hand and sobbed into her handkerchief.
She had been the fairest for so long that she was nothing with out the title. What would become of her now? She knew the answer before the thought had finished registering in her head. She would turn into the old hag. So hideous that no one, not even she would be able to behold her hideousness. The image of her aging body next to her stepdaughter's newly ripening one made her gag. She could not let that happen.
Then Faenach steeled her spine and sat up. Determination etched on her face. She tightened her hand into a fist crumbling the dainty handkerchief inside it. Faenach stood and marched over to a shelf filled with books. A heavy one covered with magical symbols came down first. She leafed through it quickly, but was unable to find the spell that she sought. Soon others joined it on the table, scattered in Faenach's frantic haste.
Just before she gave up her search Faenach's eye caught on a thin manuscript. It was so ancient that the cover was peeling off and the words had faded. Faenach grabbed it, knowing instinctively that it held the answer. Right as she opened the book it fell open to a script filled page. On it there was a detailed picture of a human heart. How to Consume Another's Essence, the title read. A smile crept across Faenach's face. Perfect.
***
Ever since the day before Gweneida had been more aware. Not that she had not been before, but now she noticed things that would have passed her by. While in the castle she felt the love of Old Agnes, her maid since childhood. As did she feel the protectiveness Robert the Steward, who taught her to read, had toward her. Also she saw the wariness that shielded their true feelings when Faenach was near.
For as long as Faenach was queen Gweneida had known she could manipulate magic. Now she could almost see the power crackling around her, waiting for a change to be put to use. She could also feel her stepmother's hatred stronger than before.
King Basil too was seen in a new light. He was a pitiful shell of a man, who's husk only hinted at past power. Also now noticed were the black thread of hair left in his otherwise gray head. Gweneida could tell he had once been handsome. Before she had assumed him to always have been old and weary. Near his eyes there were faded spider web thin lines by his eyes that told of past laughter that were now replaced by a line between his brow.
Gweneida also saw the hidden cunning within King Alexander, who she had assumed to have a brain as shallow as his heart. He truly was the perfect mate for Faenach Gweneida realized. He was selfish, self absorbed, vain, beautiful, and mean. It was amazing that none of the woman he wood and won in the past realized that until it was too late.
The only person unchanged to Gweneida's senses was Brendan. He was still too charming for her good, warm, and filled with laughter. Now that she thought of it, the total opposite of King Alexander.
Places too took on new meaning for Gweneida. The castle's main rooms were now realized to be her prison. They were cold and oozed with Faenach's hidden spells. Getting more uncomfortable for her the closer she got to Faenach's chamber. She now new why she spent as much time as she could in the servants' quarters. It was not just that they smelled of freshly baked bread and echoed with laughter. They also directly opposed Faenach's tainting with warms.
As much as Gweneida found she liked this warms still liked the solitude of the forest better. It had it's cold true, but it held none of the malice like the castle did. But rather a healthy natural fell that soothed her.
Gweneida let the cool air brush her hair out of her eyes and caress her face like a long lost friend. As always it was near silent. Only to the experienced were sounds heard. Then all sound stopped.
In mid-step Gweneida stood. Never before had she heard the wood go so still. Then there came footsteps. All of the stories she had heard through the years warming her about magical creatures that haunted the wood went through her mind. Gweneida forced herself to be practical, that it was most likely only a deer, but her heart ignored the command and started to beat faster.
She stopped breathing taking in every crack of a twig and huff of a breath. It was a large animal to make such heavy noise, but a gracile one to be so subtle. Gweneida started to back away from the sound, knowing instinctively that it's source would be able to outrun her in a heartbeat.
When her back reached the trunk of a tree and the sound was close enough to be within a few yard Gweneida fluttered her eyes shut and prepared to fly. Maybe if she surprised the animal she would have a chance. Taking one last desperate breath she tense her muscles. Before she could change her mind she shot her eyes open and sprung before her.
A squeak abruptly stopped Gweneida. She teetered on her feet at the sudden change in speed and barely stayed up. Once she had caught her breath she saw who was before her. It was only Michel, one of the stable hands. Gweneida put one hand on her chest and the other on her head as she heaved with relief.
Then she started to chuckle. How could she have been so stupid? She had let her imagination get the better of her. "I'm terribly sorry Michel. You gave me quite a start."
To Gweneida's surprise the boy only nodded, still staring at her in horror. He had never shown shyness around her before. They were about the same age but his mind was slower than it should have been. If it was not for his magical way with horses Faenach would have gotten rid of him ages ago."I am afraid I thought you were a magical creature. A dragon maybe? Or a unicorn?" She said in attempt to lighten his mood.
Instead his bottom lip started to quizzer and he started to bawl. Horrified that her joke at injured Michel's feelings she ran over to him and took him into her arms. "You Michel I am so sorry. I didn't mean to make you upset." When her apology failed to stop the flood of tears Gweneida started to worry. "Michel.Michel are you alright?" She looked at him in concern.
Nothing she said seemed to help Michel so Gweneida just held him close until his tears had stopped. Once his snivels turned to hiccups she brushed some hair off his damp cheek and again asked what bothered him. "I.I.I'm so sorry ma'am. I w.would never had done it. No.no matter what she threatened to do to me. Never, I sw.swear it." Now instead of hugging her Michel was shaking her. He did not know his strength so Gweneida's teeth began to rattle. Desperately she nodded her head, eager for him to unhand her.
"She. she wants you dead! She told me to.to.to kill you. And.a." He continued.
Before he could go on Gweneida interrupted him. "Who wants to kill me Michel?" A dread settled in her stomach.
"Sh.she said I was to find you when you were a..alone, then kill you when your back was turned. I.I said I would do.do it but I never would Princess, I never could."
Gweneida patted the large man on his solder "Yes Michel I am sure you never would have. Now you must tell me who wants you to kill me."
"Th.the queen. She wants your.your heart."
After nodding Gweneida let go of Michel and shut her eyes in wariness. It really did not surprise her that Faenach wanted her dead. She had known unconsciously for a long while that it was coming. It was only a matter of time before her control snapped and jealousy got the better of her. Dealing with the matter however would take some though. She could not let Michel get blamed. Faenach would surely punish him harshly if there were any clue to his betrayal.
The first matter to attend to was Michel. The poor thing was quivering in fear. Gweneida forced a comforting smile. "I know you would never hurt me Michel. There is no need to be afraid."
Michel whipped his head back and forth in denial. "I knew you would not h.hurt me ma'am. I am afeard of the qu.queen."
"Yes I see." Gweneida started to pace between the trees while she thought of a plan. "You must not go back empty handed, Faenach would surly kill you." When he started to shake again Gweneida rushed to sooth him. "Not to worry I am sure we can come up with something. What we need is another's heart. Maybe an already dead man, or better yet an animal. That's it! Michel you can hunt can't you?" Before he could answer she continued. "You can kill a boar, those are big enough to have hearts human sized. Give Faenach the boars heart, that way she won't know you let me go." That solved one problem, now for where to go. "I can't go back that is obvious. But were else can I go that won't give me up?"
Michel's face lit up. "The.the knight that is sweet on you. He will keep you safe."
"Michel that's brilliant!" Gweneida was gratified with a huge smile. "You must tell Brendan about Faenach. Tell him that I am in the woods and need his help. Can you do that? Can you get the heart and tell Brendan what happened."
Eager to please his mistress Michel nodded and turned to rush off. "Wait!" yelled Gweneida. She rushed over to his side and squeezed his arm. "Thank you very much for warning me Michel. You are very loyal and if I ever get home you will be rewarded." To her shock she was then lifted into a hug that lifted her off her feet. Before she could catch her breath Michel had disappeared back into the forest.
A weary sigh escaped Gweneida's mouth as she slid down the tree trunk to sit on the ground. She rubbed her temples while closing her eyes. With out Michel to keep a brave front in for she was overrun with fear. She was in the middle of a wild forest, with a mad queen trying to kill her, with the only aid of a slow horseman. It seemed hopeless.
If Gweneida was not practical than she would have sat there in self pity all day. As it was she knew better. She forced herself to stand, and then start walking. The woods held none of the welcoming from before. It was a feat just to put one foot in front of the other. Gweneida kept her gaze focused on the ground before her, not caring where her feet took her.
Gweneida kept so introverted that she hardly noticed the sky turn to dusk. Suddenly she saw a foot before her. It was a large foot. And a hairy one. A large gulp sounded from Gweneida's throat. Inch by inch she lifted her head. Her heart betting faster and faster with what she saw.
When she had gotten to the wolf's head he was puffing in her face. Gweneida's mouth dropped open and she gave a little squeak. She found to her horror she was to petrified to move. She shut her eyes, hoping it was only a nightmare, but when she opened them he was still there.
Then he licked her. It was the most slobbery and disgusting thing Gweneida had ever felt. Also the most wonderful. All of her fear evaporated, replaced by wonder. She laughed and scratched the big dog under his chin. He liked that enough to butt her hand when she stopped. After a few more minutes of attention the wolf seemed to remember something.
He jogged a little way then turned his head to look at her. When Gweneida did not move he huffed. Somehow he managed to look annoyed as he walked back and huffed again. Before she could follow him he grabbed a chunk of her sleeve pulling her along. Gweneida could not help laughing again as they continued on their way. When he thought her ready he let go. Unfortunately when not hampered he walked a lot faster than Gweneida did, so she was forced to trot to keep up.
They continued thus for a little ways. Several times the wolf was forced to stop for Gweneida' benefit, but soon they arrived at their destination.
Gweneida knew it was where the wolf was leading her right away. It was a cottage situated in the middle of a clearing. All around it was a ring of trees, protecting it from sight and harm. Although noting fancy, it was well made. On opposite sides of the house there were chimneys, the larger one most likely for cooking, the other for warmth. Before Gweneida there was a stone path leading to the front of the cottage. Above the small door that the pathway led to there was a circular window. In fact, much of the house was covered in windows.
In the front of the house there was a large garden organized impeccably. On the right of the stone path there were herbs and vegetables, each in neat rows. Because it was the cold season, many of the plants were asleep, but some still lived on. On the left there was every sort of flower imaginable. Many were covered in snow, but still managed to bloom. How odd, Gweneida thought to herself. Briefly she left the path two sniff one of the roses. She inhaled the intoxicating smell and sighed in contentment. Although she should have been wary of intruding in a un-known environment, but instead she felt at peace.
Gweneida lowered her feet softly so as not to disturb the tranquil site. When she got to the door she hesitated before pushing it open. The door creaked and revealed the inside. It was the homiest place Gweneida had ever seen. The floors were covered with simple rugs, the tables covered with flowers from the garden, and it smelled of cooking. Awe struck at the innocence of the place she could only stare.
When she finally obtained enough courage to walk in, she did it in silence. However she could not keep up her reserve in such a welcoming place and was soon exploring the premises. While she did so she noticed something odd. It took her a while to place what it was, but once she saw the beds she knew. Everything inside was smaller than average. Not so tiny as to be unusable, but much more delicate than what she was used to. Fortunately Gweneida was a little below average in height, so was able to fit onto one of the beds. She was only testing its size she assured herself. That was her last coherent thought as she drifted into sleep.
The dwarf felt the shield collapsing. It was gone suddenly and completely. He levered himself off of his chair and hobbled over to his worktable. On it was one lone object, a crystal plate. At least that is what it appeared to be. On closer examination it was revealed to be made of ice. But the ice was so clear that it was appeared to be glass. The only thing that exposed its existence was a silver lining. And even that was hard to detect, as it was so thin and simple.
Though the dwarf said no spell a face soon appeared on the smooth surface. The face was that of a young woman. She was very lovely, but covered it mud. A smile spread on her face radiating warmth and joy. She blew a stray strand of hair out of her face and laughed when it stuck due to the mud. Although he could not hear the sound of her laughter, the dwarf could feel the happy sound in his bones. The harsh planes of his face softened into a smile. It was the loveliest feeling he had felt in a long time. Just as her rosebud mouth began to move the image slowly changed to a moving cloud, than nothing.
He stepped back as the image faded away. A thoughtful frown covered his face as he shuffled back to his chair. He sat back down and continued to stare out at nothing. With out a muscle twitching on his face he strengthened his guard around the girl; it had to be stronger now that it was her sole defense. A great thing had happened, but he was not sure yet if it was for better or worse. All he knew for sure was that it was time for him to interfere.
It was not that he had been unaware of the changing environment around her, but having everything crumble down in an instant was still unsettling. He had felt the subtle shifting of the shield around her in the last few weeks, but he had not thought it would tumble so suddenly. Seeing her face had proved its disappearance.
He had looked into the ice mostly so he could see her sweet face again, it was a privilege he rarely let himself have, and enjoyed every second of. Because he already knew the shield had fallen, he had just wanted to see her with out it to hinder his observation. He had only seen her periodically through the 16 years of her life, yet knew her better than anyone else.
Before the witch had come it had been much easier to watch over her, and on one or two occasions the dwarf had even done so with his naked eye, but after she arrived he was more wary. It would not do for the interferer to know of his existence, she was much too powerful to be taken lightly. Her presence had changed his entire plan drastically, but he had always been a practical man and tried to adapt to the change.
Now was the time to interfere at last. He had been keeping an eye on her when she was in range of his creatures, because he had felt the time was going to be ripe soon. Only once had she discovered one of his spies. She had panicked, but had been unharmed. After that he had been very careful about who he sent and where. Soon the queen would find out about Gweneida's come out, and who knew how she would react. Someone would have to protect the princess. He sighed and decided on the wolf. Even if he was not the most careful of his creatures, and Gweneida knew of his presence, he was the most intimidating and fierce.
The dwarf pushed himself out of his chair and back to his mirror. He would summon the wolf.
***
Faenach's pale hand waved over the surface of her mirror. Colors started to swirl over it, at first having no pattern or form, but soon they created a scene. A young woman was sitting before a mirror of her own, head in hands, crying. The only feature of her's visible was her thick red hair. Or what was left of it. For in her hand she held a lock of it, and on the floor tresses of it were scattered. Spread out like strands of fire ready to consume the woman they sprang from.
A satisfied smile appeared on Faenach's face. The stupid wench had stolen one of Faenach's admirers with her flaming hair, but she would do so no more. It was not really revenge; she consoled herself, just taking action to keep her place as the most beautiful. After all, how could she be the most fair if another head of hair could sway one of hers?
It had been a successful day of work. Alexander had been captured by her charms earlier. Lately he had been too absorbed in his quest for Gweneida to take time for her, but he was not idiot enough to continue doing so, he knew what a powerful witch Faenach was. After some persuasion Basil had given in to her argument for a new dress. And most importantly, the red headed girl had been taken care of.
There was only one thing left to complete for the day to be complete. Faenach smoothed out her gown and straitened her hair. Then she began to chant.
"Spirit in the mirror I conjure thee,
So pray come to me,
It is honest you cannot lie,
So on the truth you tell I must rely,
In my kingdom who is the most fair?
Of all you must compare,
To the lowly serf,
To she of most noble birth,
Is it I, Is it I?
For if not, she must die."
The hollow tone of the spirit issued forth,
"Oh my queen,
Before this day none more beautiful has been seen,
But now Gweneida has come out of her shell,
Like a witch's first spell,
You have been overthrown,
Fair Gweneida now holds you're coveted thrown."
No sound came from Faenach's gaping mouth. She stared in mute horror at her reflection. How could such a perfect face be paralleled? Was it a joke? Yes it had to be. Her mouth thinned in annoyance at the mirror. It had gone too far to mock her beauty.
"Spirit in the mirror I conjure thee,
So pray come to me,
It is honest you cannot lie,
So on the truth you tell I must rely,
But yet an untruth you say,
Answer my question right with out delay".
Again the voice of the mirror called out into the room. Echoing against the walls making it seem louder and more sinister than usual.
As you say, I may not lie,
And my telling has not gone awry,
The answer to your question is as before,
You are fair, but snow white is fairer more".
Faenach started to quiver. Her vision blurred to an angry red, as her whole world tumbled down before her eyes. When her sight had cleared to a dull pink she grabbed the mirror and pulled it toward her. With wide-open eyes she stared at her reflection. For the first time she noticed the loosening of her skin, and rare streaks of silver shot through her flaxen head, so close in color that they were almost imperishable. Before her eyes the slightly aged woman's hair turned more and more gray. Soon it was all lank and white. Wrinkles formed between her brow, her skin sagged and cracked. Her slim figure turned first plump, then bone thin. The old hag smiled at Faenach. She had no teeth.
Faenach screamed and jumped back. She shook as the nightmare disappeared to be replaced again by her current reflection. As the shook of her newfound knowledge sunk in Faenach put her hand to her heart and collapsed onto her chair. Still trembling she held her head into her hand and sobbed into her handkerchief.
She had been the fairest for so long that she was nothing with out the title. What would become of her now? She knew the answer before the thought had finished registering in her head. She would turn into the old hag. So hideous that no one, not even she would be able to behold her hideousness. The image of her aging body next to her stepdaughter's newly ripening one made her gag. She could not let that happen.
Then Faenach steeled her spine and sat up. Determination etched on her face. She tightened her hand into a fist crumbling the dainty handkerchief inside it. Faenach stood and marched over to a shelf filled with books. A heavy one covered with magical symbols came down first. She leafed through it quickly, but was unable to find the spell that she sought. Soon others joined it on the table, scattered in Faenach's frantic haste.
Just before she gave up her search Faenach's eye caught on a thin manuscript. It was so ancient that the cover was peeling off and the words had faded. Faenach grabbed it, knowing instinctively that it held the answer. Right as she opened the book it fell open to a script filled page. On it there was a detailed picture of a human heart. How to Consume Another's Essence, the title read. A smile crept across Faenach's face. Perfect.
***
Ever since the day before Gweneida had been more aware. Not that she had not been before, but now she noticed things that would have passed her by. While in the castle she felt the love of Old Agnes, her maid since childhood. As did she feel the protectiveness Robert the Steward, who taught her to read, had toward her. Also she saw the wariness that shielded their true feelings when Faenach was near.
For as long as Faenach was queen Gweneida had known she could manipulate magic. Now she could almost see the power crackling around her, waiting for a change to be put to use. She could also feel her stepmother's hatred stronger than before.
King Basil too was seen in a new light. He was a pitiful shell of a man, who's husk only hinted at past power. Also now noticed were the black thread of hair left in his otherwise gray head. Gweneida could tell he had once been handsome. Before she had assumed him to always have been old and weary. Near his eyes there were faded spider web thin lines by his eyes that told of past laughter that were now replaced by a line between his brow.
Gweneida also saw the hidden cunning within King Alexander, who she had assumed to have a brain as shallow as his heart. He truly was the perfect mate for Faenach Gweneida realized. He was selfish, self absorbed, vain, beautiful, and mean. It was amazing that none of the woman he wood and won in the past realized that until it was too late.
The only person unchanged to Gweneida's senses was Brendan. He was still too charming for her good, warm, and filled with laughter. Now that she thought of it, the total opposite of King Alexander.
Places too took on new meaning for Gweneida. The castle's main rooms were now realized to be her prison. They were cold and oozed with Faenach's hidden spells. Getting more uncomfortable for her the closer she got to Faenach's chamber. She now new why she spent as much time as she could in the servants' quarters. It was not just that they smelled of freshly baked bread and echoed with laughter. They also directly opposed Faenach's tainting with warms.
As much as Gweneida found she liked this warms still liked the solitude of the forest better. It had it's cold true, but it held none of the malice like the castle did. But rather a healthy natural fell that soothed her.
Gweneida let the cool air brush her hair out of her eyes and caress her face like a long lost friend. As always it was near silent. Only to the experienced were sounds heard. Then all sound stopped.
In mid-step Gweneida stood. Never before had she heard the wood go so still. Then there came footsteps. All of the stories she had heard through the years warming her about magical creatures that haunted the wood went through her mind. Gweneida forced herself to be practical, that it was most likely only a deer, but her heart ignored the command and started to beat faster.
She stopped breathing taking in every crack of a twig and huff of a breath. It was a large animal to make such heavy noise, but a gracile one to be so subtle. Gweneida started to back away from the sound, knowing instinctively that it's source would be able to outrun her in a heartbeat.
When her back reached the trunk of a tree and the sound was close enough to be within a few yard Gweneida fluttered her eyes shut and prepared to fly. Maybe if she surprised the animal she would have a chance. Taking one last desperate breath she tense her muscles. Before she could change her mind she shot her eyes open and sprung before her.
A squeak abruptly stopped Gweneida. She teetered on her feet at the sudden change in speed and barely stayed up. Once she had caught her breath she saw who was before her. It was only Michel, one of the stable hands. Gweneida put one hand on her chest and the other on her head as she heaved with relief.
Then she started to chuckle. How could she have been so stupid? She had let her imagination get the better of her. "I'm terribly sorry Michel. You gave me quite a start."
To Gweneida's surprise the boy only nodded, still staring at her in horror. He had never shown shyness around her before. They were about the same age but his mind was slower than it should have been. If it was not for his magical way with horses Faenach would have gotten rid of him ages ago."I am afraid I thought you were a magical creature. A dragon maybe? Or a unicorn?" She said in attempt to lighten his mood.
Instead his bottom lip started to quizzer and he started to bawl. Horrified that her joke at injured Michel's feelings she ran over to him and took him into her arms. "You Michel I am so sorry. I didn't mean to make you upset." When her apology failed to stop the flood of tears Gweneida started to worry. "Michel.Michel are you alright?" She looked at him in concern.
Nothing she said seemed to help Michel so Gweneida just held him close until his tears had stopped. Once his snivels turned to hiccups she brushed some hair off his damp cheek and again asked what bothered him. "I.I.I'm so sorry ma'am. I w.would never had done it. No.no matter what she threatened to do to me. Never, I sw.swear it." Now instead of hugging her Michel was shaking her. He did not know his strength so Gweneida's teeth began to rattle. Desperately she nodded her head, eager for him to unhand her.
"She. she wants you dead! She told me to.to.to kill you. And.a." He continued.
Before he could go on Gweneida interrupted him. "Who wants to kill me Michel?" A dread settled in her stomach.
"Sh.she said I was to find you when you were a..alone, then kill you when your back was turned. I.I said I would do.do it but I never would Princess, I never could."
Gweneida patted the large man on his solder "Yes Michel I am sure you never would have. Now you must tell me who wants you to kill me."
"Th.the queen. She wants your.your heart."
After nodding Gweneida let go of Michel and shut her eyes in wariness. It really did not surprise her that Faenach wanted her dead. She had known unconsciously for a long while that it was coming. It was only a matter of time before her control snapped and jealousy got the better of her. Dealing with the matter however would take some though. She could not let Michel get blamed. Faenach would surely punish him harshly if there were any clue to his betrayal.
The first matter to attend to was Michel. The poor thing was quivering in fear. Gweneida forced a comforting smile. "I know you would never hurt me Michel. There is no need to be afraid."
Michel whipped his head back and forth in denial. "I knew you would not h.hurt me ma'am. I am afeard of the qu.queen."
"Yes I see." Gweneida started to pace between the trees while she thought of a plan. "You must not go back empty handed, Faenach would surly kill you." When he started to shake again Gweneida rushed to sooth him. "Not to worry I am sure we can come up with something. What we need is another's heart. Maybe an already dead man, or better yet an animal. That's it! Michel you can hunt can't you?" Before he could answer she continued. "You can kill a boar, those are big enough to have hearts human sized. Give Faenach the boars heart, that way she won't know you let me go." That solved one problem, now for where to go. "I can't go back that is obvious. But were else can I go that won't give me up?"
Michel's face lit up. "The.the knight that is sweet on you. He will keep you safe."
"Michel that's brilliant!" Gweneida was gratified with a huge smile. "You must tell Brendan about Faenach. Tell him that I am in the woods and need his help. Can you do that? Can you get the heart and tell Brendan what happened."
Eager to please his mistress Michel nodded and turned to rush off. "Wait!" yelled Gweneida. She rushed over to his side and squeezed his arm. "Thank you very much for warning me Michel. You are very loyal and if I ever get home you will be rewarded." To her shock she was then lifted into a hug that lifted her off her feet. Before she could catch her breath Michel had disappeared back into the forest.
A weary sigh escaped Gweneida's mouth as she slid down the tree trunk to sit on the ground. She rubbed her temples while closing her eyes. With out Michel to keep a brave front in for she was overrun with fear. She was in the middle of a wild forest, with a mad queen trying to kill her, with the only aid of a slow horseman. It seemed hopeless.
If Gweneida was not practical than she would have sat there in self pity all day. As it was she knew better. She forced herself to stand, and then start walking. The woods held none of the welcoming from before. It was a feat just to put one foot in front of the other. Gweneida kept her gaze focused on the ground before her, not caring where her feet took her.
Gweneida kept so introverted that she hardly noticed the sky turn to dusk. Suddenly she saw a foot before her. It was a large foot. And a hairy one. A large gulp sounded from Gweneida's throat. Inch by inch she lifted her head. Her heart betting faster and faster with what she saw.
When she had gotten to the wolf's head he was puffing in her face. Gweneida's mouth dropped open and she gave a little squeak. She found to her horror she was to petrified to move. She shut her eyes, hoping it was only a nightmare, but when she opened them he was still there.
Then he licked her. It was the most slobbery and disgusting thing Gweneida had ever felt. Also the most wonderful. All of her fear evaporated, replaced by wonder. She laughed and scratched the big dog under his chin. He liked that enough to butt her hand when she stopped. After a few more minutes of attention the wolf seemed to remember something.
He jogged a little way then turned his head to look at her. When Gweneida did not move he huffed. Somehow he managed to look annoyed as he walked back and huffed again. Before she could follow him he grabbed a chunk of her sleeve pulling her along. Gweneida could not help laughing again as they continued on their way. When he thought her ready he let go. Unfortunately when not hampered he walked a lot faster than Gweneida did, so she was forced to trot to keep up.
They continued thus for a little ways. Several times the wolf was forced to stop for Gweneida' benefit, but soon they arrived at their destination.
Gweneida knew it was where the wolf was leading her right away. It was a cottage situated in the middle of a clearing. All around it was a ring of trees, protecting it from sight and harm. Although noting fancy, it was well made. On opposite sides of the house there were chimneys, the larger one most likely for cooking, the other for warmth. Before Gweneida there was a stone path leading to the front of the cottage. Above the small door that the pathway led to there was a circular window. In fact, much of the house was covered in windows.
In the front of the house there was a large garden organized impeccably. On the right of the stone path there were herbs and vegetables, each in neat rows. Because it was the cold season, many of the plants were asleep, but some still lived on. On the left there was every sort of flower imaginable. Many were covered in snow, but still managed to bloom. How odd, Gweneida thought to herself. Briefly she left the path two sniff one of the roses. She inhaled the intoxicating smell and sighed in contentment. Although she should have been wary of intruding in a un-known environment, but instead she felt at peace.
Gweneida lowered her feet softly so as not to disturb the tranquil site. When she got to the door she hesitated before pushing it open. The door creaked and revealed the inside. It was the homiest place Gweneida had ever seen. The floors were covered with simple rugs, the tables covered with flowers from the garden, and it smelled of cooking. Awe struck at the innocence of the place she could only stare.
When she finally obtained enough courage to walk in, she did it in silence. However she could not keep up her reserve in such a welcoming place and was soon exploring the premises. While she did so she noticed something odd. It took her a while to place what it was, but once she saw the beds she knew. Everything inside was smaller than average. Not so tiny as to be unusable, but much more delicate than what she was used to. Fortunately Gweneida was a little below average in height, so was able to fit onto one of the beds. She was only testing its size she assured herself. That was her last coherent thought as she drifted into sleep.