"Help me! Somebody please help me!" A frantic voice burst into the tavern. It was Maurice, but what sight he was! His hair was all frazzled and looked twice as gray than normal, he was quivering as his shoulders shook with anxiety, and his bloodshot eyes were wide with fear. "Someone, help! He's got her! He's got Belle!" Maurice cried.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, easy there, Maurice. Slow down." The tavern keeper tried to calm him.
"No. You don't understand. He's got Belle...locked in a dungeon!" Maurice panted heavily. Gaston sat up straighter at this news.
"Who's got her?" Someone asked.
"A Beast! A horrid, monstrous beast." Maurice answered breathlessly. The townspeople snickered and muttered among each other.
"Crazy old Maurice." One said.
"I was wondering which day this would happen." Someone else added.
"I think he's had one pint too many." Another said, and the others laughed. Maurice gazed at them in dismay.
"No, it's true!" He pleaded desperately. "This is no laughing matter. Why are you laughing at me? My daughter's life is in danger! Don't you understand? Will nobody help me?!" He looked around the room from face to face, his eyes darting back and forth like a frightened, caged animal.
"I'll help you, Maurice." Gaston announced, standing up.
"You will?" Lefou asked in surprise. Gaston had always considered Maurice to be a weird old coot and had never given him the time of day. Why was he suddenly being so generous?
"Everybody, stop making fun of this man at once." Gaston said, walking to the older man.
"Thank you, Captain!" Maurice gasped in relief, extremely grateful that someone was going to help him save his daughter. Maybe he still had a friend in this place.
"No need to thank me, Maurice." Gaston put on his best smile. "Lead us to the beast!" Maurice turned then Gaston shot Lefou a look.
"Oh, I see." Lefou nodded. Yeah, he knew that look. He knew what his friend was up to.
Ella quickly rose to her feet. It couldn't be him...could it? She was sure she heard her father calling her name outside. She burst the door open. Maurice was rushing to the stairs. "Father!" Ella called in delight and relief. She raced down to him. He caught her in his arms and they shared a tight embrace. Maurice almost couldn't bear to let her go: he had one daughter, his flesh and blood in danger, locked in a dungeon by a monster; thankfully, his other dear child was here, safe at home in his arms. Ella wept for joy. He did come back, he had come back! After all her deepest fears that she'd felt when she'd read Belle's note, he was here, alive! "Oh, Father..." Ella cried. "I was so afraid."
"I'm all right, darling." Maurice panted, stroking her face. "I'm all right. I'm so glad you're safe." Ella gulped. Something was wrong. She didn't see Belle anywhere! Gaston and Lefou were sitting in the carriage watching, but no sign of Belle. All of Ella's icy fears that had melted away just seconds ago were resurfacing. And Maurice's haggard appearance couldn't mean good news.
"Father, where is Belle?" Ella asked anxiously.
"Ella, dear. I need you to be brave." Maurice said tenderly. Ella started shaking. "Your sister's in trouble, but I'm going back with help to get her out and bring her back!"
"What trouble?" Ella asked firmly.
"She's locked up, but I will bring her back to you." Maurice said, trying to sound reassuring, but Ella could read the fear that glistened in his eyes, no matter how strong he tried to appear.
"Let me go with you." Ella begged. Maurice smiled sadly.
"No, darling. I need you to stay here, where it's safe." He said. Ella bit her lip. "Ella, please." Maurice pleaded. "I lost Belle's mother, and now I've got to save my little girl. I don't think I can bear to see any other of my family put in harm's way! Ella, please, won't you stay here for me?" Ella blinked back the tears.
"Yes, Father." She said bravely through a broken voice. "I will stay. For you. I'll do it."
"Thank you, Sweetheart." Maurice cried too and hugged her tightly once more. "It will be all right." Ella kissed his cheek then broke away from him.
"Then go!" She said firmly. "There's no time to lose. Find Belle and bring her home!"
"I will." Maurice nodded and kissed her than hurried to the cart, where his aides were waiting for him.
"Cheer up, Ella!" Lefou smiled. "We'll be back before you know it."
"Please take care of him, and make sure he's safe!" Ella called back. She couldn't bear it if...if...if she lost both Belle and Maurice.
"Nothing to worry about, Ella." Gaston said cockily. "Everything will be fine."
"Please...take care of him!" Ella persisted. She couldn't help herself.
"I give my word." Gaston nodded grandly. Then they rode off. Ella watched, trying to stay calm. She prayed hard for their safety and Belle's. At least she knew they were both alive! But it was so hard not to worry.