Chapter 21

Relatively Speaking

It all seemed a dream as I arrived at the ferry. There were several ferries, but there was only one going to Charon. At least at the hour I arrived, that is. I stood on deck watching the ferry leave behind Corona Harbor, my home for many years. I hadn't really been anywhere else; there was really no where else I wanted to be.

But right now I would do anything for my lovely Danielle. She would forgive me anything and I was sure that her parents would really love to see me.

And, even though I'd never been off the island of Corona, I decided this would be a great trip. I would see everything I wanted and do anything I wanted.

As long as Danielle was by my side, that is.

The hours fled like minutes and soon we were docking at Charon Harbor. No one of course was there to meet me, but the sun was shining as I stepped off the small ferry. The harbor was right in town and I went to the livery to get a horse. He wasn't Max, but he would do, at least for the time being.

I arrived at the address she provided in her letter and knocked on it, but found it open which was a little strange. I pushed open the door to find Danielle's parents bound and gagged in their own parlor. Quickly, I cut their ties, asked if everything was alright. It was then that I heard a voice call out from the other room.

"Well, well, if it isn't our swashbuckling coward, Flynn Rider to the bride's rescue. Finally, you show up. I think we expected you a bit earlier."

I recognized that voice, but I couldn't place it. It was then I heard footsteps. I turned around to look.

It was Ethan, but he wasn't alone. He had Danielle with him.

And he was holding a knife to her throat.

"Hello, Rider," the voice said, "How nice to see you again."

XXXXX

"Thanks, Joseph," Rapunzel said, as she closed the limousine door. Joseph tipped his hat, smiled and saluted and then he was off. She turned toward the building but there was something was stopping her from going in. Something seemed to pulling her another way and she wasn't quite sure where. She turned and saw the park that they had gone to, when was that now? She was sure it was yesterday. It was the one with that large castle looking estate, the one with turrets and stained glass windows.

She looked up and saw it across the street. She hadn't realized that it had been so close to the airport, in fact she hadn't seen it when she got off the plane two days ago, but it was there now.

Rapunzel felt something strange, as if she were being drawn into the house itself. She let the feeling take her as she crossed the street and into the park. What was the name of it? Where was the sign she had seen yesterday. Where were the people and the hiking trails? The place seemed deserted.

She didn't remember the house being so close to the street. It was further back, wasn't it?

Rapunzel climbed up the two steps to the stone porch. Just as she was about to knock, the door mysteriously opened. She stood there for a minute looking around for the pictures of the King family in the foyer like before, but there were none.

She took another step and another until she came to the parlor. There were no people milling about, nothing, the place seemed empty. And for some reason, it seemed a lot darker. She looked around for lights, but there were no light switches. Come to think of it there wasn't a telephone back in the foyer. Yes, that was it, she was sure that one was sitting there, on the tiny round table.

But there was nothing there now.

"Hello Danielle," a voice called out.

Rapunzel looked around. "I'm afraid you have the wrong girl. You see, my name is…"

"No, I have the right child," the woman said stepping out from the shadows. She had wide green eyes and long dark hair swept up in a bun. Her dress was dark blue velvet and it stretched all the way to the floor.

Rapunzel could have been looking in a mirror.

"Come on in, don't be shy. Let me show you around. I know you loved it here, when you were here last, I believe that was yesterday, wasn't it? :

Rapunzel nodded her head and she let the stranger take guide her through the house. Each room was done beautifully, wood paneling, low beamed ceilings, and a wood parquet floor. She didn't remember any of this as she made her way through the spacious rooms.

"You know why you're here," the woman asked when they were done, "don't you?"

Rapunzel shook her head. "I haven't got a clue and I don't know who you are either."

The woman smiled. "Well, the King's named me Danielle . This is where me and my husband live, at least when we're home, that is, which isn't often lately. My husband, though, is off on business elsewhere so we are quite alone."

Rapunzel drew back. She looked at her watch. "I've got to make a plane," she said, "I've got tickets. I'm going to be late."

Danielle shook her head. "Don't you want to hear about me? Don't you want to know the history of this house? It's yours, you know. It was left to you a long time ago. Come, sit, let me tell you the story."

Rapunzel shook her head. "I don't think so," she said, backing up to the front door. "I think I'm going to go now."

She turned and ran out of the house as quickly as she could.

"Wait, stop," her twin called out. "You have to hear the story."

And that's when Rapunzel woke up.