Chapter 15

"Well," Eugene smiled, "this looks like a great spot for a picnic."

They stopped when they reached a clearing. Rapunzel could see something in the distance. It looked a lot like a large boulder.

"Where are we?" Rapunzel asked, as Eugene reined in Max.

"I can't seem to find the cottage," Eugene said, looking around, a bit confused. He knew that it was here somewhere. Finding the shelter rock was a big plus. It meant that the cottage wasn't all that far away. For now, this would do.

Rapunzel nodded and smiled as he stretched his arms out to catch her as she jumped off Max. "But it does look a bit like rain over there." She pointed to the dark cloud that was forming above their heads.

Eugene smiled. "I'm sure it's just a passing storm, love." He brought out Attila's basket of goodies, a blanket and The Tales of Flynnagan Rider. "I know it looks like rain, beautiful. That's part of the reason we stopped here." He pointed in the direction of the rock.

"Do you see that boulder in the distance? Locals used that for shelter during sudden rainstorms. I've been keeping an eye overhead, Rapunzel. It's not far to that rock and it is true to its name; Shelter Rock. We'll be safe under there."

"Just in case in rains?" Rapunzel asked, inching closer to Eugene.

Eugene smiled and nodded. "Just in case it rains," he repeated. They stared at each other for a moment, not saying a word. The moment was broken however as a flock of birds flew above their heads.

Rapunzel frowned as she looked at them, and then turned her gaze back to her husband. "Why'd you bring the book?"

Eugene shrugged. "It's a great way to kill time. And I know that you like the stories."

Rapunzel shook her head as he reached into the basket and pulled out two ham sandwiches. "These are really good," she smiled as she bit into hers.

It was at that moment that the winds started to pick up, blowing the book out of his hands. A clap of thunder sounded followed by a quick bolt of lightning.

"How far did you say that rock was, Eugene?"

"Good idea, gorgeous. Maybe the storm didn't pass by after all. Come on, we can use the rock until the storm lets up, but when it stops, we have to move again."

Everything was packed in a hurry as the two climbed on Max and made for the shelter rock. The lighting and thunder seemed as if it were right on top of them as they reached the rock. It was a miracle that they reached it just before the rain fell in torrents.

XXXXXX

Ian and the Queen set off in the Royal carriage at dawn the next day. It started off bright and beautiful, but by the end of the day, the winds picked up and the sky darkened. Off in the distance, one could hear a clap of thunder.

A streak of lightning lit up the darkened sky and another rush of wind followed by a clap of thunder. Another strong gust of wind blew down a branch, which almost hit the carriage. Another rush of wind and another branch, struck the side of the carriage, causing the carriage to falter. Another rush of wind and the carriage tipped over with the Queen still inside.

It was Ian who pulled her out before another branch fell on the side of the carriage, reducing it to a bunch of splinters.

"Are you alright, Majesty?" Ian asked as he turned her over to look into her eyes, but the Queen could only whimper and shake her head.

"No," she whispered, as she broke from Ian's arms. "NO," she said, her voice becoming louder. "NO!" she screamed again as she ran over to the ruined carriage.

She had taken off her cloak because it had become warmer and had laid it on the red velvet seat beside her. When the carriage tipped over and the branch landed on top of it, she had no time to think. Ian had pulled her out before it could harm her.

Now she searched all over for the missing cloak, panic setting it when she couldn't find it. She screamed and cried over and over again as Ian took her in his arms and calmed and soothed her. He pulled her closer and held her shaking body before she pushed him away and made a final attempt to reach what was left.

Ian grabbed her from behind as she watched the carriage and whatever was left scatter into the woods with the wind.

"My cloak," Greta cried as she shook her head. She held her arms outward as if she were making a last ditch effort to save what she had lost, but it was gone this time. "My cloak," she cried over and over, "What I need is inside my cloak."

Ian had no idea what to do to calm her. She cried into his chest as the rain started to beat down upon them, but Ian noticed that because the tree cover was so thick, not a drop touched them.

The Queen's sobs lessened and it seemed as if she had cried herself to sleep.

There was no shelter in sight as the rain continued to hit the tops of the trees, so Ian carried her over to a tall pine tree and set her down under it. He sat down beside her and, as night overtook them, an exhausted and puzzled Ian finally fell asleep.

XXXXXXX

Bastian couldn't believe what was coming towards them. A beautiful white horse with two riders galloped closer and closer. He stood up. Almost hitting his head on the overhang and shook his head. He wasn't positive, but he could swear it was a man and woman astride that familiar looking horse. He couldn't place it, but somehow Bastian knew.

He bent to wake the twins, but they were gone. Bastian saw them running into the rain and cold to welcome the white horse and its riders.

He trailed after the brothers, curious to see who the riders were. He had a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach as the man jumped from the horse and reached up to help the lady down.

"Thank you so much for your kindness," Eugene said, "we are just two servants lost in the woods this night and in need of shelter and help. Thank you for…"

Eugene stopped in mid sentence as Rapunzel's eyes grew wide with recognition. He lowered her to the ground and then turned around to face the three people who had rescued them.

"Hello, Rider," Bastian whispered as their eyes met. "So you stole our little prize after all. It's not like you not to share, especially after we made our little bargain."