(a/n: Sorry for the incredibly long wait but i have been busy and a pretty lazy. But, here it is! Enjoy!)
Ch.7: Exchange
Merida, Hiccup and James departed Arendelle at dawn. They hitched a ride with a merchant sailing for the country of Misthaven.
Three days later, the shoreline came into view on a rather foggy morning.
"It's what this kingdom is known for" explained James, as the three travelers disembarked their ship. "Misthaven: home of mist, cheap wine and powerful magic. Here, magic is much more commonplace than in your respective kingdoms".
He explained that while magic is more widely used, it is still regarded with fear and distrust, especially if it involves the being they were going to see.
"Who is this man that we are going to see?" asked Merida. From the thief's description in Arendelle, this man they were going to see sounded incredibly dangerous. James didn't answer. He ignored her question and left, walking towards a tavern known as the "Golden Sun".
Meanwhile, Merida stood there on the wharf and watched Hiccup brought Toothless ashore from the ship. The dragon was confined to below deck so as to not cause trouble or frighten people. The dragon hated it but remained below for a good length of the journey.
Merida noticed that the dragon looked rather green and ready to vomit. But once he spotted land, the Nightfury bounded down the gangplank and fluttered his wings, glad to be back on solid ground and off the bobbing ship. Hiccup placed his pack down by his friend and scratched the back of the dragon's head.
"So, this is Misthaven?" said Hiccup, taking in the harbor town.
The town ringed around the bay, comprised of wide number and variety of cream-colored buildings with tiled roofs. The morning fog thinned out enough to show that there was several other large merchant ships moored nearby. Sailors, merchants, dockworkers and various other people moved about the harbor.
Crewmen unloaded crates and barrels from the ship that carried Merida and her friends.
The sailors and dockworkers threw curious and amazed looks towards Toothless and Hiccup.
Judging from their looks, the people of Misthaven were about as accustomed to dragons as Merida was when she first encountered the two. The princess, the dragon rider and the dragon bid Captain Hagen and his crew farewell and made their way towards the tavern that James went to.
When they arrived, the thief emerged with a broad grin on his face. James told his companions that he found them a ride to the next town and then on to their destination.
Hours passed and dawn turned to day, which then dissolved into dusk.
The town they arrived in was small. So small, that it was more of a hamlet or a village than a town.
It was comprised of a small huddle of homes, a few shops, a stable, a blacksmith's shop and an inn. Hiccup and Toothless landed on the outskirts of town and caught up to Merida and James, who were climbing out of the back of an old wagon they rode in. The two thanked the old man who allowed them to ride in the back of his wagon.
When the old man was gone, the trio continued on foot with Toothless following closely behind. They trudged through the tiny, quiet village.
Merida was saw that all the buildings looked extremely old and in desperate need of repair. As they passed the homes, the few villagers that were outside regarded them with cold and suspicious glares. As they passed a few more homes, women ushered their children inside and closed their doors and shutters.
Hiccup murmured "quite the reception"
"Don't mind them" said James "They're very suspicious of strangers"
"Why?" asked Merida, as she watched a small girl scurry inside a nearby hut with a bundle of sticks in her arms.
"Living this close to this sorcerer can be rather hazardous" explained James. "They say that he attracts the wrong sort of people. Besides, would you be so welcoming to a strange girl, a Nord, a dragon and a devilishly handsome fellow who just wandered into your village?"
Merida rolled her eyes at his comment but couldn't help but see what he meant. A powerful sorcerer living nearby is bound to attract strange folk and who knows what they would entail.
The three left the silent little village behind and followed the narrow, path through the forest.
It was at least another hour and a half until they reached the end of the road.
The three stood stock still in front of their destination, contemplating whether or not if they should proceed. Ahead of them was a tall iron gate with an intricate design. Beyond the gate, lay a grand, sprawling castle. The castle was composed of a fine brown stone. It had soaring towers, parapets and arches. In the faint moonlight, Merida could make out humanoid shapes standing along the walls and other defensible sections of the castle.
The princess figured that they were guards but the way the stood looked like they were locked in a terrible battle with an unseen foe.
However, the longer she looked at the shapes, she realized that they were statues. "Here we are" announced James, solemnly.
Merida glanced sideways at the thief and saw his face was drained of all color. He looked about ready to faint but seemed to resist the urge.
"Nice castle" said Hiccup "High towers, intimidating walls and some life like statues that really scream 'Welcome! Come right in!' "
"Those aren't statues" said the thief grimly.
The Viking and the princess looked at James in shock. The dragon Toothless sniffed the air and let out a deep, guttural growl. Merida saw the dragon's emerald eyes narrowing and he bared his teeth at the castle. The princess began to feel even more unsettled. As Hiccup said, the castle was intimidating.
It's towers and walls dwarfed Castle Dunbroch, and the shapes frozen on the walls and battlements gave her a sick, uneasy feeling that the castle was probably more akin to a graveyard than a castle.
James stepped forward murmuring "No point in just standing around here." He pushed open the gates and stepped through. Merida and Hiccup shared an uneasy look. The Viking gently stroked Toothless' head and firmly commanded him to stay outside.
The Nightfury didn't seem to like the command but he begrudgingly obeyed.
The princess and the Viking then followed their companion through the open gates, leaving behind the safety of the outside world and entered the domain of the deadliest dark sorcerer who has ever lived. After crossing a vast courtyard filled with the withered skeletons of twisted, gnarled trees and bushes, the three found the front doors and James pushed it open without much effort.
Merida gave him a curious look and he merely shrugged and said, "Why bother locking the doors? There isn't a man alive who would dare to rob from this castle. Those foolish enough to try don't live very long".
The three travelers entered the grand entrance hall cautiously.
Inside, Merida saw a few scattered candelabrums provided faint orbs of light in the vast, dark hall. Huge ancient tapestries depicting wild hunts and grand feasts hung on the walls. Directly across from them was a grand, stone staircase that led up to a mezzanine, then parted and went off of in two different directions. A faint air of dust and dead, rotted plants laced the cool air.
The flickering candlelight casted long, dancing shadows on the walls that caused Merida to suppress a shiver. The sooner they find this sorcerer, the better.
"So, where may we find our host?" asked Hiccup in a whisper.
James shrugged. The thief scooped up one of the lit candelabrums from a nearby stand and walked up to the top of the stairs. He called out "Hello! Is there anyone here?" But nothing.
James tried again but his calls were met with silence. After another attempt, James gave up.
Hiccup looked about the empty hall "What now? Split up and search the castle?"
"Don't be ridiculous" snorted James "That'll only get us killed faster. The best thing we can do is wait, now that he knows that we're here".
The Viking rolled his eyes "Oh please. Just how do we know that this castle isn't abandoned and that this isn't a silly little joke?"
"We don't" Merida put in "But it's the only good idea that we have at the moment".
The Viking shrugged and he was about to continue speaking, when suddenly a cold wind rushed through the large entrance hall, causing the tapestries to flap lazily like banners and the illuminated candles in James' hand to flicker. The wind blew harder and the temperature dropped a degree and then the candles went out, plunging the three in darkness.
For a moment, the three stood in absolute darkness. Merida could hear some fumbling around and muttering then finally James spoke up "Hold on a moment".
There was a snap and a small flame appeared, giving off a pinprick of light to the thick darkness. The tiny flame reignited the candles, revealing a confused James…and a shadowy figure.
"Hello there" greeted the new figure softy. James jumped in surprise and spun around. Standing behind him in the shadows was a man dressed in dark red tunic. He was equal to Hiccup's height, had long wiry hair and glittering golden skin. The man watched James with his gleaming golden eyes.
The man let out a high, amused giggle that made Merida's skin crawl. "So, what have we here?" mused the eerie man "Thieves? Glory seekers perhaps? Hoping to gain fame by robbing me?" the man's voice was playful but his tone slowly grew darker and harsher by the second. He advanced on James slowly like a ferocious beast readying itself to pounce.
The thief scrambled backward, almost falling back down the stairs. James grabbed on to the handrail and steadied himself. For a moment, the thief was speechless. Hiccup's hand went to his sword but he stopped when the man turned his gaze onto the Viking and Merida. His gaze was calm but it clearly relayed a simple message: You are not welcome here and now, you are going to die.
"What? No! No, that is not why we are here sir" replied James, finally managing to regain his voice. The man's dark eyes slid back towards the thief. For a few silent moments, there was such intensity in the strange man's gaze that Merida wouldn't be surprised if they suddenly burst into flames.
After a few moments, the man grinned and cocked his head "Well then, enlighten me young man. Why are you trespassing in my castle?"
James swallowed and said "W-we're here to seek an audience with you and we're here on behalf of Lady Genevieve".
That gave the man pause. Merida noticed the man's expression change for an instant. For a brief moment, the man looked interested, even thrilled but the expression vanished instantly.
"Is that so?" said the man with a cocked eyebrow. James nodded. For a moment the man turned his back to the three intruders and seemed to be deliberating with himself. Time seemed to slow down. The man continued to consider James's words, muttering to himself indistinctly. Merida felt anxiety well up within her and noticed that little drops of sweat running down James's face. Hiccup was slowly reaching for his weapon when suddenly, the man spun around and flashed them a smile.
"Well lad, you got me," said the man "I'm feeling generous today and you have piqued my curiosity". The man snapped his fingers and the entrance hall suddenly blazed to life. Hundreds of lit candles appeared around them, torches in sconces ignited and a glittering chandelier came alive with warm light above their heads.
Merida was amazed at the spectacular opulence that decorated the hall. Shining suits of armor, beautiful and intricately woven tapestry, and paintings with golden frames studded with jewels. Off to their left was a door that was left ajar and the princess caught a glimpse of something bright and shining, hinting that there was even more just beyond.
What amazed Merida more was the man who owned the castle and all the treasures it contained. Although his face looked a little different and his clothing was fine, she then recognized his voice. Standing there was the man who rescued her from the demon bear Mor'du five years ago.
"A pleasure to meet you" said the lord of the castle. He bowed theatrically "Rumplestiltskin, at your service".
The man who called himself Rumplestiltskin led his guests up some stairs and down a long corridor, leading them higher and deeper into the castle, until the reached a set of oak doors. Through the doors lay a large study stuffed with a wide array of items that made Hiccup gape, Merida eyes widen and James' jaw to drop.
Golden trinkets, jewels, stacks old leather bound tomes, crates filled with glass bottles, some navigational instruments, a glass case filled with elegant swords, paintings and much more. Although the room seemed crowded, the items were sorted and organized so they were enough room for them to navigate.
Rumpelstiltskin gestured to some chairs and the three sat down. The man summoned a comfy chair to his side with a gesture. The seat slid into place as he sat down at the head of the table.
Rumpelstiltskin reclined in his chair, his fingers lacing together as he looked around at his guests "Pardon my rudeness earlier, I don't usually don't entreat with clients here in my castle but if you come on behalf of Genevieve, I simply couldn't afford to turn you lot away". He smiled "Well then, what manner of deal are you three looking for?"
For a few long moments there was silence between them. Hiccup looked to James and the thief then looked to Merida, who just stared back at the thief. After the long awkward silence, Rumpelstiltskin cocked an eyebrow "Well? I'm waiting."
Merida shivered a little, feeling the edge in the sorcerer's voice like a razor. Not wanting to incur the wrath of an impatient dark sorcerer, Merida blurted, "We need you to help us find someone".
The sorcerer looked at her blankly "Is that it? I don't mean to be rude dearie, I most certainly can help you find the person you seek but is that honestly all that you request." He shook his head slowly, golden eyes analyzing the nervous princess "No, that can't be it. There certainly must be more".
Merida hesitated for a moment then added quickly, "Er, well, and help curing Genevieve".
That made the sorcerer's eyebrows shoot upwards. "Really?" said Rumpelstiltskin, surprised, "What has befallen the Queen of Witches?"
Merida glanced sideways to James, who explained what happened. The sorcerer sat and listened to their story quietly.
After about a minute of relating their story, James asked, "We believe that you can help us find the one responsible and concoct a cure for what is ailing Genevieve".
Rumpelstiltskin tilted his head to one side, a look of confusion appearing on his face "How am I to cure her? If those rock trolls couldn't, what makes you think that I have any luck?"
"Because you are well versed in dark magic" replied James "You know more everything that is to know, aside from Queen Genevieve and several others. I mean, after all, you are the Dark One, the greatest dark sorcerer to have ever lived".
The sorcerer bowed his head a little "Such flattery! Please no more, you're making me blush" He looked up at James, then to Merida and then to Hiccup "But you are right. I may know something that could help the Queen."
Merida perked up a little. Finally some progress, once they heal Genevieve and save Elsa, she'll be able to find Jack.
Rumpelstiltskin held up a finger "However, there is a matter of payment".
Hiccup frowned "Payment?"
"What? You expect me to do this out of the goodness of my own heart?" chuckled the Dark One "No, dearie. You see I am a man of business. The service that I provide isn't cheap. I need repayment in exchange for the time and resources that I expend to help my customers."
Merida held back a groan and began to feel a mixture of disappointment and fear. Great, another price to pay, thought the princess. Hopefully, it won't be as costly and horrible as the deal she made five years ago.
Rumpelstiltskin explained, "Now, I am willing to help you find whoever it is that you are looking for but on the other hand, I could help Queen Genevieve. I cannot do both. I mean, I can do both but I won't, not unless I receive some sort of… compensation".
Merida didn't say anything, neither did James or Hiccup. The three sat there silently considering the sorcerer's words. There were a number of things Merida wished to say to the sorcerer but she held her tongue, hoping not to offend Rumpelstiltskin, or worse.
With no answer, Rumpelstiltskin rose to his feet saying "Now I hope that you will pardon me for a moment, I have something to take care of. I will return shortly. In the meantime, enjoy some tea and consider my terms".
The sorcerer snapped his fingers and the doors behind him opened. As they opened, Rumpelstiltskin vanished in a cloud of purple smoke. When the smoke dissipated, Merida and friends saw, standing in the doorway, a really short, skinny man carrying a tray.
The man was dwarfish in size, wore ragged, threadbare clothes and shoes. His face was round with waxy skin caked entirely with soot and grime, tired green eyes and wild red hair that was frazzled. The diminutive man entered the study, carrying a silver trey with some porcelain teacups, saucers, biscuits and kettle on it. Merida blinked in surprise. The shabby creature looked like he had been through some intense hardship and looked ready to die of exhaustion.
The dwarfish man approached the table carefully and quietly. He slid the tray onto the table and gingerly pushed it towards the center. When he was close enough, Merida saw that there were clumps of hair missing from sections of his scalp and that he smelled heavily of burnt wood.
The dwarf stepped away from the table and bowed low. When he lifted himself up, the dwarf's eyes landed on Merida. For a brief moment, there was a flicker of recognition, which quickly replaced with impassiveness.
Merida raised an eyebrow and was about to speak to him but James spoke up "What do you think?" the princess looked at the thief "huh?"
"The deal, what do you think?"
"I say that we take ask him to cure Genevieve first" Hiccup put in.
James frowned a little "I agree, but shouldn't we attempt to rescue Elsa" "True, but we can find her once we cure Genevieve can't we?"
"We could but we may be too late"
"Too late?" asked Hiccup.
James nodded "Yes, too late. Who knows what kind of horrible things that Elsa could be going through, and there is the kingdom of Arendelle to consider."
The Viking scratched his chin "True." He scratched his head and let out a sigh of frustration "This isn't a very fair deal"
"I didn't say Rumpelstiltskin was fair" said James, resting his elbows on the table and resting his chin in his hand, "I merely said that he was good." The thief glanced over to Merida "What do you think?"
Merida shrugged. She was just as divided as her companions were. On the one hand, they could help Genevieve, who in turn could help find Elsa and Jack. On the other, they could help Elsa and save her kingdom from turmoil. But in the end, both choices had drawbacks that could increase their troubles. Merida silently considered the offer given to them for a while, carefully weighing the options and possible price and consequences.
She glanced over to the dwarf, who silently stood by the door he entered through like a statue. The dwarf kept his eyes down to the ground but he looked up at her for a moment. Cautiously, the ragged servant looked around and he held up two fingers.
Merida frowned at him in confusion, but it took a moment for her to realize what he was trying to say. "I think we should try both".
James gave her a serious look "Are you sure?"
"Positive" said Merida, hesitantly. The thief shook his head slowly "I'm not sure if that's a good idea"
"Why not?" asked Hiccup.
"The price for a single deal is incredibly steep"
"I know that" said Merida, casually.
James gave her a questioning look "You do?" Merida nodded and told him of her experience in magical dealings, omitting a few larger details that didn't have relevance to the situation they were currently in. James' eyes widened and he looked rather impressed.
"Interesting, which also explains a few things" muttered the thief. "Magic contracts you say?" Merida nodded.
James pursed his lips and said "Good to know that you have some experience in magical deals, but what we're dealing with now is different".
"How so?" asked Hiccup, curiously.
James leaned back in his chair and drummed his fingers on the tabletop. He explained, "Unlike magical contracts, Rumpelstiltskin can set the price as he sees fit. Normally, in accordance with the laws of magic, it has to be something of great worth and of equal value, but as long as it fulfills the set limits and terms, it can be just about anything".
Merida and Hiccup shared a nervous glance then looked at James. "Just…how in the world do you know these things?" asked Hiccup.
A grim smile appeared on James' lips. "I've seen lots of things. I got a few tales that could turn your hair white and put some wrinkles on your face".
The Viking swallowed a little bit but did his best not to look uncomfortable. Merida shivered at the thought of the kind of stories that James alluded to. She has had her share of adventure and misfortune but it sounded like this thief has been through worse.
Merida glanced over to the dwarf in rags and saw that he was gone. She wanted to thank him and ask him a few questions but he was long gone. Something deep down nagged at her, telling her that there was something familiar about that creature.
After some deliberation, it was agreed between the three that they would take Rumpelstiltskin's offer and do both deals at the same time.
Hours passed and the three travelers drank their tea, which was sweet like honey and soothed their aches and pains.
Finally, the Dark One returned to the study in a puff of violet smoke. Rumpelstiltskin grinned, "So, do we have an agreement?"
"Yes, we do" said Merida, firmly "We agree to pay whatever price, in exchange for your help to recover our friend and cure the Queen". In the corner of her eye, Merida saw James grow tense when she said that they would pay any price but he kept quiet. They had all agreed that it was all or nothing.
The sorcerer giggled and clapped his hands together "Splendid! Absolutely splendid!" With a flick of a wrist, a roll of parchment appeared in Rumpelstiltskin's hand. He unfurled it and laid it out on the table. Spanning at least half the length of the table, the contract contained blocks of elegant sentences, paragraphs and clauses. It wasn't as beautifully decorated as the contract Merida had signed five years ago but it made up for it in length.
With another flourish of the hand, a quill and ink bottle appeared on the table.
Rumpelstiltskin gestured to the contract "Before we begin, signatures are required".
A brief moment of silence befell them. Merida, Hiccup and James shared a nervous look then Merida went first. She signed her name then handed the quill to James. The thief did as well, then Hiccup. Once they were finished, the quill vanished out of Hiccup's hand and appeared in Rumpelstiltskin's. He inscribed his own signature beneath Hiccup's and, once he was done, the quill, ink bottle and parchment all vanished.
The Dark One smiled "All done"
"What did we just sign?" asked Hiccup. Rumpelstiltskin waved a hand "A simple pact"
"Pact?" repeated Merida.
The sorcerer waved a hand "It's nothing sinister, just a little contract that states that both parties shall make good on their part and as long as they do, everything will go smoothly. If not…" he giggled a little. Merida felt her throat turn dry. From his tone, Rumpelstiltskin was probably telling the truth, however, that still didn't give Merida any comfort, considering what could possibly happen if the contract is broken.
"What now?" asked James "What is this price that you demand?"
Rumpelstiltskin simply shrugged and said "Nothing". Everyone froze. For a few long moments, there was utter silence. James found his voice "P-pardon?"
"Nothing" said the Dark One "Well that's not entirely true. I'm not asking for anything grand, as you would probably expect from me. However, instead of a hefty price, I merely ask that you do me a favor".
Merida felt sweat starting to form on her face "Favor?"
"Yes. You see, there are some errands that I need to be done" explained the sorcerer, who began to pace around the table "Whenever I lend a helping hand on deals like this, it usually disrupts my studies in the mystical arts. But in this case, I found something beneficial for us all".
He stopped and rested his hands on the table and leaned against it "While I whip up a cure and a tracking spell, you three will collect a few things that I require, for both my studies and for the task at hand".
Merida gaped at Rumpelstiltskin "B-but, this will take too long! We need to help our friend, there are lives at stake!"
The sorcerer simply shrugged "Than I'll tear up the contract and you lot can be on your merry way, dearie. I'm a sorcerer, not a miracle worker. If lives are at stake as you say, than I highly doubt that you'll find anyone who could help you in time." His glimmering, golden eyes locked on to hers and bore deep into her soul. "So, what will it be, dearie?" asked Rumpelstiltskin, softly.
Merida said nothing at first. She could give up on the deal and they could try and find a better solution. But they didn't have the time to go in search of anything better. With each passing moment, their options shrink and chances of helping Elsa and Genevieve vanish.
Finally, Merida nodded. "Fine, we'll do it"
"Good" said Rumpelstiltskin, satisfied with her answer.
Noting the glum look on her face, the sorcerer told Merida "Don't be so glum lass, everything will be ok". He turned his back to them "Now then. Get some rest, you leave at dawn for the first item my list of errands". He snapped his fingers and the doors on the other side of the study opened again. The dwarf in rags appeared in the doorway and the Dark One disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving the three weary travelers behind.
The dwarf made a sound and gestured for them to follow. None of them said anything.
Exhausted from the journey and the negotiations, the three travelers trudged after the dwarf.
The dwarf led them to three rooms, all next to one another and left without a word. Overcome with fatigue, Merida, Hiccup and James retired to their rooms and each drifted off to a dreamless sleep.
Elsewhere in the castle, the dwarf in rags limped towards his master's library.
His aching joints and limbs throbbed and screamed in agony from the long labors of the past week. For days he yearned for a brief respite from the daily drudgeries of working in the castle of the Dark One, but the work never seems to stop, not since the girl left. Such a shame, thought the dwarf.
The girl was always kind to him and had softened the master up a little, but now that she left, the master was worse than ever. The dwarf finally reached the library. He pushed the door open and found the lord of the castle as he usually spends his evenings: sitting at his old spinning wheel, spinning straw into threads of pure gold.
The sorcerer sat on a stool, looking pensive as he worked his magic on the wheel and straw. No matter how many times he's seen Rumpelstiltskin at work at the wheel, the dwarf is always amazed at the seemingly miraculous power that his master showed.
Sensing his presence, the Dark One stopped the spinning wheel and glanced over his shoulder "Yes?"
The dwarf made a few signs with his hands and his master nodded in understanding. "Good" grunted Rumpelstiltskin, "Now run along and get some sleep. You have many more chores to do at dawn".
A mixture of relief and anguish filled the dwarf as he bowed in humble submissiveness. He was relieved that was finally getting a much needed rest but was agonizing that there was even more work to do. No matter what he does, there always seems to be more work.
The dwarf had tried to raise a complaint and even run away, but without a tongue and with not many other options, the dwarf was bound in servitude to the Dark One. Before he left, the dwarf made a few questioning signs to his master, who rolled his eyes saying "I'm not getting soft, you oaf. I'm simply a generous man who sees three young children in desperate need of help and I am giving them the help they deserve."
A dangerous look appeared in the sorcerer's eyes "Unlike someone I know, who is still atoning for what they have done!"
The dwarf flinched and bid his master goodnight and scurried away.
Although he has served the Dark One for five years, working like beast of burden non-stop to pay for all that he did. It still wasn't enough, not by a long shot.
End of chapter
(a/n: Hope you enjoyed this. I'll try to update more frequently but no promises. Please review!)