Les Misérables

Summary: After studying about the dark past of surrounding kingdoms, Tanya asks Cedric and Sofia if any other kingdom ever had the same level of darkness. This leads to a very unexpected story, filled with despair, hope, severed and forged bonds, and preventable demise. Read Me a Story format! (Takes place 5 years after my season 5 stories)

Disclaimer: I don't own Sofia the First. I own Corban and some other OCs mentioned here. MarionetteJ2X owns Tanya and Nana.

A/N: Note that Winslow is the "house name" rumored to be assigned to Roland's Enchancian royal family, so that's the surname I'll be using for him. 😊

Chapter 2: Nineteen Years

Nineteen years. Nineteen years had passed since Roland Winslow had toiled away in his chains, the tattered rags clinging to his sweaty, deceptively frail-looking form, and a barely visible number stitched into his dirty clothing: 24601. He was currently working with several other men, his strength a surprising yet also useful "tool" of sorts to the prison workers. He was often called to handle very difficult tasks and hard labor that other men just couldn't. Today was no different, as he was carrying several heavy items across the prison yard, straining even despite his strength. He knew someday he'd be pushed to his limits and likely die from all the stress on his body, but what choice did he have?

As soon as the alarm ending the workday sounded, Roland stammered a bit before walking away from the work area, stopped only by a slim, well-dressed man before him. He stared at the other man, his eyes narrowing under the heavy glare of the sun.

The guard's name was Baileywick, and he was considered the strictest of the guards in the prison. His green eyes peered sharply into the prisoner before him, his lips never lifting from the constant thin line they remained in. He raised one hand, his fingers clutching a yellow ticket. "You have been released, 24601," he told Roland, refusing to use the man's name. As far as he was concerned, he didn't deserve it, nor did any other prisoner with whom he'd dealt.

"Released?" Roland wondered, but he didn't hesitate to take the ticket from the guard, staring at the contents, his emerald eyes absorbing every word.

"From now on, you will show that ticket to everyone you meet. It demonstrates your status as an ex-convict."

The now ex-prisoner scoffed, crumpling one end of the ticket. "I never should have been arrested in the first place."

"You stole from the king's court."

"It was only some bread!" Roland argued, feeling annoyed. "I've lost nineteen years of my life for trying to feed my sister and her family-!"

Baileywick held up a hand, his brow furrowing. "I'd suggest not saying another word before I have them rescind your release. I have the power to do so if I should find you…unfit for the real world." He stepped forward until they were toe to toe, his hand lowering to his side. "And I will make your life a living hell if you dare to cross me."

"I've been in hell for almost two decades now… I'm not sure how it could be much worse."

"Number 24601—"

"My name is Roland. If I'm to be a free man, you'll use it."

"And I'm Baileywick…" He smirked in mild amusement. "Though I highly doubt you will ever forget my name."

Roland watched as Baileywick turned, marching off in his typical reserved manner. He rolled his eyes and scoffed, staring down at the ticket in his hand. "Freedom… Better late than never, I suppose…"

A few weeks passed, and Roland had spent most waking hours trying his hardest to find some work—any work. However, as expected, no one wanted to hire a former convict. He was often forced to resort to what had gotten him imprisoned in the first place: stealing food to survive. Of course, now older, he was swifter and didn't get caught this time around.

Things changed one day for him when he was yet again trying to find work. Another rejection, as to be expected, but something unexpected also occurred. He quite literally ran into an old man with a long white beard and a stunning blue robe, which he noted looked quite expensive. Roland blinked when the man rested a slightly shaking hand on his arm. "Um… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…run into you like that. I've just been busy trying to find some work today, and I haven't eaten well lately, and…"

"It's quite all right," the old man chuckled, a bit of a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You're hungry then, eh?"

"A bit of an understatement, but…"

"My name is Merlin. I'm a retired wizard, and I've been looking for someone to help me a bit around my castle."

Castle… That definitely got the ex-convict's attention.

"If you were to help me, young man, I would gladly pay you in food and board, if you like." He waved one hand, watching as a bit of magic flew from his fingers and swept along the street, stirring some of the leaves on the cobblestone. "If that is satisfactory to you?"

Roland, who was unused to seeing such blatant displays of magic in this day and age, could only nod in stunned silence. "Er, um… Y-Yes, yes. I'd like that…" He realized the other man was still standing there, as if waiting for something. Realization dawned on him, and he nodded. "I'm Roland."

"Pleasure to meet you, Roland. Now then." He nodded behind him, smiling. "Follow me."

Things had gone fine for a few weeks until Merlin began showing Roland more of his personal and powerful memorabilia from his wizarding days. The most notable thing that stood out was a sacred wand, securely fastened into a plush casing, a glass window atop the structure for viewers to ogle.

Roland really did try not to let the wand draw him in. He tried not to allow the expensive nature of it entice him. But… He found the wand in his hands late one evening before he could even fathom what he'd done. And then he'd found himself running away from the one place he'd been able to call 'home' for the first time in over nineteen years…

Heavy breathing… Footsteps drubbing against the ground and through the leaves… Heart pounding… Roland had no idea what had gotten into him when he'd swiped the wizard's wand. He liked Merlin. He was grateful for his intervention and help. With his nurturing and kindness, he'd been able to gain his strength and health back. And he'd stolen from him?

"Agh!" Roland fell as he tripped over a large tree root, and the wand went flying from his hands. He groaned as he struggled to move forward, shuffling through the dirt and limbs, his arms getting scratched up in the process. As he'd just reached forward to clasp his fingers around the wand, he cried out again after a foot stamped on his hand. He looked up, gasping as he saw a familiar face. "Baileywick…"

"Couldn't stay out of trouble, I see," the older man remarked, his looming presence intimidating to most, but more of a setback to the former prisoner. "Should have known you would return to a life of crime." He looked toward some other younger guards as he moved his foot back. "Arrest him."

The guards did as asked and hoisted Roland to his feet, practically dragging him out of the forest and back to the village where the renowned wizard lived.

Merlin opened his door after hearing the pounding of the knocker. He didn't appear overly stunned to see the guards or even Roland there, and he seemed only slightly taken aback when Baileywick returned his wand to him. "What is the meaning of this? Roland?"

"This man was caught with your wand, Master Merlin," Baileywick explained diplomatically. "The punishment for such a heinous crime is lifetime imprisonment. Perhaps 24601 never should have been released after all, and I deeply apologize for such a—"

"Enough," the retired wizard insisted, his voice soft yet commanding. He glanced down at the wand before looking up at the other men. "There seems to be some misunderstanding. I gave Roland the wand as a sign of trust and friendship." He ignored the surprised expression on Roland's face as he smiled at the guards. "He has been a tremendous help to me, and it seemed only natural to reward him for such kindness."

"But sir," one of the younger guards protested, "he's a former criminal. People don't change."

"Don't they?" His gaze shifted to Baileywick, who seemed to grow uncomfortable. "I wonder about that…" His demeanor changing slightly, he instead smiled at the others. "Please, release Roland. I know you were doing your jobs, and I appreciate your consideration, but this man has done nothing wrong."

Begrudgingly, the guards let Roland loose, watching him stumble a bit as he tried to find his footing. They scarcely said a word as Baileywick demanded their departure, and all three left rather quickly.

After several moments of silence, Roland finally turned to Merlin, staring at him in awe. "Why did you lie for me?"

"Who said I'd lied?" Merlin lifted his hands, offering the wand to the taller man. He nodded as Roland accepted it, carefully cradling the precious object in his hands. "You have been helpful and kind to me. That was no lie. And I am now offering this wand to you as a token of my appreciation…and friendship." He tipped his pointed hat before winking in an almost playful manner. "I think you'll find that I rarely offer either to anyone, dear boy. Take that as you will. And in any case, there is good in everyone. All actions have deeper meanings. I merely want you to learn from your past and try to make the world a better place… Or rather, help make the world a place you want to live in." He turned and re-entered the castle, leaving a confused Roland behind, his hands still clutching the wand.

What…had just happened? He was touched by Merlin's words and kindness. "I can't let him down… I must try to be a better man." To do so, he knew he had to shed his past. Pocketing the wand, he pulled out the worn yellow ticket, staring at it momentarily, before shredding it to pieces, watching it fall to the earth below. He was breaking his parole, and he knew it, but he was unwilling to have 24601 attached to his name anymore. He would become a new person—a better person… But he had to protect himself since he was in danger of being captured again. "I'll flee from here and develop a new name, a new backstory, and a new life…" He sighed, taking the wand from his pocket, feeling the power Merlin had stored in it long ago. "At last…"

To be continued…

Next Chapter: A Wistful Dream