Not to long of a wait for this installment and congrats to those who have guessed how Henry's paternity is going to be revealed. I hope you enjoy this chapter!

The protective dome of the spell that Elsa cast around the palace hummed with magic that Killian had to admit turned his stomach a fair bit. For as long as he could remember he had avoided magic and the dark implications of it as well as the good. It was Emma who had shown him that not all magic was deadly or dastardly. As his finger trailed down the hand drawn line demarking a river on the map, he tried to even his breathing.

The maps were rolled out on a heavy planked table that could have been in any household big enough to hold it, as the rough wood was hardly fit for royalty. Robin had left Snow and Red there with Killian as he and Graham set out with a group of the scouts to look for any changes or signs in the landscape that might indicate the Princess's location. While Killian had scoffed that the Dark One rarely left clues, he had sent up a silent prayer of hope that for once he would be wrong.

"They've been gone a long time," Snow said from her position across the table. It did still startle him to see her in that more casual way. Her legs were in leather trousers rather than a long skirt and her over layer of a coat cinched at the waist in the soft leather that matched her boots. While Emma had said the Queen used to be a bandit on the run from Regina, he did not think he could imagine her looking quite that way. The similarities to David's first run in with her being one where she was not in all her stately finery to his similar first glance at Emma was not lost on the pirate.

"That could," Red consoled, "be seen as a good sign. Perhaps they are on the verge of finding something and bringing Emma back to us." Red's eyes looked tired as she measured out the route she was considering at that moment. Killian could see from her frustrated but brief closing of her eyes that her mind had fogged with the need for sleep. He had gently suggested that she take her leave for the evening and start afresh in the morning, but that was met with a resounding and bitter refusal.

Snow was often described by her subjects as a beacon of hope, as her speeches to the populace had carried through that theme even in her younger years. While Killian had never actually sat through such an event as her or David's addresses to the kingdom, he was familiar with the concept and had heard people speak of her in terms of her optimistic nature. Even Emma had mentioned it as a way that she was not quite equal to her mother's ability to reign as brightness did not come naturally to her demeanor and countenance. So as the mother of two stood there earlier and told him that she needed him to contact his crew, he had done so not out of obligation to the crown as his earlier self would have done. He instead had done so out of the anticipation that the act would somehow bring back the Queen's expectation that all would be well once again.

Red had not mentioned the King again since the earlier question was greeted by exasperated and angry tears by Snow. Her guilt was on full display that she had asked her eldest child and only daughter to play such a dangerous and volatile role in the evening's proceedings. Both Killian and Red had hidden themselves away in this conference area upon the loud and riotous exchange between the King and Queen earlier that evening.

"We shouldn't have let her do this," Snow had loudly said to her husband. "She was only doing it because we told her that it was her duty. She should be home safe in her bed instead of facing the Dark One's power. This fight had nothing to do with her and yet she could be a casualty of it. And why? All because Regina begged for our help."

David's own guilt was evident as he pleaded that they must find her rather than dwell on the possibilities that they might never see her again. Blame was for the hopeless, he had told her in that stern voice that he rarely used outside commanding troops.

"Perhaps we should consider those other maps. I realize they are not as complete, but they do contain some of the lesser traveled areas." Killian's suggestion was met with a silent agreement by both women. Holding steady with his emotions tucked safely inside, he managed to unroll another map as they each took to studying it in their respective regions. Such analysis seemed to breed time to think and sulk over the details in his mind, as reading charts and maps were the mindless activities of a captain of his experience.

Just hours before she had been in his arms, gliding across a dance floor with the denizens of Misthaven wondering just who he was and how he had won the favor of the Princess. He had not cared what they thought, only that they continued to love and respect the woman who he was clinging to as though she were the safety line in a storm. If he breathed in hard enough he could still catch the scent of her that had tickled his nose and made him imagine what it would be like to have woken with that scent drifting over him and her body next to his. That was a bold use of his imagination and one that would probably have him strung up even in light of the better relations between himself and Emma's parents, but one that he could not help but revisit.

"I feel caged just sitting here looking over maps," Red protested, interrupting all their thoughts. "Snow, we both know I can track them. Just let me go."

The Queen's eyes fluttered shut, her arms holding her up over the long map as she breathed in and out with measured consistency. "Red, it was magic. You can't track that. He didn't just run away with her."

There was no hesitation in Red's eyes as lowered the hood of her cloak that had fallen forward in her study of the map. "I can find her. You're just worried how it would look for the kingdom to know you were consorting with a werewolf. That's it?"

"Red, please." The Queen spun around and stared out the three windows that were opposite of them. The lanterns and torches that had earlier brightened the path were burnt down to nothing and the overwhelming blackness of the landscape had blanketed the view out of the leaded glass. "My daughter is out there with the most evil man doing who knows what to her. She could be dead right now. I will and have used everything at my disposal to get her back. Your going off and running through the woods in wolf form will only serve to scare people in the surrounding villages and very likely get you killed. Don't add to the blood of this evening."

To Killian's eyes Red did appear a bit contrite as Snow walked out with the muttered excuse of checking the progress of the others. However, he knew that she would probably steal off to look in on the sleeping children, having said earlier that was her only peace in all this. No one begrudged her that, as it seemed for many of them that the fact Henry was safe was the only bright side to all that had happened.

"She's fighting her way back to you," Red told him when they were alone in the room. "I know she is. No matter what he has promised her he will do or how much she may wish to give up, she's got to know you are there for her."

"It doesn't feel quite enough," he said, retracing a route with his index finger. "Forgive me for not hanging my hat on dreams and hopes, Red. It has never served me well in the past. I am a man who fights for what he wants, not one who sits about and waits for opportunities and talk of strategy."

She probably did not expect him to embrace her comforting words, so his response slid off her with little issue. There was a moment of silence as she rechecked her calculation before grimacing. "If we have the bit of luck on our side, I don't doubt that you will be afforded that chance to fight for her."

Both worked in silence a bit longer, the only conversation hints and tips that Killian could throw her way about reading the charts in front of them. While never formally schooled or trained, he had been picking up on the skills since childhood and foraged quite a set of them in his service to the navy and again as a pirate. Though much had changed since his childhood, he stuck with the tried and true techniques and relied upon his own knowledge and hand than some of the newer instruments that some sailors had taken to using.

When the door opened a bit later, Killian was expecting Snow to have returned a bit battle weary but determined to continue the search for Emma. He had been thinking of things he could say to her in comfort, but none seemed quite appropriate. And while Emma's father seemed a much more stoic force than his beautiful wife, he somehow felt himself fearing her a bit more when it came to being in the family's graces. He wondered if it was because Emma was so like her that he assumed she might know of his designs on the Princess and better understand them than even David.

However, it was the other Queen that entered, a dusty tome in her hands with pages so fragile that they threatened to turn to dust themselves as she plopped it atop the map laden table. "I think I found something," she said, looking pointedly at Red. "The woman, Belle, is sleeping so I thought you might be the best to show this to now."

Red did not offer any encouragement other than the arch of her brow so Elsa began to read from the faded copy in a halting voice. Killian quickly realized that she was translating the script from its native language into one they would all understand. The words were obtuse and flowery, lending more to literature than geography. After all, who could truly believe that a flowering bush that existed in the time of the author's penned work still existed? Yet still they knew more of that that flower and its two toned petals than they did of the place it spoke about in less detail.

"A vault?" Killian asked, trying out the word as though it would conjure some image in his mind. It did not. All he could see was the fear he had seen in Emma's eyes as the Dark One had put him and her father in danger the night before. He wanted to swear to himself that if given the opportunity, she would never again experience that fear or doubt. He would see to it.

Elsa nodded, waving him over with her hand as she pointed out the unfamiliar text on the page. "It says that it comes up from the ground as natural as the rocks and trees that surround it. A small clearing gives way to its locked entrance that only opens upon the right sequence or the birth of a new Dark One."

"Where the bloody hell are we supposed to find that?"

***AAA***

Emma's eyes readjusted to the dark eventually, but the coldness of the stone around her made the woman shiver more out of temperature than fear. The boldness of her red gown seemed to have become duller as the night had worn on and she had watched without a word as Rumpelstiltskin had merrily danced around what seemed to her an underground laboratory of some kind. Hidden compartments seemed to litter the intricate stonework and his machinations indicated that he knew the location and contents of them all. Never was a step or movement wasted as he moved through seemingly choreographed steps.

"I'm sure you have questions, dearie," he said, startling her with his attention. She wondered if he even remembered that she was there. "You want to try?"

"Try what?" Her voice sounded strained and hoarse, her lips and throat parched. "I don't understand any of this."

In his hand was what appeared to be a simple rock, smooth and worn by weather and time. He flipped it in his palm, showing her the unremarkable surface. "Your hand," he said to her, not bothering with pleasantries or formality. "Your hand."

Shakily she extended her trembling hand toward his. "Like this?" she asked, not sure why she was obeying without protest. As her hand was situated over his, she felt a burning sensation and heard a distinct hum from what she could only assume was the stone. She kept it there as long as she could until the burn of it stung her flesh. "What is that?"

"It's a conduit," he explained. "It's how we are going to bring my son back. Your magic and love for him will have to be enough. Otherwise I'll dispose of you and go back for Henry."

***AAA***

Morning brought very little news in terms of the search. Killian had slept only a few moments when Snow had insisted, claiming that his bleary eyes were bringing her pain. The frank way she had instructed him was half Emma and half mother, both of which he missed more than he could even say.

Elsa's discovery in the book had brought a moment of excitement, but that was tempered with the knowledge that without the dagger they were helpless. It was David and Killian that had agreed on that, knowing that Emma's whereabouts were only one piece to a puzzle that seemed to have varying shapes and challenges.

"Anything?" Elsa asked, a cup of tea in front of her untouched. Snow had her servants deliver the hot liquid to them all that morning, but from the looks of things there was no interest in it.

He raked his single hand over his features, the growth of his beard more noticeable against his palm. Emma would have teased him for it, calling him wooly or barbaric. And while he would have rolled his eyes at her accusation, he would have found the nearest blade to remedy the problem. If she desired it, he would shave himself clean for her touch. He only hoped he still had the chance to ask her about her preference.

"I feel that we are squandering our time," he said with a frustrated flick of his wrist. "There is no greater sin."

"No, there really isn't," she agreed, the book in her hand creating a cloud of dust that mingled with the errant snowflakes around her as she closed it. "I came here because no one should face a demon alone. Emma taught me that. We are not islands that exist next to each other but without connection. And yet I feel so isolated. Emma is missing. Regina is so angry that I cannot speak to her. Everyone stares upon me as if I must have the solution. I don't. I have not a single solution to this horrible debacle."

"I look to you for no more guidance than I look to myself, your majesty. Emma was concerned about this from the start. I did not protect her. I did not stop her from doubting." For a pirate to admit his own insecurity was a feat, but for a captain like Killian Jones, he was sure that he had never done so since raising the crimson flag. He wondered if it might be more than cathartic.

Elsa clicked her tongue sympathetically as she pushed the drink away and reached for another of the books when she heard approaching steps. The King appeared in the doorway with his hand resting steadily on the brace of his sword. Giving the room a quick once over, he shook his head.

"The waters of guilt run high in this river," David said, as he stepped down the two stairs into the sunken room. He regarded the discarded maps and books that had proven fruitless and the dwindling piles of resources still left for inspection. "That's what my mother used to say when I would have a pity for myself."

"From your wife's tale of it, your mother was a special woman," Elsa said in her subdued tone. "Bright and innovative. We could use her now."

"Without a doubt," David said. "I've been sent to fetch you all. Granny Lucas and Snow have decided that our work needs to pause for a morning meal."

Killian was about to brush that request off when David looked him dead in the eyes. "We don't argue with Granny or my wife. I will make the suggestion that you do not either if you wish to be a party to rescuing my daughter." It was the closest that David came to welcoming Killian's assistance.

So without much more fuss the group reassembled in the smaller of the formal dining rooms and munched listlessly on fruit and sweet cakes between sips of coffee and tea. Snow and Granny spoke of the word they had received from far corners of the kingdom, other entities offering support and prayers. Even Regina's own half sister, a full realm away had heard of the debacle and offered a troop of flying monkeys to search. While Regina rejected it on principle, Snow said they would take whatever assistance they could get.

Conversation was muted a bit with the arrival of Leo, Henry, and Roland. None of the adults had mentioned Emma's disappearance or the Dark One's plans, but children were known to sense tension and the three boys were no exception. Roland had taken to patting Regina's arm before he began to eat his breakfast and Henry had pointedly asked her why she was so sad. Leo was more silent and watched with wide green eyes as the others spoke in riddles. There were no easy answers, even for children's ears so when they finished their quick meal, the boys were dismissed to play.

"Stay within the palace walls and do not disturb anyone," Snow instructed as Johanna took two steps to their every scamper to keep up with them.

***AAA***

"Almost ready," Rumpelstiltskin said, a steady fire between him and the Princess of Misthaven. He added a few more things, the rock that he had held earlier off to the side. The flames licked upward and changed color as drops of unknown substances were poured over the fire. He seemed to be counting them, his lips moving without sound. "Are you?"

"What do I have to do?" Emma asked, her eyes staring more at the fire as she rubbed the palm that still seemed to hurt. "Why can't you do it alone?"

He paused then, rubbing this tips of his fingers against his thumbs. His lips ran tight over his teeth as he sneered at her. "Questions of why are not useful. We should ask how and learn from the process."

She rolled her eyes. "Then how does this work. How are you unable and I am?"

His fingers ran over his chest where his heart beat underneath. Dark and singed by evil and wickedness, it still thumped even after all the years of his existence surpassed human possibility. "Baelfire will have to be open to the communication, open to hearing the voice from the other end."

"And you think he wants to hear from me?" she asked, her brow furrowing. She could not bring herself to ask why this man would think that Henry would be able to do this task. How would he have the ability to reach a man he didn't know? Baelfire was gone before Henry was even born. It all weighed upon her. "He left me. I don't think he would want to hear my voice."

"You might be surprised."

***AAA***

Leo's hand swiped the compass off the map and held it close to his chest. "I told you," he said to Henry. "I told you he was a pirate."

Hair falling in front of his brown eyes, Henry stared at the circular object in Leo's grasp. "Is he truly?"

"I heard my parents say he was," the older boy hissed back, darting over to the corner near the thick velvet curtains. They had earlier declared it their home base, a place where they could regroup from scavenging. So far they had pilfered two candle sticks, a plate with an uneaten piece of cake, and a lady's earring probably dropped during the ball. The compass was added to the loot. "I heard my father say it and say that he was not fit for a princess."

Henry scrunched his nose. "What does that mean?"

"I don't know. I think that they are worried that my sister and Killian may love each other. I guess my dad worries that my sister might go away with Killian on his boat if that is true."

"He has a boat?" Roland asked excitedly, his eyes still trained on the cake that he was clearly eating with his mind. "Like a real boat?"

"A ship," the older boy clarified, though he would struggle to tell the difference. "He's a captain. A pirate captain."

Henry looked back at Leo in awe, trying to reconcile this information with the man who had been lurking about with Emma over the past few weeks. He did not seem as scary as the tales of pirates in books, but still there was something quite dangerous about the man. "Do you think he ever buried a treasure?"

"I bet he did around here," Leo said. "That's why he's hanging about. He's just waiting for the right time to dig it up." It did the young boy some good to have the two younger ones hanging on his every word as he said the maps there in the corner were probably treasure maps and marked with an x where the treasure would lie.

"In a chest," Roland added to the story was spinning. "Lots of gold."

"Of course," Leo approved. "I bet if we look for it and find it, then Killian will share it with us."

The younger boys nodded solemnly, their eyes darting about the room for a clue. It was Henry who spotted it first, the nondescript wooden box on the far table. It was not the sort of thing that would normally catch a boy's attention, but the idea of a pirate's loot and treasure were prominent. He rose up from his knees and catapulted in front of Roland to reach it first. "I found it!"

Leo was three steps behind when shards of magic from the lock dissipated in front of them. With a glowing aura from inside the lid of the box opened with a slowness that seemed to build the anticipation of its contents. And with three boys staring into its depths, six eyes fell upon the wavy edged dagger with the inscription reading Rumpelstiltskin.