by E S Olsen
I slept fitfully, waking often to check on the babies. Ann and another servant sat nearby keeping watch. After two days I started to relax, perhaps nothing would happen this time. That night a terrible storm raged. Light illuminated the bedroom with each flash of lightning. I could see my babies sleeping peacefully and marveled that thunder didn’t wake them. On the third flash I found myself staring into the empty cavities of the bassinets.
They were gone.
I was too numb with shock to even cry. “Where are my babies?” lurching out of bed and falling, I crawled across the floor, and raked through the blankets. It felt as though my heart had been ripped out of my chest. Instinctively pressing my hands into the wound, I struggled to breathe, gasping painful ragged breaths. I doubted I would feel anything beyond this emptiness ever again.
CHAPTER 6
I don’t know how long I sat there but it must have been a long time. I heard people come and go. I heard voices but didn’t understand them. Ann knelt down in front of me, took my hands in hers and begged me to eat something, she was crying. I couldn’t understand why she would cry, I was the one who’d lost my children. Where was my husband? I heard his voice but didn’t understand the words. Then he spoke again. I slowly turned toward the door.
The white bear said, “I’ll take you to the portal so you can visit your family. You need to see them again.”
My family.
Yes, I wanted to see my sister and Father and Siv. I weakly got up and ate and dressed in my old clothes; all on autopilot. Then I climbed onto the back of the bear. He took me to the portal and seeing it was day in my world continued to take me all the way to my old house. He waited for me in the woods while I walked up to the house. Nothing felt real. It felt like I’d left the real world and was now in a fairytale. I knocked at the back door. It felt odd doing so, but it also didn’t seem right to walk in unannounced.
Siv opened the door. “Maria! Vut are you doing outside so early?”
I wracked my brain trying to think of an explanation. When nothing came to mind, I burst into tears. Siv wrapped me in her arms and brought me inside. After warming up with a mug of cocoa, Siv drew me a bath. I appreciated she didn’t load me down with questions. While soaking in the bath, I began to wonder about the time difference on each side of the portal.
When Valemon comes to my home, time stops in his land. The next time he visits, years have passed in my land. I was in the other side of the portal for many years but Siv didn’t seem to think I’d been gone. That doesn't make sense! At least I know Vivika was wrong. My family didn’t grow old and die, time had stopped for me while I was gone.
I started crying again and decided not to think about it right now.
*
There was a knock on my bedroom door. “Maria, you need to get some fresh air. You’ve spent the last two months in your room.”
I looked at Liz. “When did you get home?” She looked good. I bet she was happy and everything was going well for her.
“After the first semester, I decided to take a semester off.” She gave me a sideways glance. “Don’t ask,” she rolled her eyes. “Anyway, Dad was furious but, whatever.”
Liz put a hand on her hip and stared me down. “You seriously need to get out. You look like a zombie.” She threw open the curtains causing the harsh winter light to momentarily blind me. Blinking, I stared dumbly at the dust motes swirling in the air. Liz moved closer and pulled the blankets off me. “Whew! You smell like zombie too! Com’on.” She was surprisingly strong as she helped me out of bed and into the bathroom.
I gingerly tested the hot water she’d run.
“Don’t expect me to bathe you too. It’s almost noon, I’m going to help Siv make some lunch. I expect you to join us,” she leaned close, pointing a finger at me, her eyes intense. “Don’t make me come back up here again.”
And then she was gone. I let out a sigh and slipped into the water.
For weeks Liz pushed me to get out of bed and do regular human activities like brushing my teeth. As weeks turned into months my depression lessened enough that we drove to town, shopped, ate, watched movies, and went horseback riding. It almost felt like my life with Valemon was just a fairytale. But I knew I’d given birth. The loss of my daughters was keen in my memory. Each day as I dressed, I felt the weight of the golden chain around my neck. I missed my husband.
I couldn’t hold it in anymore. Even if Liz didn’t believe me, I had to tell her. She already thought I was crazy, so telling her wouldn't make matters worse.
Liz was lying on her bed listening to music and playing with her phone when I burst into her room. “Liz, I have so much to tell you. You are going to think I’m crazy but I really just need you to listen right now, okay?”
I told her about the bear king Valemon and how he was cursed. I told her about the portal and my wedding and finally about losing my babies. Tears streamed my face.
“Maria, you’re right, it does sound crazy. But, I can tell you aren’t lying. I just don’t know what to think.”
I pulled the gold chain from under my shirt. “I know this isn’t much evidence…”
Liz fingered the chain and said, “A necklace.” She didn’t look convinced, rather she looked concerned.
I blew out my breath and looked out the window at the trees. I grabbed her hand and pulled her to the window. “Look, he’s waiting for me, just beyond the treeline. Maybe we can get a glimpse of him.”
Liz sighed, her hands on her hips. She leaned her head forward and scanned the treeline. “I don’t see anything.”
I grabbed her elbow, “Just wait a minute.”
We watched and waited for a few minutes.
“Maria…”
“No. If I take you out there, you can meet him.”
She reluctantly followed me down through the house and out the door. We walked across the snowy field and slowed as we entered the wood.
“Valemon!” I called. “Valemon, I want you to meet my sister.”
Only the sound of the birds in the trees and the wind through the branches greeted us.
Liz’s glances at me made me feel foolish, embarrassed and angry. I wasn’t crazy. She rubbed her arms and cleared her throat.
“Valemon, you promised you’d wait for me, where are you!”
We both turned toward the crunch of snow. Valemon’s majestic form towered over us. His breath coming out as mist in the cold air.
A strangled cry came from Liz as she covered her mouth with one hand and grabbed my arm with the other.
“It’s ok.” I tried to reassure her. Stepping away from her I reached out to stroke Valemon’s neck.
“Elizabeth, it is an honor to meet you.” He bowed his head.
Suddenly we heard shouting and gunfire. Father was running across the field toward us.
“No!” Liz pulled at me, preventing me from standing in front of Valemon.
Father was loading another tranquilizer into his rifle, when Valemon stood on his hind legs, a dart sticking out of his shoulder. He roared and then charged.
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. My father took aim as the large white bear barreled down on him. Tears streaked my face as I stood, opened mouthed, wide eyed. Another shot sounded and Valemon crashed to the ground, inches from my father.
I was running before I realized it. Throwing myself across his still body. Father tried to pull me off of him. “Stop! Stop it! Don’t you dare touch him!” I yelled. I’ll never forget the look on my father’s face. Astonishment, hurt, horror, confusion.
Liz tugged at Father’s arm. “Dad, I’ve got something to tell you. Com’on, she’s alright, com’on.”
I don’t know what Liz told Father. Probably that she’d heard the bear speak or something to that effect, but no one bothered us while I sat in the snow and stroked Valemon’s neck. I could feel their watchful eyes burrow into the back of my head, and I didn’t care.
When Valemon started to stir I felt a hand on my shoulder. “Maria.
”
It was Father and I said nothing.
“I’m sorry for darting him, but would you please come away while he wakes up? Animals can be very unpredictable. I don’t want it… him to hurt you.”
I turned and looked up at him. “Valemon would never hurt me.” Still, I got to my feet and stood a few paces back with plenty of space between my father and I, my arms crossed.
“Liz told me everything. And I’m, I’m not sure what to make of it. Please try and see this from my perspective. Magic portals and talking bears. Besides, he charged at me.”
“You shot him!” My breath came in short bursts through my nose while I clenched my jaw. “Just wait until he wakes up, then you can talk to him yourself.”
I felt bad for snapping at him but I was angry. Valemon shook himself and slowly got to his feet. Father made a grab for my arm but I moved out of the way. “Are you ok?” I asked.
Valemon shook his head and made a coughing noise. “Yes, I’m fine.” Then he turned his attention to my astonished Father. “I apologize for my behavior earlier, you took me by surprise. Sometimes it’s hard to hide the natural bear tendencies,” he bowed to Father.
Valemon talked with Father for hours. I only interjected occasionally and Liz sat quietly holding my hand. As the daylight lessened, we agreed that everyone was tired and could use a good night’s rest. Even though we were married, Valemon chose to take a guest room.
As I headed into my room Liz beckoned me into her’s.
“I don’t think you’re crazy anymore,” she smiled her crooked smile.
“Gee thanks,” I rolled my eyes.
“You said he’s cursed right? Well, I was wondering if there was something else you needed to do to break the curse, besides marry him. I mean, you don’t want a bear as a husband for the rest of your life.”
“I … I don’t know. Valemon never told me. He said the witch wants to marry him and no one can see his face while he’s a man.”
“You’ve never seen him? How do you know he’s not ugly?” Elizabeth laughed.
“Liz! I love him. It doesn’t matter what he looks like. He’s wonderful.”
“Still, aren’t you the least bit curious?” She grabbed her keychain and pulled off the small bullet flashlight. “Here, use this while he is asleep. Take a peek and no one will be the wiser.”
She dropped the flashlight in my hand. I stared at it like it was a dangerous weapon. “I don’t know, Liz, I’m not supposed to see him.”
She laughed at me again. “He said that he needed to get married to break the curse, right? Well, did it work? Take a look.” When I said nothing she continued. “Whatever, you keep it.”
I slipped it into my pocket.
Most of the night I tossed and turned; worried if I should use the stupid flashlight or not. The first rays of daylight were peeking through my curtains. I started thinking about the time differences again. Gently rubbing my temples with my fingertips I thought it over and over. The conclusion I came to was that it worked the same for me as it did for Valemon only in reverse. I missed my home.
We shared tearful goodbyes with promises to come again.
“My dear Valemon, let’s go home.” I said and climbed on his back.
By the time we got to the castle it was nearing night. I hugged Valemon and went to my room to bathe. I was just putting my nightgown on when Valemon entered, eager to see me. He carried me to bed, my hair still wet.
I awoke to darkness. I could hear Valemon’s deep steady breathing. Liz’s gift came to mind. The more I tried not to think about it, the more I wanted to see my husband. I crept out of bed and rummaged through my pant pockets. My hand closed around the cold metal of the flashlight. I carefully slid back into bed and lay there for a few minutes staring into the darkness. Finally I leaned over Valemon and clicked the light on.
My mouth popped open, I almost gasped out loud. He was the most handsome man I had ever laid eyes on. I couldn’t believe this was my husband. With my fingertips I gently brushed his hair to the side. His eyes opened. For a moment we stared at each other. His gaze went from confusion to anger. I dropped the flashlight.
He grabbed my wrist. “What have you done? In just a month I’d have been free from the witch. Now I have to marry her.” He jumped out of bed, grabbed his robe and stalked out of the room.
“No! Valemon, I didn’t know. Come back!” I sobbed. “I’m sorry!”
CHAPTER 7
A rooster crowed its greeting to the sun. “Valemon! I didn’t know!” I cried until the sky began to lighten. My pillow was drenched. “I can’t lose you too.”
Still in my nightgown and bare feet, I ran from my room, stumbling down the stony steps that led from the castle down to the lane that ran past the village. Only those who awoke before the sun saw me pass. I’d heard some of the servant girls talk about the witch’s castle on the distant mountain range. That is where I was headed.
My lungs burned, both from the exertion of running and the chill in the air. I stumbled and fell more than once as I followed the rock strewn dirt road. Brushing the bloodied sand from my knees, I ran on. Eventually the road came to a shallow stream but there was no bridge to cross it. I paused for a moment looking for a way to cross when I noticed there was smoke curling up through the trees in the distance. Following the smoke I found a row of large rocks that must have been placed by someone to provide a crossing point.
A wolf howled in the distance.
I slipped on the rocks before I could catch myself. The icy water hit my nerves like thousands of needle pricks to my skin. As my head broke the surface I gulped for air, my numb fingers sought hold while I clambered out onto the opposite bank. My sheer nightgown clung to me like an extra layer of skin. Shivering violently, I forced my legs to keep moving forward.
Across an overgrown meadow stood a small cabin with a grass roof. It would have looked abandoned if it wasn’t for the smoke coming from the chimney and the welcoming yellow glow from a small window. When I got to it, the door opened before I could knock and I was greeted by a little girl who had startling blue eyes. She smiled at me and took my hand.
“Come inside and warm yourself,” she said.
I sat by the fire, my teeth chattering. There was an older woman sitting by the fire as well.
“You look hungry dear. Are you lost?” she asked.
“I’m searching for my husband. I think he went this way.”
The woman motioned to two little girls, twins, hardly old enough to talk. They both laid a cloth on the floor by me and clapped their hands. A delicious spread of food appeared on the cloth.
“Eat,” said the woman.
I was too hungry to question her. “Thank you.” I picked up a bowl of stew.
“You’ll need something warm and dry to wear, the witches’ castle isn’t far,” she said and motioned to the older girl who had a pair of scissors. The little girl started working the scissors and clothing began to appear out of nowhere; it was like I was watching a video in reverse. My mouth hung open, my spoon halfway from the bowl to my mouth. I put the stew down and accepted the clothing.
“Thank you so much.” Once dressed the woman applied some salve to the soles of my bruised and cut feet.
“One last gift,” said the woman. She handed me a pair of leather shoes with spike attachments and two sticks with spikes at one end. “These will help you to climb the mountain.” She smiled at me. The little girls curtsied.
As I bent over and pushed my feet into the shoes, I heard the old woman say, “don’t be too mad at him dear, he couldn’t tell you when the curse would come to an end.” looking up, I found the room void of people. The only furniture being the chair I sat on. A single set of footprints tracked through the thick dust to where I sat, alone, by the fire.
“Hello?”
Where did she go? How did she know about Valemon? I quickly finished my stew and rolled the scissors in the cloth and tucked them into my belt, as I walked out of the cabin.
*
As I got closer to the base of the mountains, the trees grew thicker and harder to skirt around. The air grew steadily colder and a thick canopy of leaves obscured my view of the top of the cliff. I followed what I thought was an animal trail through the dense forest, in what I hoped was the direction of the mountains. With the dim light I found that my senses were piqued and I jumped at the smallest of sounds.
Then I heard a snarl.
Instantly weak in the knees, I gripped my climbing sticks, in the hope that they might make formidable weapons. Thinking about Valemon brought some comfort and I moved forward as quietly as I could.
Several times I thought I saw movement to one side or a glint from an eye on the other. My nerves translated into my legs moving faster. Then something knocked me down from behind, the weight of it nearly knocking all the air out of my lungs. No sooner than I found myself pinned, it was off me. I rolled and managed to get to one knee when I saw two wolves snapping at each other. They turned to me and I just had enough time to bring up my spikes when the first one charged.
I swung at him with all my strength and was more than surprised when I made contact. The wolf cried out and slunk away into the woods, blood pouring from his shoulder. The second wolf snarled and started circling me. Attaining both feet, I mimicked his circling, making sure he couldn’t get behind me.
He lunged at me from my weak side and my arm burned where his claws raked my skin. Then he was on me. Pinning me to the ground. The only thing keeping him from sinking his teeth into me was my climbing spike. I held it out at arm length, pushed against his neck. Somehow, I managed to bring my good arm down on him. The other spike sticking deeply into his chest.
With a grunt the wolf collapsed on top of me. The wolf’s head lay on my lap, eyes wide, tongue lolled out to one side. Gasping for breath, I slid from under his bulk and clambered backward on all fours until I was pressed against a tree and sat there for some time shaking, eyes blurry from tears. I looked down and saw that my lap was covered in blood and my arm, though it was starting to clot, still dripped. I felt broken like glass - no longer recognizable - my hopes and dreams shattered into a million pieces.
