Rumpel just called after her, "Call out my name when you change your mind."
"I am not---" Rosabelle turned to look at him but he was no longer there. She took out her compass and willed it to show her where to go. The needle pointed east so she headed towards the right side.
Another hour passed and she found herself back at the fallen tree. She went to the opposite direction towards the west side and another hour passed when she saw the fallen tree with her scratched marks. It was hopeless. They were doomed to die and Lucas and the rest of the staff to follow.
She sighed as she called out the imp’s name, "Rumpel? Are you still there?"
She looked around but no one appeared. She waited for another minute but it felt like a century. She sighed. The imp had gone and left her alone. She should have accepted his offer earlier. Now, he was gone and his offer rescinded.
In a blink of the eye, Rumpel appeared at her side, standing on the fallen tree. He had a smile on his lips, "You called?"
"You better be true to your word when you said you can lead me to Canterbury. I accept your trade."
The imp clapped his hands in delight and he flicked his wrist to pull out a paper and pen from the air. It was a written contract.
"Sign your freedom away, dearie."
Rosabelle read what was written. She held the pen in her hand as she read every word. It was brief and straight to the point. She will be serving Rumpel for the rest of her life. She thought of Lucas and her heart swelled with resolve. She signed her name and the moment she raised her pen after signing, the paper and pen disappeared into Rumpel’s sleeve.
"I will be coming to collect when you've finished your quest."
"Don’t forget your end of the bargain." Rosabelle added wryly.
"Just go straight ahead until you see someone. Ask him for directions." The imp vanished but not before giving a high pitched laughter.
"Wait!" Rosabelle called out. Was that it? Was she duped into believing that all she had to do was go straight ahead? There was one way to find out. She clicked on the reins and lead Bessie straight. She rode on as she saw the road change from a dusty road to a red brick road. It seemed hours passed when she saw a change in scenery. Her peripheral vision saw more greenery coming up and the fallen tree not appearing in sight. She needed to find a water source soon.
She stopped at the crossroad to look at the compass again when she heard an approaching wagon. It was a farmer riding a wagon filled with hay. The scenery completely changed and the land of dryness was no longer there.
She waved as he approached and he stopped, tipping her hat to her. The farmer was an elderly man with wrinkles and gray hair.
"I was hoping you could direct me? I'm looking for the town of Canterbury?"
"You're half a mile away. I'm headed there myself. You can ride alongside me towards the town proper, Miss."
"Thank you, kind sir."
Rosabelle's heart skipped a beat as she heard she was nearing her destination. She was not sure her plan would work. What if Esmeralda was not there? She had signed her freedom away for nothing.
She followed the farmer as he described the area. It was a mixed population of farmers and coal miners. The rugged terrain was rough but it was home to them.
"I'm looking for a person named Esmeralda. Do you know her?"
The farmer shook his head, "The name is not familiar."
"How about Mabel of Canterbury?" She held her breath as the farmer nodded.
"She's Beatrice's daughter. She had run away to seek her fortune and went off to the other kingdom. Last I heard she came home and got really sick and then she died. Poor Beatrice became so sad that she left this place and she, too, succumbed to her deathbed."
Rosabelle's heart sank. Mabel's family had gone away after her death. Her plan did not work.
"How did you know Mabel?" The farmer asked.
"We work for the same master in a castle far away. I heard she passed away and wanted to pay my respects to her family. It's the least I can do."
The farmer nodded, "Beatrice would have welcomed you. She loved her daughter very much."
"Do you think you can show me where Mabel used to live? I would like to visit her place." She might as well see where Mabel lived to gather some clues.
"Sure thing, Miss. It would be in the far corner of the village. There’s really nothing much to see over there. It's abandoned now and some say haunted. Some folks say they see flashing lights coming from the old house during the night." The farmer pointed to the south side towards another path off to their right which would lead her straight to Mabel's house.
Rosabelle thanked the farmer when they parted ways. She proceeded towards the area where he directed her. Bessie gave a small neigh and Rosabelle felt her hairs standing as she neared the location. The house itself was in disrepair. The roof almost completely gone and the bushes around the area overgrown. She tied Bessie to a tree and gave her some water that she drew up from a well nearby. She walked around the area and noticed a small clearing at the back of the house. The air seemed to be filled with static energy, almost crackling.
She approached the clearing and gave a small gasp. Overgrown plants grew everywhere except one shaded area. The area she noted had a tombstone and it was Mabel's graveyard. This was where she was buried, she thought excitedly! Mabel’s final resting place.
She stood as she stared at the tombstone. She felt despair filling her heart. She had half hoped her plan would work and that Esmeralda was nearby but the enchantress was nowhere to be found. It was very quiet and the only sounds were coming from the rustling of the leaves as a gentle breeze blew across. One tear fell from her eye and then another and before she knew it, she was sobbing in frustration. She was tired from her long journey and her plan had not worked. She looked for her handkerchief but realized she had given it to the little girl, Heidi. She used the sleeves of her sweater and sank to her knees. Her body felt drained and her hope disappearing quickly.
"Mabel," Rosabelle whispered in the air, her hand touching the face of the tombstone. "Please help me find Esmeralda. A young boy named Chip is dying. He is an innocent and does not deserve this curse that was set upon the castle. I implore you to help me help him."
"And what do you intend to speak about once you find me, my dear?"
Rosabelle gasped out loudly. She turned around towards the voice and there stood a most stunning sight. There was a beautiful lady dressed all in green. It was a rich velvety green with sparkles of what appeared as multiple tiny emerald stones on her dress. They glinted brightly reflecting the sun's light. She looked so misplaced in the rundown farmland. There was only one person she could think of with such a presence. This was no other than Esmeralda.
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Esmeralda exuded all power, beauty and magic.
Rosabelle gave a small bow of respect. "It is an honor to finally meet you, Enchantress Esmeralda. I have been tasked to deliver a message to you."
"And what message do you wish to convey?" One eyebrow was up.
"I am speaking on behalf of Lord Lucas. He would have been here himself if the curse did not prevent him from leaving the castle. He seeks your forgiveness and hope you spare the people that serve him. They are innocent and do not deserve this curse that had been set upon them all."
"Is he truly sorry, Rosabelle? The handsome and vain Prince Lucas?"
Prince Lucas? Rosabelle frowned at that. She did not have to ask how Esmeralda knew her name. She cleared her mind and focused at what needed to be done. She had come here to finish this. She will not fail.
"I believe so. Anyone deserves a second chance, even the Prince. He has changed for the better. I have seen the man he is today and he is a good hearted man. He cares for his servants."
Esmeralda came closer and asked, one of her eyebrows still raised, "And does he care about you?"
Rosabelle nodded, "He cares enough not to get me involved but I insisted."
The enchantress came closer still and t
hey were an arm's length. Rosabelle kept very still and stood her ground. She must not show any fear. Esmeralda stretched out her finger and lifted her scarf off her disfigured face.
"Do you think he will love a scarred woman such as you?"
Rosabelle took a step back instinctively, "I am merely his servant, nothing more!"
Esmeralda gave a smile, "But you do feel something for him. I can see it in your eyes and I can hear your heart beating faster at the mention of his name. Hmm, interesting. Interesting indeed."
Esmeralda just looked at her as she was contemplating her decision. Rosabelle just held her breath and waited for the enchantress to speak.
"I watched you as you left the castle. I have been watching you very closely, Rosabelle... ever since you saved your sister from the fire. I saw you decide between your mother and your sister. Your mother was sick and could not move fast enough. You knew saving Isabelle would be faster and she was your father's favorite. You thought you had more time but you got caught in the crossfire. The beam fell on your left side. You were pushed aside but not before burning some of your flesh as it fell, but you pulled through and pulled your sister to safety. Your destiny had been decided and I could not interfere. Such a brave girl you are, Rosabelle."
Rosabelle's thoughts wandered to that time in her life when she had to make a split decision. She always wondered if she made the right decision. She always had that tiny regret that she could have saved their mother too, if only she was faster.
As if heading her thoughts, Esmeralda spoke again, "Your mother said you made the right decision."
Rosabelle looked at her in wonderment, "How---?"
"Let's just say I get a free access up there once in awhile." She pointed a finger to the heavens above.
Esmeralda looked past her towards the tomb where her goddaughter was laid to rest. A look of sadness passed over her beautiful features.
"She really believed she loved him. He did not even know who she was and was really hurt when he laughed at her. She admitted her feelings for him and he brushed her off like a fly. She was a foolish young girl, besotted with a man who did not have the decency to be a gentleman to her! I may have been too extreme in my punishment but I wanted the Prince to learn humility."
"He acknowledges that, Esmeralda, and he asks for your forgiveness. And from Mabel as well. I am grateful you answered my call . I could not believe my eyes when you suddenly appeared."
Esmeralda took a deep breath, "I would not have come to see you if I thought you were wasting my time. And as you mentioned before, I believe a man's true worth is based on how he responds to each situation. Your kindness and bravery to the people you have met along this journey showed me what kind of person you really are. I'm just wondering if he deserves your steadfast love and loyalty."
Rosabelle kept silent, just anticipating what the beautiful enchantress was trying to convey.
"You have earned my respect and I shall reward you three requests. You can ask me anything you want except the banishment of the curse itself. What was once wielded as punishment for a wrongdoing cannot be retracted the same way in words. Choose wisely, Rosabelle. This is your only chance from me."
Rosabelle contemplated her first request. This was her opportunity to right a situation. She swallowed hard and her mind filled with numerous possibilities. She did not want to screw this up. "I want to know how we can bring the magical red rose out under the full moonlight."
"You could have asked anything of me and I would have granted it. You could have asked for gold or a face of renowned beauty. What an interesting girl, you are."
Esmeralda waved her hand and there appeared a small pot and a shovel at their feet. “As promised. Take some of the soil on Mabel's graveyard and use that as the plant’s potting soil. Transfer the rose by taking it from its root. Plant it to that pot and bring it under the full moonlight for the magic to work."
Rosabelle took the small shovel and transferred some soil into the pot. When she was done, she set the pot at her feet. She straightened up and saw Esmeralda waiting for her second request
"How can the power of the magical rose save the people in the castle?"
Esmeralda waved her hand and a picture of the magical rose appeared before them in midair.
"You only have sixteen petals. As each petal falls, one must catch it in one's hand and wish upon it. Any wish spoken by the bearer will be granted. The people who were taken by the curse can now return. One petal for one person who needs to be saved. And yes, Prince Lucas can wish himself free of the curse."
Rosabelle's heart beat wildly at Esmeralda's last words. Hope flared a new fire. Lucas can be saved!
"Rosabelle, you have one last request. You can ask me to heal your scar. Imagine a life without pain. You deserve it."
Rosabelle shook her head, "This scar reminds me of the love I have for my family. Besides, I am used to this hideous face. If one cannot love me for who I am then they do not deserve me."
Esmeralda acknowledged with a small nod of her head, "And your last question or request, Rosabelle?"
"I want you to help me make it back in time to the castle. It is imperative I deliver this pot of soil before the full moonlight.”
Esmeralda stepped back and waved her hand and Rosabelle felt a tingling in her feet. She looked down and saw that she was wearing ruby red slippers. They were sparkling with real rubies!
"These are from a good friend of mine. I don't think Dorothy would mind you borrowing them for awhile."
"Thank you, Esmeralda for listening to our plea."
"Stand over there, Rosabelle. Pick up the pot. Bessie will have to stay here, I'm afraid. I will make sure she will have a good home. The little girl Heidi will surely welcome a friendly sight tomorrow morning when she opens the front door."
Rosabelle patted Bessie's head goodbye and stood at the spot where Esmeralda was pointing, her shoes jingling with each footstep.
"Now, close your eyes and think of the castle you call home. Think of the people who are waiting for you. Let them direct you to that location. When you have that thought in mind, click your heels three times and say, 'there's no place like home'. When you open your eyes, you should be at the castle just in time before the full moonlight. Make haste, Rosabelle!"
Rosabelle held the pot with one hand and had the other hand touch the ring that was in her breast pocket, her bag slung across her chest. She thought of Lucas and her friends who were waiting for her at the castle. She remembered his touch and his words for her to come back soon. With her eyes closed, she clicked her heels three times and whispered the magic words.
She felt a little tingling and when she opened her eyes, she gasped. It was already nighttime, the moon was not peeking from the clouds yet. She was facing the large doors of the grand castle. She was home! Esmeralda was no longer at her side.
Her feet tingled again and she saw the red ruby slippers disappear. With a blink of an eye, she was wearing her old shoes again. She carefully held the pot in her hand as she took a deep breath and knocked.
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The door opened and Rosabelle smiled at Keithley as he swung the doors wide. His eyes widened in surprise
"Miss Rosabelle, you're back! I am so glad to see you. The master will be so happy you've made it back. We have almost lost hope."
"I'm back, Keithley. Where is Lucas? Miranda and Chip? I have good news!"
At the mention of the boy's name, Keithley looked down and his face turned sad, "Chip is gone, Miss."
Rosabelle's heart stopped for awhile, her hand went to her mouth to stop a sob, "Oh, Miranda. Where is she?"
"In the kitchens, Miss. She sits in the same place where Chip used to read his books. She's not the same."
"Keithley, please get the master Lucas and I will go find Miranda. Meet me in the kitchens. Quickly, we don't have time to lose!"
Rosabelle went through the hallway leading to the kitchens and she saw Miranda. She was all in black, mourning the loss of her son a
nd only family. She was holding her drawing of Chip. It was smudged from her tears.
Rosabelle placed the pot of soil carefully on the big kitchen table and approached Miranda. She touched her shoulder and Miranda looked up. Her eyes were red and grief-stricken. Her eyes widened at the sight of Rosabelle and then new tears welled up.
"Rosabelle, Chip is gone! We're too late." Miranda broke into sobs and Rosabelle felt the same misery that overcame her when she lost her mother. She held Miranda as she enveloped her in her embrace.
"Rosabelle, is that really you?" A familiar voice came through their misery.
She looked up and saw the master of the castle. He was leaning on Keithley who was supporting him with his shoulders. He looked weaker and thinner. She left Miranda to meet his arm in a half embrace. How she missed his company! Decorum be damned. The white mask covered his face but she could see his lively eyes. He was as happy to see her as she was to see him.
“Lucas! Your hands are cold and you’re sweating. Are you sick?”
He did not answer her question but instead held her hand in his, “It’s good to see you, Rosabelle.”
He muttered something at Keithley who released him. Lucas was able to stand on his own but barely. Rosabelle was scared to ask, dreading the answer. “Is the curse claiming you already, Lucas?”
“It started three days ago.” He confirmed her worst fear.
"Lucas, I have news but we need everybody to listen. We should all meet over here in the kitchens. We need to hurry before the moon is at its fullest!"
Lucas gave a nod and both Keithley and he went to call the rest of the household. He was walking at a slow pace, weakly and apparently it was draining him. Rosabelle beckoned him to take a seat instead but he silenced her with a smile before he left her side.
“I am not an invalid yet, Rosabelle.” And he left to look in the male servants’ quarters, albeit at a weakened state. Miranda, in turn, had gone to the women’s section. Keithley went off to the stables where the groomsmen had their own rooms while Rosabelle herself went to the garden shack where she knew Pedro was staying. She rapped on the door and the old man answered the door in his bedclothes. He was surprised to see her, “Rosabelle, I am glad you made it home. I assume you have news for us?”
The White Mask & The Red Rose Page 14
