“If I may comment, Lady Snow, you look quite lost in your old home.”
It was the head servant, Henry.
“A bath is being prepared,” said Henry, “at the request of your brother. He asked me to make sure you took the night off. He and General Dendroba will take care of things for the remainder of the evening. I insist that you take advantage and get a night of rest. There will be plenty of heroics left over for tomorrow.”
He gave a motion with his hand and several young handmaidens dressed in simple white robes and headscarves entered from behind the elder servant and very politely lined up at attention. With demure expressions, the maidens waited for permission to approach the General. Their hands carried towels and clutched baskets with soaps and oils, brushes and powders.
“I’m fine,” Snow White insisted. “Really, this is not necessary.” She glowered at Henry.
The handmaidens looked to the head servant, unsure at what they were supposed to do.
“Lady Snow, humor your old servant. You’ve earned at least a bath for all your troubles,” said Henry. “Let yourself enjoy this moment while you can. You won’t know when the next opportunity will come along.”
“If ever again,” she added. “You are never the one to take no for answer, even when I was a little girl. Okay, fine. I will take some time for a bath. I could probably use one anyway.”
Henry smiled, “Very good choice, Lady Snow,” he said, then nodded to the handmaidens to start assisting, and closed the door as he left.
“I can bathe myself, Henry,” Snow White shouted at him.
“Yes, but tonight you don’t have to,” he answered through the door as he headed down the hall. There was much for him to attend to.
With a resigned sigh, General White regarded the maidens for a second, and then with a roll of her eyes, she turned on her heel and, with her back to them, she lifted her arms. “Well don’t just stand there, get to it before I change my mind.”
The handmaidens, young girls in their teens, stepped forward to prepare her for her bath, and then seemed to hesitate again. General White lowered her arms.
“You’ve never had to remove dwarven plate armor, have you?” Snow was reminded of the handmaiden’s inexperience, “Just corsets and gowns I suppose.” One of the girls offered an apologetic smile but stopped short of making eye contact. General White sighed. “Start with the arms. Loosen the leather wrappings, the straps are buckled pretty tight so get in there with two hands.”
General White could at least command handmaidens in lieu of dwarves. Dutifully, the maidens set about dismantling the armor, tugging at the soft weathered belts, and as each piece was removed it felt to Snow White as though a weight was being pulled off of her shoulders, both physically and emotionally. “I’ve practically lived in this armor,” she mumbled to herself. Snow watched over as the handmaidens carefully placed the pieces of worn and dirty armor on a nearby table, wiping each one as they did, as Snow White noted which pieces would require repair or replacing.
As the last of her armor and protective, padded under garments were removed, Snow White stood still, wrapped in a sheet of silk. She stood looking over herself in a nearby mirror. She saw only the myriad scars from a life of battle and the weariness that was etched in her alabaster skin by time. Every line and scar was a reminder of why she did not belong in a place of such grandeur. One of the handmaidens suddenly spoke as if it she had spent this time mustering the courage to do so. “Begging your pardon, my queen…”
“I am not your queen,” Snow White corrected.
“My apologies, forgive for misspeaking,” Said the handmaiden, embarrassed and quickly refocused on her task of folding up the General’s clothes to prepare them for washing.
“Did you want something?” Snow White asked after she had waited a moment for the handmaiden to continue.
“We are not usually allowed to speak unless spoken to and certainly not directly to the queen.”
“Well, I am not Queen Cinder… Cendrillon” she corrected herself. “I don’t know how she treated you these past couple of years but you don’t have to be so formal around me. So say what you want. Did you have a question?”
“The other handmaidens and I were just curious…” the young woman began to explain, still timid, and trying to find the confidence to speak.
“About the armor?” Snow White guessed. “It takes a little work to take it off. Don’t worry about not knowing about it.”
“Well that yes,” the young woman nervously replied.
Then another of the handmaidens sighed in frustration, and blurted out excitedly, “Did you really kill the elder troll with a dinner plate and spoon at the battle of Gruff’s Bridge?”
“What? Elder troll? Dinner spoon?” Snow White was momentarily confused at the unexpected shift in conversation. “Uh, not quite… Where did you hear that?” Snow White turned to see the handmaidens in awe, staring and listening intently to her.
Another handmaiden excitedly spoke out, “Is it true that you wrestled a unicorn and its horn cut you and that’s how you got that scar on face?” The handmaiden pointed to her own face in reference the long thin scar that ran down from Snow White’s forehead to her cheek.
“Elsie!” An older handmaiden scolded her in a whisper, “Unicorns wouldn’t do that. That’s a stupid question to ask her.”
“Well I’m sorry, Kristan. I’m nervous,” Elsie replied defensively and clutched her towels to her chest. “It’s just… you know... It’s her,” she whispered loudly. “She’s General White.”
“Besides,” Kristan corrected her, “She got that scar fighting a giant snake in the southern swamp bogs. Everybody knows that!”
“Hold on,” Snow White interrupted. “I thought everyone was nervous because of Queen Cinder. Or my armor which can be pretty intimidating. Where did these stories come from? You are actually excited to meet me?”
“Oh yes!” the maidens replied eagerly. Another of the handmaidens spoke up, “You’ve been a hero to everyone here in the castle. When Queen Cinder’s army would come back, the servants would all try to find out any of the latest news about you and your dwarven resistance. We’d only hear part of the stories, so we’d try and fill in the rest. But now that you are here, it’s very exciting.” Nervously she added, “And, uh, my name is Lilyan Silversnow. It’s such an honor to meet you.”
Snow White was flabbergasted. “Well then, to answer your question, there were no trolls at Gruff’s bridge,” she started to explain. “I’ve never seen a troll. I remember there was a lot of heavy fighting in the rain and the mud. The dwarves had dammed the river upstream the night before and then collapsed it, hoping the downstream flood would take out the bridge... it didn’t work as intended, but we eventually were able to collapse it. And I’ve never been to the southern swamps, either.”
The one handmaiden seemed dejected. “I always thought there was a troll.”
Snow White sensed the disappointment. Apparently, the grand stories the servants whispered to each other while they were cut off from the rest of the kingdom, were far more adventurous than the gritty reality of what had actually transpired.
“But if you fetch a bottle of wine, I’ll tell you about the time we caught a patrol of the rat guards by surprise.”
***
Laughter echoed down the dark and empty stone halls as warm light spilled from the doors of the royal bath. The royal bathing room was a spacious room, a tall, tiled ceiling was crisscrossed with arches that swept downward into decorated columns. Mosaic murals decorated alcoves, wall fountains, large mirrors and two huge windows that were now covered by drapes. The large, carved fireplace in the far wall had a fire crackling in it. An empty bottle of wine rolled about on the floor along with several empty goblets. General White, normally very stoic and focused, found to her own surprise she was indulging in the hero worship and attention the handmaidens were giving her.
At first, Snow stumbled and fumbled in telling a story, more foc
used on the details of strategy and tactics, more accustomed to efficiently conveying orders than storytelling. But the handmaidens’ enthusiasm never waned even when Snow sensed some of her stories were a bit more complicated than the handmaidens were used to. However, they were happy just to be in the room with the famous General Snow White. As the stories continued, Snow grew more comfortable and confident, letting go of her brash, no nonsense demeanor a bit. Snow White stood among the handmaidens, her coal colored hair laid heavy and wet down the back of her long white, silken robe. She brandished a long silvered handled bath brush, wielding it like a sword. The handmaidens sat on stools as they listened intently; hanging on their hero’s every word.
“— and then this huge creature, bigger than a house, came crashing out, it had huge flippers and giant tusks and made a horrible sound, it started attacking everything like it was defending its territory. That’s when the dwarves and I retreated and let the rat army deal with that.”
There was more laughter and murmurs of approval from the handmaidens as Snow White finished her tale. A flurry of questions started as each handmaiden excitedly tried to talk over each other, while at the same time trying to politely not interrupt each other. Each time the questions were never so much about the stories Snow White would tell, but more about clarifying all of these so called legends about her and the dwarven resistance.
“Have you ever dated a dwarf? I think they’re sexy. I’ve always wanted to kiss one,” admitted Lilyan, as she suppressed a girlish giggle. “They are so short but so manly with their beards!”
“No. I’ve been too busy trying to save the kingdom to think about that,” said Snow White. “Besides the dwarves and I have more of a working arrangement.”
“Are dwarves really that hairy, even the dwarf women?” asked Kristan.
“Is it true someone tried to poison you with an apple?” asked another.
“Well yes…dwarven women look very similar, they have beards too.” Snow White paused as she reflected somberly on the other question. “Sometimes, it seems fighting for what is fair and right will get you enemies. Yes, there was a poisoning attempt. But it’s probably not quite what you’ve heard. I was unconscious for a while… a coma they called it, until one of the dwarves figured out a way to remove the poisoned piece of apple from my throat, then they were able to revive me with mouth to mouth resuscitation -- that’s all that happened. Ironically, ever since then I’ve been allergic to apples. The dwarves saved my life, I am indebted to them.” Snow White looked around, and then grabbed a towel from a drying rack. “I should really get back and check in on the preparations.”
“Miss White?” Began one of the handmaidens, her voice was soft but with a hint of concern. “Do you think we will be able to get out of the castle in time before the army shows up?”
“Get out of the castle?” asked Snow White as she quickly worked to dry her hair. “I’m not sure that will be possible, the Bloodthorns have completely sealed off the castle.”
“But not the tunnel, right? They broke through last night I heard. Or is it not safe to use it yet? Do you think that army will find the tunnel?” The handmaidens looked to their hero for an answer.
General White stood there looking back at the handmaidens in surprise; her towel slipped through her hands and fell to the floor. With everything that had been going on, she had not heard about this. This could change everything.
“What tunnel?” she asked.
CHAPTER 28
MATAKIN, THE FAIRYLAND
Matakin, Present Day.
The fairyland was a place of warm sunshine and billowing white clouds that drifted lazily through the deep blue sky. This peaceful land was filled with ancient forests, fern covered trails, and long forgotten stone statues that stood ever vigilant against the overgrowth. Throughout the forests there were trickling brooks, waterfalls, rocks, great trees and logs covered in moss with subtle scents of wet wood and a deep musty, earthen smell. Elsewhere across rolling hills, great fields of tall grass waved softly and wildflowers of every color were in continuous bloom. On the coast, the fine white sand, spotted with dark outcrops of boulders, met the warm aquamarine sea with the gentle lapping of peaceful waves. High upon a cliff overlooking the ocean was a grand castle of white alabaster with bridges capped with gleaming towers and twisted spires.
As soon as Fae Gaia’s feet touched the lush soft grass she knew she had arrived safely at the castle of Matakin, the secluded capital of the Fairylands. Fae Gaia stood in the great courtyard, surrounded by exquisite gardens. Bright, colorful peacocks and other beasts roamed about carved statues as birds played in exquisite and impossible fountains. The buildings of Matakin were a magnificent work of white stone and magic with great arches and balconies. Surrounded by the pristine beauty, she was suddenly aware of how grimy her outfit was and dirty she must have looked. She stepped to a fountain and splashed some water on her face.
“Who’s there?” a voice asked amongst the flowers.
“ It is I, Fae Gaia, though my appearance may have changed since last I was here, my spirit is that of the fae.”
“Fae Gaia?” The voice said suddenly excited. “You are alive! We understood you to be dead. What brings you back to Matakin?” Emerging from a garden path nearby a tall, slender fairy with long turquoise hair in a white silken dress approached and greeted her with a gentle hug.
“Azure, my friend! It is good to see you,” Fae Gaia said with a smile, “but the circumstances of my return are dire. It is urgent that I speak with the queen.”
“The queen holds court in her garden today,” replied Azure. “You must tell us all of you adventures!”
Azure quickly escorted Fae Gaia through the gardens, asking her all manner of questions. Before she had the chance to respond they arrived at the very center of the courtyard, a large circular clearing where a Great Oak stood. Under the massive tree there was a long, delicate table and tall thin, spindly chairs all made out of wood. The tallest chair was centered at the table. And there sat the Queen of Fayres. She was very sylvan with large eyes and long pointed ears that were surrounded by curls of chestnut colored hair. She was dressed in a gold and silver gown. Other fairies, both male and female, sat on either side of her, chatting quietly of all manner of things. Her movements were always deliberate and graceful, regal and measured as she talked and gestured with her court.
When Azure and Fae Gaia stepped into the courtyard, the conversation stopped as the court looked upon the two. Azure quickly bowed her head. “I bring good news. Fae Gaia is alive and has returned to us, M’lady.”
The queen rose gracefully from her seat. “Thank you, Azure, but it shall be for me to determine the nature of such news. For I am not sure if what stands before us is our long lost champion and diplomat, or an abomination from the realm of mortals; your energy is that of our long lost friend, but you smell of the human and it wilts the delicate flowers of my garden.”
The look of surprise on Azure’s face was quickly covered, but it did not go unnoticed by Fae Gaia. This was not going to be as simple as the Godmother fairy had thought.
“It is true, my queen. The human, Cinderella that was in my charge had indeed become the ruler of that kingdom, as we foretold. Despite my guidance, she turned against me and struck upon me a mortal wound. If it was not for the help and kind heart of a young girl that had come to my aid, I would truly have vanished for good.”
“How then did you survive, Fae Gaia?” questioned the queen, “That you stand before us now in a human’s form.” She walked towards the Fae Gaia and Azure, Each step was regal and measured. Her sharp gaze was met by Fae Gaia’s own steely stare.
“To survive, I had transferred my magical essence, and as much as I could of the Fae’s magic we had allowed in the mortal land, into the only magical vessel available, the shards from Cinderella’s destroyed glass slippers. The girl had kept the glass shards safe while my essence slept and until I was strong enough to reappear. I took the form of Cinderell
a’s mother in hopes to resolve things and redeem the human lands.”
“The humans then are not worthy of redemption if they turn on the ones that help them. If that is what passes for the responsibility of their queen, they are in short measure.”
“There are greater threats afoul, my queen, which is why I have chosen to return home to seek your help.” Fae Gaia pulled the Cheshire’s Cat severed tail from her ethereal mists and threw it down upon the floor of the courtyard at the queen’s feet. The other fairies gasped in horror at the sight of it.
“Wonderland has broken the treaty,” said Fae Gaia in a very serious tone. “They are invading the human kingdom we are bound by honor to protect. I have seen their army upon the lands.”
The queen paused at the sight of the severed tail on the floor before her but it was only for a moment. She stepped over the tail with royal purpose, and chose her words with care.
“Fae Gaia, your spirit shines through, and I and the court are happy for your return,” The Queen of Fayres said. “The Fae-Wonderland treaty was put in place to protect the smaller human realm from the other more powerful and magically advantaged realms. You and the other Fae Gaia were sent out as liaisons and diplomats to help foster relations, develop magic and to better understand the humans. In every instance the good fortunes and generosity of the Fae were squandered by greedy humans who showed little respect for the magic and only lusted after its power for their own; evidenced by the rise of witchcraft and alchemy.”
Shards Of The Glass Slipper: Queen Alice Page 2
