The Louve was full of tourists rushing across the marble lined floor to see the legendary painting.  Footsteps rushed, they had their cameras ready despite the policy of the museum to never use them.  Yet this was the chance of a lifetime to lay eyes upon the real Mona Lisa, an image made immortal through time and history.

 All other relics of the past, Sumerian statues, and tapestries of Greek Gods, were easily forgotten in the shadow of this Italian woman.  Postcards were always selling with her images and the Italian Renaissance was not the same without her face.  Yet to much surprise, one man walked slowly on the marble floor, his eyes wandering about as he noticed other things beyond Mona and her immortalized appearance.  He was taking his time to examine all other objects de art in this world famous museum, and didn’t regret seeing bits and pieces of ancient history he would never witness himself.

 He was a typical American bachelor who finally found a decent job in his early 30s.  Being hired by a local consulting firm as an accountant, he finally felt confident that all the years of college had paid off.  To celebrate, he scraped up what he could of his life’s savings to go to Paris for a small vacation that would be marked as one of the most interesting moments of his life.  Keeping this in mind, he walked slowly being careful not to take his vacation for granted like most everyone else.  Then finally, he paused as he took note of someone to his left who sat near a canvas that stood alone and was covered by a tarp, not hung on the wall like all other paintings in the area.

 He diverted his path and walked closer to the figure and when he came within a few yards of it he said, “Bon jour.”

 It was then the hood lifted up, not yet revealing its facial figures as it spoke in a feminine voice, “You do not have to speak French to me, I can understand English quite well.”

 The voice only had a hint of a French accent, evident that the woman before him must be well educated.  It was then he continued, “I was just wondering, what you were doing next to this covered painting, and in fact, why is it covered?”

 The woman laughed and replied, “My dear boy, all these people are rushing to see the Mona Lisa and you wonder what this simple painting is?”

 “Yes Ma’am.”  He replied, “That is, if you don’t mind telling me.”

 “You are obviously a man who does not take things for granted, who sees other things, beside the obvious.  The masterpiece in the distance is the obvious showcase, but this work of art…is far more valuable and precious.”

 She began to move a bit and as she did the hood of her cloak fell to reveal her face.  It was then the man gasped in surprise as he saw a very old woman whose age made her appearance terrifying.  Her eyes were sunken and dark and showed as two dark gray orbs in a mass of wrinkled lighter gray skin.  Her lips themselves were no longer pink, but white and behind them could be seen teeth that were brown and worn.  Never in his life had he seen someone so disfigured through time and he tried to regain his composure before he insulted the woman, but it was too late.

 “So you do judge things based on appearance?”  she growled as he began to take a step away.

 “No Ma’am.”  He responded in fear of hurting her feelings, “It’s just I..uhm..”

 “You were surprised that an old woman like me would sit here in this world famous museum next to a painting…and still be able to sit?”

 “I cannot lie Ma’am, yes I suppose I was and I’ve never seen..”

 It was then he cut himself off but she finished his sentence, “Anyone so old.”

 “Yes Ma’am.”  He replied and took a step closer to her, “I am sorry, very very sorry.”

 She took note of his apologetic nature and forced her pale lips into a smile, “That you are, but you also know appearances are not what they seem.”

 “Yes.”

 “And by taking your time and not being obsessed by the other painting, you were able to see me.”

 “I imagine so.”  He said, “Though I was wondering why no one else noticed you.  The Mona Lisa will still be there, it’s not going anywhere.”

 “Never rush through life…..for if something is meant to be yours, or even meant to be seen, it will be so.”  She replied, “Some wise words from an old woman.  I will be willing to show you this painting and accept your apology, but only if you listen to the story behind it.”

 The man decided to take a seat on the cold marble floor and looked up at her.  The words ‘never rush’ seemed to linger in his mind.  Tomorrow he was planning to take the train to Vienna after seeing Paris, but thinking about her words he said, “I will listen.”

 She stretched her wrinkled hand toward the tarp and gave it a firm tug.  As she did so, the painting was revealed to his eyes.  It was an incredible piece of work, even though it was hard to tell what time period it would have been.  Perhaps after the time of the Mona Lisa, or maybe around the same time?  Regardless he looked at the people who were brought to life in exquisite detail.  On the bottom right and left corners were two maidens, one with brown hair the other blond, who held a typical appearance during the Renaissance time with brown colored dresses and dark eyes beholding emotions of regret yet masked by a slightly comely countenance as they seemed to look directly at him.  On the upper corners of the painting was an image of an old man with long gray hair and a younger man, probably around eight, with a vibrant expression and short blond hair.  They were both dressed in tan colored clothes that looked quite ordinary.  They seemed to be happier than the ladies at the bottom, and also seemed to look at him the more he examined the painting.

 “Just like the Mona Lisa.”  He said, “I get the idea, their eyes are watching me.”  But the corners did not enrapture him as much as the center of the painting.  There a variety of roses and rose petals filled the middleground which enhanced an image of a man and a woman who stared at each other.  Their eyes did not focus on him, but focused on themselves and it was evident they were deeply in love.  The man was a handsome one, his eyes brown and hair the same color only enhanced by his facial expression of love to the woman he watched.  Nose only slightly pointed and his lips slightly curved, they seemed to twitch with a new life as he looked at her…if he could manage to move at all.

 She on the other hand was intensely beautiful.  Her hair matched the color of the roses beside them and her eyes glimmered in a green shade typical of any rose stem.  Enhancing that was her fair skin that covered an expression of happiness few could ever rival.  Her lips were a deeper color of red and seemed to long to touch the man, or one could discern such by sensing the emotions in the work of art.  The central theme, love and happiness surrounded by beauty, a beauty that had him entranced as he looked at the painting.

 “Can you smell them?”  the woman asked which brought the man out of the trance, “Can you smell the roses?”

 He blinked and regaining his senses, looked at the woman as he flared his nostrils, “Why yes.”  He said in amazement, “I didn’t notice that before, but yes I can….I can smell roses.”

 “And how can that be?”  she asked, “Since this painting is obviously hundreds of years old.”

 “Is it?”  he asked in doubt.  Its detail was something uncommon to the time period, but the woman obviously knew more about it, “Oh uhm..it is.”  He began to agree, “And so I’ll ask, how can that be?  Who created it?”

 “The story is long.”  She said, “And not one to rush through, but well worth the time it will take to tell it.”

 “Please begin.”

 The woman sat back and looked at the man, “A long long time ago there was a beautiful enchantress who lived in a citadel many miles from any township.  She was so beautiful that bards would travel near and far to sing stories about her and her peaceful disposition.  For not only was she comely on the outside, but on the inside she possessed compassion to help others when the need arose, so many knew about her and her home, even though she only lived with her servants.”

 “Go on.”  The man continued, his interest growing.

 “And her home oh it was breathtaking as well.”  She sighed, “Many stories high it beheld long staircases which led to many floors where libraries, bedrooms, social rooms and just about any other room you could imagine was.  The windows were made of multicolored glass and the floors stretched far and wide in various colors of white and gray marble, oh what a sight it was!  But there was one thing she was missing, and that was for someone to grow flowers in her courtyard.  The courtyard was wide and stretched in front of the citadel, but none of the servants there knew how to grow a garden.

 “She told her servants not to worry for she would find someone to grow and tend to a garden.  They were happy of the news and using her magic, she transformed herself into a dove and flew out to the closest town.  It was there she met someone she would never forget.

 “He was a gardener and as she listened to the townspeople talk about him, he was the finest one around.  With hard work he tended the gardens of other people’s homes with care and watched the flowers bloom in pride.  He was so good at his work that he could afford to live on his own and as she saw him, she knew he was the perfect one to work for her.

 “So she transformed from a dove into her human form and extended the job to him.  He took it and soon went to work for her.  She watched him day in and day out as he transformed the courtyard into a beautiful place, his main work focused on clearing the dead ivy and making a bed of seven roses that bloomed in the morning sun.  Yet she also watched him to admire his handsome features, that began to have her spellbound.

 “The more she watched him, the more attracted to him she became until finally, she admitted her feelings for him.  He couldn’t deny her beauty either and slowly but surely, the two became lovers until she finally asked him to marry her.”

 The woman sighed deeply as she continued on, “You see, she could have anyone…anyone she wanted but for some reason, she choose him.  It would be easy to assume his appearance and charming manner made her fall in love with him, but whatever it was, she sealed their fate on the date of their marriage.

 “Bards, sorcerers, and even people from his town were invited to witness their union.  She was indeed very beautifully dressed for the occasion, a long deep blue gown laced in gold chimes adorned her body and she stood before the crowd anxiously awaiting her groom.  In moments, he showed up and nervously walked to stand beside her.  It was then he said the words she could never forget.”

 “Can I speak to you alone please?”  he asked, “I really really need to speak to you alone.”

 “My love.”  She said, “It’ll have to wait, the priest is coming now and we can’t keep all these people waiting.”

 “But it’s important I speak to you alone, it’s imperative.”

 “I’m sorry my love but it will have to wait until after the wedding.”

 “But that is what I need to speak to you about.”  He sighed and slowly said, “I can’t do this.”

 Her heart froze as she looked at him, “What?!”  she shrieked loudly, so loud the entire audience focused on her intently.  Her features began to change to express anger and disbelief and her eyes, once being beautiful and blue, began to flair red as he spoke.

 “I love you…I really really do, more than you can imagine, but I am not in love with you.  I’m sorry but I don’t feel that way if I could I would but I don’t.  I’d rather be honest with you now and tell you, than to hurt you.”

 “To hurt me!”  she shrieked, “You have hurt me more than you realize…much much more.”  She turned to look at the priest and shouted, “Leave!”  The priest quickly complied and she looked at her audience then looked back at him, “You who tends the garden with love and care, and seemed to love me with the same concern will be cursed!  Never will you leave this citadel for now the roses you have loved will be your life!  I now recreate them as magical flowers, and when they are picked they will grant one wish to those who pick them from the earth, but when the last one is picked, you will die!”  she then looked out at the bards, “Go forth and tell this story.” And then looked back to the man.

 He trembled before her but knew it wasn’t over.  Sneering she said, “But that’s not all.  As this anger twists and distorts my beautiful features in anger and rage so will your form appear as the same monstrous rage.  Your teeth will elongate into fangs that will inspire fear and your skin will wrinkle and turn brown where stiff hairs will mask your handsome appearance forever!  Now you will be known as the beast and will always be known as such, least you find a fair maiden who will not fear you, and love you.”  She then paused and took a deep breath to emphasize the words, “Be in love with you.  Only then will you be free from guarding your flowers and live forever in the love you have denied me.”

 “Milady please no.”  he shouted, “I only say this because…” but alas, the poor man couldn’t finish speaking as he began to double over in pain.  His skin began twisting as the transformation began.  He tried to look up, but the pain of the curse was too much to bear.  She looked away from him and shouted at the audience, “Be gone!”

 They scurried away never to return and she looked upon her lover for one of the last times.  Yet she didn’t realize, that by cursing him, she also cursed herself.  Slowly but surely, her powers started fading over the years as she began to regret what she did to the man she loved.
 

“Yet his pain is in the real story of the painting,”  the woman said, “Which will now begin.”
 
 

Part One

"Run Timijun!"  Alannah called out as she trompled through the snow, "Or else you'll be it!"

The nine year old boy squeeled in glee and ran from his sister with all his might.  Though the air was cold and the sky was dark, the two often played games at this time after dinner was served and the chores were done.  They belonged to a medium sized family that sometimes mourned for the loss of their mother a few years ago, but that only made the bond between the two stronger as they held concern for their father and two sisters.  Their siblings other kept to themselves except when they wanted something, but such a thought was far from their mind as she reached out and grabbed his arm.

"You're it!  You're it!"  she heaved as she held onto him.  Though she did a lot of physical work in their home, running was not her forte.  The young man yelped in surprise and turned around to greet his sister.  He was a charming one, with a bright smile that would lighten up almost any mood.  His skin was almost as fair as his sister's, yet did not show signs of stress of discoloration that often accompanied her countenance from working too hard.  Staring at her with bright blue eyes, his long blond hair brushed past his shoulders as he laughed in response, "No fair!" he managed to speak between breaths.

"Yes it's fair."  she said as she took a step toward him.  "You need to run faster!"

The little boy smiled and looked as if he was about to say something, but as he took a deep breath he began to cough.  In concern, Alannah patted his shoulders and sighed, "Ok, time to go inside.  There's no need for you to catch a cold, or anything else for that matter."

The boy nodded and likewise took a step toward her.  As the two started walking, a familiar voice called out, "Alannah!"

She sighed as she noted the demanding tone and knew it could be no one else but one of her sisters.  The more they whined, the more she felt a need to take care of them and remembering the promise she made her mother, she swore she'd watch after them as well as her younger brother.

It was a short trek to their small house made of wood that kept them warm in the winter.  A fireplace greeted the two as Timijun closed the door behind them.  Across from the fireplace was a long table made of polished wood where the two sisters sat. Named Renah and Sterah,  They were both attractive young women, though not strikingly so.  Their hair was different from Alannah's in that hers was red, but theirs was chestnut and their overall appearance was more well kept as they rarely spent time keeping the house but used all their resources, including their sister, to try to look as good as possible.

One of them sighed as Alannah approached.  Rolling her eyes she muttered, "We wondered what was taking you so long.  We heard the duke is in town!  He is supposed to be at the tavern and we don't have all night to get ready!"

She couldn't help but sigh as she stood near the table.  With a free hand, the other sister lit some candles so the area could be better seen, "I'm not surprised Renah, but are you sure you two should be going out anyway?  There are rumors of a sickness that is spreading through the village and I'd figure it would be a good idea to stay inside."

In unison the other two sisters moaned.  The rumor was just that...a rumor but they did not take that into consideration with their eyes on the duke.  He was a powerful, rich man who ruled over many lands to the south and west of the village.  At times, he would come through to enjoy the music in the tavern and each time they tried to impress him as much as possible.  For them, pursuing wealthy men was one of their best hobbies, and to catch the duke's attention would be their prime prize.

"Oh please."  that's just a nasty rumor that some old women downtown make up because they're bored, "Now come, my brush is on the table, fix my hair."

Obediently Alannah took the brush and because to comb Sterah's hair but she had to interject, "And that is why the tavern has had less people this week?  You should be more cautious of things."  she then looked at her other sister, "Both of you."

"And you should hurry."  came Renah's reply.

"Beauty should not rushed."  she told them.

But her comment was only given a rude response as they laughed.  Then Sterah pronounced, "You act as if you know something of beauty...when look at you!  Your appearance would frighten a witch!"

"And that's putting it mildly."  Renah added.

"Well someone has to sacrifice their time to make sure things run smoothly around here."  she said with a sigh.

"Time?"  Renah questioned, "Admit it time is not what you need to be beautiful you just don't have the ability to look good like we do.  Your hair is matted and oily, your skin bruised, blemished and scared.  You wear large clothes to cover your fat!  There is nothing about you that is attractive."

"Yes."  Stenah said, "And that is why you help make us beautiful.  Because we have a chance at marrying a wealthy man which will help keep this family going after daddy is gone."

"We'll..we'll make it."  came Alannah's reply.  She sighed and though her sisters' words were sharp, she often felt them to be true.  It was then something else snapped her out of her sad mood and she turned to the source of the voice.

"Alannah.."  Timijun said, "Not..feeling good."  The little boy began to walk closer to her.  His footsteps were very slow and his face was growing paler.  In concern, she turned to kneel in front of him.

"What's wrong?"  she asked, completely ignoring her sisters for the time being.

As her eyes looked at his face he replied, "Sore throat...feel hot."

She moved to touch his forehead and sure enough his skin was warm.  "Yes...you're hot.  You should go rest.  Head to your room and I'll check on you in a little bit."

Unfortunately Timijun wasn't able to fulfill her request.  In seconds, his eyes fluttered and taking a deep breath, he fainted and fell to the floor.  Alannah gasped and gently picked him up in her arms.  It was apparent he was quiet weak and had to be taken care of soon.
 

Part Two

“Timijun…Timijun…” Alannah said as she gently patted his face.  “Wake up.”

“Tired….hot…” were the words the little boy managed to say, “Don’t want to move…too tired.”

The other sisters merely rolled their eyes at the little boys weak exclamations.  Sterah groaned and picking up the brush, began to brush her own hair.  “Well he sounds sick.”

Renah looked at her brother for a moment and then replied, “Yes and that illness you’re so concerned about, maybe he has it?”

Alannah sighed and gently put her brother down on the floor.  She quickly moved to a small basin full of water and grabbed a rag, “That’s not even funny.  He’s your own brother and you don’t even care!”

“Of course we care.”  Sterah said, “The less you concentrate on him the more you can concentrate on taking care of us.”

Normally Alannah didn’t have the pride to stand up for herself, but the thought of her brother growing ill was more than she could handle.  The issue became worse when Renah added, “This supposed illness that is spreading around the village, there is no cure for it you know.”

“That’s enough!”  Alannah shouted at her siblings, “Listen to me, he’s your brother!”

She would of said more but hearing a faint moan directed her attention at Timijun again.  With the cloth still in hand, she kneeled at his side.  “It’s ok.” She comforted, “It’ll be ok.”  Putting the wet cloth on his forehead did not ease her concerns.  His forehead was growing hotter and she was using all of her strength to focus on him until a familiar voice made itself known.

“What’s going on in here?”  A masculine figure said.  The sisters quickly recognized it as their father and nodded in greeting to him.  He was much older than any of his children, evidenced by long gray hair and wrinkles that traced his facial features.  His clothing was composed of a leather jacket and brown pants that, being partially made of the same material, creaked as he walked forward.  While his deep brown eyes blinked curiously at the others, Alannah was the first to address him.

“Timijun is sick!”  she exclaimed, “I…I don’t know what is wrong but he’s very feverish and collapsed in front of me.”

Their father looked at everyone wide eyed and shook his head, “Then…take him to the apothecary.  The one on the outskirts of town.  I too have heard the rumors of the illness, and we need to be sure.”

“Watch him for a moment please.”  She said and gently laid her brother back down.  In seconds she rummaged for two cloaks and finding them looked to her family, “Is the mare still saddled?” she asked, knowing her father probably prepared the horse a few moments ago, thinking her sisters might want to go into town.

“If your intelligence only matched your beauty.”  Her father sighed, “Yes, she is and your sisters will have to share the other horse tonight.  It’s important for them to find good husbands, be it at the tavern or someplace else, but tonight Timijun is more important. “

She took no offense at her father’s words as most women probably would.  Pride came with beauty and she didn’t mind sacrificing what little confidence she had for the sake of her brother.  Not asking for any help, she wrapped him up in the cloaks and quickly headed out the door.

The ride to the apothecary was a rather long one.  The snow stinging her skin as she slowly guided the horse to the small hut did not make matters better.  All the while she kept her brother warmly wrapped up in a long cloak, which served as a good barrier from the cold.  Alannah winced as she focused in the darkness and sure enough their destination was near.  “It’ll be ok.”  She continued to comfort him as the horse slowly strode forth, “Almost there, you’ll get better, I’ll make sure of that.”

The horse huffed as she pulled back on the reigns and obediently stopped in front of the hut.  It was a small place, made of brick and straw, but still looked like it could hold its ground in the cold weather.  The young woman did not stop to examine the outward appearance of the place and holding her brother in her arms, used her leg to open the door and burst forth into the home.

The apothecary was an old woman in gray robes who stood over a fireplace which kept the place warm.  The large glow from the hearth lighted the area well enough to see just about everything.  A large shelf containing small bottles and books  stood near the entrance and next to that a small table of cups and crucibles held a variety of herbs and potions, perhaps made to help heal the sick.  Opposite that were three cots, two of them covered with white sheets where a lifeless body laid beneath.  Alannah just looked at the cots wide eyed and then looked over at the woman who sneered at her.

Her wrinkled face showed no pleasant expression as she looked at her with dark, brown eyes, “I just got finished performing the last rites over those two, and you bring me another?”

Alannah gave the woman an angry glance and stepped forward, “He will NOT die you wench!  I brought him here so you can help him, not kill him.”

The woman was not impressed by her outburst and took a step closer to her, “And you think I killed these two as well?  There is no cure for this sickness and people are wasting their time to see me.”

“Well I’m not wasting my time.”  She retorted and moved toward the empty cot, “My brother will be healthy again.”  She slowly took the boy and laid him down.  He shivered a bit but she put the cloak over him and spoke to him in soothing tones, “You will be alright, you just need to rest.  Just rest Timijin, just rest.”

“You’ve got audacity.”  The old woman said, “Just bring your boy in and expect a miracle?  If I could save these people I would.  Do you think I like  being a funeral home for these people.”

“The least you could do is have some compassion old woman.”  She said as she headed toward the shelves.  Her eyes scanned various books as she replied, “Surely there is some remedy, something that can be done.”

“Legends speak of such things.”

Alannah’s attention was caught by her words, “Ok, now we’re getting somewhere, what legends?”

“You annoy me child, but I sense the desperation in your situation, and I suppose I waste nothing by telling you.”

“No I suppose not.”  She said and took a step forward, “What legend.”

“Many miles deep in these woods there is a place where roses grow.  But they aren’t any particular type of roses, they have the power to heal, amongst other things.”

“Roses to heal?”  she asked, perplexed.

“Yes, find the rose and bring it to me and it should be able to heal your brother.”

“You will watch over him in the meantime.”

“Yes child.”  She said as she gave the cot a glance.  Timijun was weak but still seemed rather far from death.  She looked back over at Alannah, “But hurry, there’s no telling how much time you have left.”

She walked to the door, “I will hurry and find the roses.”  She replied, “And get a message to my family telling them I am gone.”

Seeing another cloak near the door she took it, not caring if it was the apothecary’s or not.  Time was short and in moments she stepped outside to mount her horse and rode into the dark wilderness to find the cure.
 

Part Three

The room was a rather dark one, but the duke liked it that way at times.  Outside the moon was the main light source to a dreary night and a few candles lit the room as he looked over a few vials.  Within them a light blue liquid was seen and he smiled as he mused at the contents.  “The most terrible plague this village has ever experienced, and it’s all because of me.”

He was a handsome man with an olive complexion and brown eyes.  Throughout the years age had been kind to his appearance, blessing him with no wrinkles and sinister wisdom.  He took pride in his intelligence and comely features but beyond that there was one thing he sought….power.  Without power he felt his life had little meaning and he used some unscrupulous methods to gain control of other villages, this one was of no exception.

“Well I won’t kill everyone you see, just enough to make this village easy to be over run by my army.  Then it’ll be another one under my thumb, and the land here will be a good asset.”  He then looked over at another vial, this one green as he smirked, “The cause, and then the cure.  Oh I do have the best alchemists and apothecaries working for me.  Of course, they’d be stupid to refuse to serve my needs.  So easy for them to create these potions and with just a drip in the town well, the rest is history.”

A loud knock at the door was heard and looking up from the vials the man yelled, “Come in.”

A slight squeaking sound was heard and a middle aged man stepped into the area.  Clad in a navy colored cloak, his clothing seemed otherwise non descript as he nodded in respect to the other man, “Milord your carriage awaits for you.  I assumed tonight you would wish to go to the tavern.”

“Why yes I believe I will.”  He said and carefully put the vials aside, “I think there are a few young girls who wish to swoon at me.  I shall indeed plan on giving them pleasure, at least for one night.”

The man merely shook his head at that comment but replied as he began to lead the duke toward the carriage, “No chance of settling down anytime soon, milord?”

He huffed and continued to follow the man, “No, the only thing I see that I enjoy in this worthless town is the land.  The ladies may be pretty, but not awe inspiring so.  Perhaps entertaining for a few nights, other than that, they bore me.”
 
 

Part Four

The night gave Alannah no solace and only began to lead to exhaustion as she traveled far away from the apothecary in an effort to find the garden.  The snow continued to fall and while the cloak offered some protection, it did not soothe her cold skin.  Yet it was not as fierce as her determination to save her brother and using what adrenaline she could, she continued to keep her eyes open as she followed down various winding paths hoping they led somewhere.

Time went on and as the night lost its struggle with the dawn, she was unsure of where her final destination would be.  Even the horse beneath her shivered and slowed its stride showing its strength to be dwindling with each step it took.  Yet she continued to nudge it with the heel of her left foot and said, “Come on.  This place has to be somewhere near, somewhere close it just has to be.”

But the paths she ended up taking gave no concrete direction as she only found more and more trees covered with snow that slowly began to melt with the sun.  She grinded her teeth in aggravation and taking a deep breath, attempted to renew her hope.  Yet her hope was not rejuvenated by the fact that the horse stopped in its tracks, not wishing to go down the narrow path that only led to more trees and snow covered grass.

“Damn you!”  she shouted at the horse as she dismounted but it only huffed at her exclamation, “Fine!”  she yelled, not caring if the animal understood her or not, “I’ll continue on my own.”

Her own huff louder than the horse’s, she wrapped her cloak around herself and continued on down the path.  Her skin was still shivering but she winced to keep herself focused as she walked on.  Remembering the love for her sibling continued to give her strength as she strode forth and after a few long moments, she began to see something in the distance.
A small clearing began to come into view but it was more than just a normal open space.  Where grass normally would have been, worn white stones served as somewhat of a floor flanked by the same stones that previously could have been large walls, but now only stood up to her waist.  Ivy clung to the area as well as some moss and as she continued to look around she wondered, how could ivy and moss be so green and vibrant in the cold season like this?

She began to wonder this as she stepped into the clearing.  The sun seemed to shine brighter here but as she moved on she noticed it was much warmer as well.  Almost immediately, her skin stopped shivering and her muscles, still very worn from the stress and fatigue, also began to relax just a little.  Taking a deep breath, she felt more at ease and examining the area, found something amazing.

In the center of the clearing were two roses, though unlike any she had ever seen in her life.  Their petals were a deep red color that sparkled in the light much like a diamond would.  The shapes of the petals were also somewhat angular, which gave the flowers a different somewhat mystical appearance.  Equally fascinating were their stems which had a light green color and as she looked at them again, she realized that these roses had absolutely no thorns!  While the petals sparkled the stems shimmered revealing a smooth exterior that had her spellbound.  “These must be them.”  She muttered as she stepped closer, “Here lies the rose that will save my brother.”

She continued to walk forward, completely unafraid as the flowers continued to entrance her.  It was a long journey back, but could easily be made in a day and surely the apothecary could help her now.  Not hesitating, she extended her hand toward one of the stems until she heard a sound that terrified her.

It was a loud sound but unlike anything she ever heard.  Its volume made the stones shake and sounded somewhat of a cross between a lion’s roar and a wolf’s howl.  As it made her hair stand on end, she quickly stepped back from the flowers and looked at the source of the noise and gathered all her courage as she beheld the most frightening creature she had ever seen.

It was hunched upon the short stone wall, its body covered in dark long, unkempt hair.  Resembling a cross between a huge bear and a wild boar, she gasped as she beheld its black snout and red eyes that glared at her.  Long fangs sprung forth from the mouth that were almost as long as its gray, razor sharp claws that began to extend in her direction.  As it focused on her a long, serpentine looking tongue extended toward her as well.  Moving two feet from its mouth it seemed to reach out and attempt to taste her fear.

And it was hard to hide her fear but she tried.  Nothing the apothecary said prepared her for this and even in some of the stories she heard growing up, never did she hear tales of something so frightening.  Yet she still knew of how animals could sense distress and again attempted to gather up all her courage.  Taking a deep breath she continued to watch the beast as it slid its tongue back into its mouth.

That provided her a brief second of relief yet exhaling a heavy sigh revealed some anxiety to the creature.  It was at that moment it growled, “You dare to touch my roses, now you die!”  The tone of its voice was enough to send anyone screaming but she again gathered all her courage and told herself at this moment

Either Timijun dies or I do.

The creature lunged at her and moving faster than even she suspected she could, Alannah turned to avoid its first assault.  This both amazed and confused the beast as it obviously expected an easy kill.  It did not take long for the creature to regain its focus and began sniffing the air, hoping to sense her fear that would make her easy prey.

But Alannah was not going to stand down and doing everything she could to keep her rationale she quickly looked for a weapon of some sort.  It her then she noticed a long stick nearby, somewhat akin to a staff, that she could hope to use to fend the creature off.  Reacting swiftly, she grabbed hold of it and extended it toward the animal.  Her gaze stern, she tried to make a point that she was not afraid and meant business.

But her gaze didn’t stop the creature and howling it lunged again.  This time it was more focused and successful.  She jabbed the staff in its chest but as the beast moved forward, the stick was crushed by its weight.  Having absolutely nothing to hold it back, the animal pounced on Alannah and pinned her to the ground.  Its massive paws and large body easily put her in a position where she could not move under its weight.

The beast sniffed again as it searched for her fear as its red eyes met hers.  Alannah did not scream, nor did she even try to resist but her gaze was still the same.  Her eyes revealed absolutely no fear and she told the creature who was easily ten times stronger than her, “If you wish to kill me you may, but I will die knowing I attempted to save my brother.”

It was then the animal’s own gaze changed.  Though still a scary creature to behold, its eyes began to show confusion and wonder at the woman.  As it continued to look at her, its breathing grew slower and it said in a less menacing voice, “You do not fear me?”

“No.”  she replied firmly.

“And you speak to me, with purpose.”

“Yes.”

“You speak to me…..” it replied as if it wished to say something else then asked, “What is it, you really seek?”

“To take one of your roses back to an apothecary so she can heal my brother!”

“You lie!!”  the creature growled, “No one who has ever sought the roses comes for an unselfish reason.”

She still stared at the monster, holding back all fear and merely replied,
“Then kill me if it makes you feel better and know you do not kill me, but also kill the innocent life of a child.”

Whether it was her defiance or her strength that caught him off guard she didn’t know but the beast slowly began to move from her.  As it stood up on its haunches it said, “I have never sensed this from anyone in decades.”

“Sensed what?”

“Truth.” The beast replied, “And it was my truth that cursed me.”

Alannah took a deep breath and slowly began to rise herself.  She listened to the beast’s words that became less threatening and dared to ask,
“What do you mean?”

The creature looked away from her, his gaze downcast as she replied, “The roses do not work that way.  Your apothecary lied to you.  If you pick a rose it will grant you a wish.”

“But, why would she lie?”

“Perhaps thinking that if you brought her the rose, she could have a wish.  All minds are ruled by greed.”

“But I assure you dear creature my soul is not.”  She again said in a firm tone.  Taking a step forward she watched and awaited a reaction from it.  Sure enough it looked at her with its red eyes and she did not falter as it spoke.

“Your service for your brother’s life.  You may pick one rose but only one.  It is then you will wish for your brother’s welfare.  Should you wish for something else, I will tear you to pieces.  Yet if you are as true and unselfish as you seem, then you will spend the rest of your life guarding the last rose with everything you have. Do you accept?”

With no hesitation she replied, “I accept.”

Taking its paw, it motioned toward one of the flowers, “Then you are the first, to have my permission.”

She quickly moved toward the flowers and with some effort, picked one and held it in her hand.  Its beauty was still marvelous but she did not look at it long as she said, “I wish for my brother to be healthy again.”
The two watched as the rose quickly began to wilt in her hand.  Its petals no longer sparkled and in seconds it turned into black dust that slipped through her grasp.  A loud sigh escaped the creature’s lips as he saw this then replied, “It is done.”

“Am I sure my brother will be well?”

“I trusted you milady.”  The beast huffed, “Now are you going to deceive me and not keep your word?”

“No.”  she shook her head and exhaled a heavy sigh, “I always keep my word.”

“What’s your name?”  it asked in curiosity and she began to welcome the change of subject.

“Alannah.  And what should I call you?  Surely you do not wish to be called, a monster or a beast.”

The creature hesitated a moment, perhaps surprised by the respect she gave it, “Call me Master.”  It replied, “For I am the lord and master of the courtyard, and the castle.”

He extended his paw and Alannah noticed something she did not see before.  A short distance from the clearing was a fairly tall building made of the same stone.  Its walls were almost as weak as the garden’s but it still managed to hold many rooms high above the ground.  Small windows could be seen and a tall, iron door was the obvious entrance to the fortress.  Though the building had obviously seen better days it still stood strong and was probably a good shelter, if the snow even had a chance to fall in the warm place she discovered.

“That is where you live Milord?”

“Yes.”  It replied, “And I will bring you food and anything else you might need as you watch the last rose.  Do not forget, you must guard it with your life.”

She nodded her head in respect and replied, “Yes, I understand.”  And began to watch at the beast leaned forward on its four paws and walks toward the door to his home.
 
 

Part Five

“The rose is my duty.”  Alannah said as she sat and watched each petal under her cautious eyes.  The flower was indeed entrancing and no doubt powerful as she had faith it saved her brother from sickness and death.  The bloom didn’t change beneath her gaze and minutes turned into hours, hours into days.  She moved  little during that time and for seven days was thankful for the food Master brought to her.   Each dish was a delicious one, some with salads and fruit and others had roast meats she never tasted before.  She was content in her job and dutifully watched the flower.  She was unaware that her duty did not go unnoticed.

“It is entrancing…” Master said on the seventh day, “Because of its power, I have guarded all seven with my life.”

“All seven?”  she asked as if to confirm what he said, “So there were more.”

“Yes…there were more.  This one is the last one left, because I trust you.”  The beast sighed, “You see I have guarded this flower bed for many years, and have killed many for trying to take the roses, but even me with all my strength, can fail at times.”

He didn’t hold any remorse as he said the word ‘kill’ but Alannah couldn’t help gasp in terror as he spoke.  The gasp was  a short one, for she didn’t wish her anxiety to be revealed.

Yet it caught onto her apprehension and said, “You didn’t fear me when I threatened to take your life, why fear me now?”

She continued to watch the rose but stood up, “I love my brother, and would give anything to save him.  I told you my reason for having the rose was honorable.  But the thought of you killing anyone, or anyone killing anyone for that matter.”

“I was human once!”  he snapped at her and she spun around to look at him.  Anxiety rose in her expression but at the same time, he also noticed curiosity lie beneath them.

“I…I won’t go into the details.”  He said in a more calm voice, “Just to let you know, you can call me Master, or Sir, whichever you choose.  I know this form does not reveal myself as a gentleman.”

“This form does not reveal me as a gentlelady.”  She said in response but politely bowed her head, “I am not as beautiful as my sisters, but if I didn’t make this clear before, I give my service to you.”

He looked her in the eyes as she stood back up.  Within the orbs were innocence and a beauty hard for him to describe.  They looked upon him as deep, green gems which sparkled in various patterns as her gaze remained locked on him.  She blinked a few times, but her eyelids did nothing to detract from the comeliness he saw.  He then said, “I do not know your sisters, but you underrate your appearance.”

She moved her head downward to hide her expression from him.  He watched her move her face with regret, but said, “I have been thinking.  I have noticed your devotion and, there are six rooms in the castle there where you will still be able to see the rose through the windows that have no glass.  That’s where I stay all the time.  I can let you stay inside one of the rooms where you can have a clear view of the rose, if you want.”

Alannah looked up and smiled at the beast in glee, “Really!?”  she exclaimed, “That’s…that’s so kind.”

Master looked as if a smile was starting to form on his beastial lips, evidence he was pleased, “Then follow me.”

Laughing gleefully, Alannah followed him over a cobblestone path.  The path was only three feet wide and on the edges much grass was already growing over the rocks.  She walked upon it with careful steps until she reached what appeared to be an entrance.  There was no door, but worn gray stones surrounded an archway which led into a hall.  Time must of taken its toll on the building and she noticed that as she stepped inside.

The hallway was made of gray stones as well, and old tapestries hung on the cold, damp walls.  On the rugs were faded images, evidence that the dyes within the threads had faded.  For a moment she though she could make out figures of people, but she could hardly tell anything about their clothes or faces.  Even the edges of the tapestries were worn, with various threads hanging from the sides in no certain pattern.  Since there was evident damage to them, she felt is best not to ask how old the fortress was.

She could see a series of entrances to her left and after walking past one, Master pointed her to another and they quickly stepped through it.  After they did, she could see that the room before her was a mess.  Layers upon layers of dust and dirt covered the stone floor.  The colors of gray and brown swirled within the filth and she could only wince in response as she stepped further inside.  The walls of the room were the same as that in the hallway, except cobwebs laced them and clung to ever corner.  On her immediate right was a rather large bed, that long ago probably looked quite exquisite.  It was made of polished wood, which struggled to shine between the layers of dust.  Even though time had passed, it still contained dusty sheets and stood tall, with four long and wide posts.

Alannah couldn’t help but cough a little as she breathed in some of the dust.  She then blinked and saw a large window near her that had no glass, but showed the rose in the distance.  She forced a smile as she looked at the beast, “The view here is wonderful Master, but it will need some work.”

“I don’t care about dust and spider webs.”  He growled at her comment, “Nothing is more important to me than that rose.”

She bowed her head in respect, “And since it is that important to you, it is so for me.  However, you do not mind if I clean this room?  I have experience with domestic chores and can be of service to you in that area, but only if you wish Sir.”

He grumbled a bit and said, “Fine, clean what you want.  Clean the hallway and all the rooms you can find.  Just when you do, make sure you let me know so I can guard the rose.  This place was beautiful once.”

“Then I will do my best to make it beautiful again, at least this area.  May I start now Master?”

He walked toward the exit to the hallway, “As you wish.  I will assume my original duty.” And with those words, he stepped outside.
 
 

To the Next Part of Enchanted Time

 

To the Loom