The Alchemist And The Beast

Chapter 5

To Varian's surprise, Fidella led him straight to a large building surrounded by a gate.  He dismounted when he reached the steps.  He tied the horse to a post and briskly walked up the stairs.  He had not dressed warmly, not prepared for any snow, but his mind was too focused on finding his father to really care.

After knocking several times as loud as possible, he gave up and walked in.  "Sorry to intrude," he said loudly.  "I'm looking for my father."  He received no answer, so he pressed further into the manor.

The clock peered behind a corner, unnoticed by Varian. "Look, Eugene!  It's a boy!"

"Yeah, and your point is?" The candlestick asked.

"But what if he can help?"  The clock pointed out.

"The one who’ll break the spell?" Eugene spoke too loudly as the connection finally clicked.

"Who said that?" Varian whirled around.  "Who’s there?"

Seeing no one, Varian searched the manor.  Finally, he reached the cellars where he heard coughing.  He brought the torch closer.  "Dad?"

"Son?"

"Dad!"  He rushed towards him.

"How did you find me?"

"Your hands are ice! We need to get you home."

Varian, you must leave here at once! This castle is alive! Now go, before it finds you!"

"Who?"

As if on cue, a creature growled and knocked the torch out of Varian's hand.  He yelped in surprise and pulled back on instinct.

"Who’s there?" He tried to keep his voice from trembling. "Who are you?"

"Who are you?"  The voice was gruff, but it was surprisingly very feminine.

"I’ve come for my father," Varian answered.

"Your father is a thief, and trespasser.  He was here to harm us," she growled.

"Liar!" Varian snapped.

"He stole a rose," she retorted.

"I asked for the rose.  Punish me, not him," Varian pleaded.

"No! She means forever, Varian!  You can't stay here!"  Quirin grabbed his son's shoulder.

"A life sentence for a rose?" Varian repeated in disgust and disbelief.  "That's ridiculous!"

The beast roared angrily.  "I received an eternal darnation for one. I’m merely locking him away. Now, do you still wish to take your father’s place?"

Varian was silent for a moment, then he spoke.  "Come into the light."

Hesitantly, the creature stepped closer where some light was peeping in.  Varian couldn't help but let out a gasp of terror.

"Choose," she demanded.

"Son, I won’t let you do this. I lost your mother. I won’t lose you, too!" He fell into a fit of coughing.

"Dad, I'm sorry... but it's not your choice... it's mine."

"No.  You are young.  You have a whole life ahead of you, I've lived mine!"

Varian thought for a moment. "All right, Dad.  I’ll leave."  He looked at the beast. "I need a minute alone with him."

She grunted with disapproval.

"Are you so cold-hearted you won’t allow a son to say goodbye to his father forever?"

"When this door closes, it will not open again," she said at last.

Varian turned to his father.  "Walk me out," he whispered.  Quirin nodded and they slowly moved to the door.

"Varian, listen to me. It’s all right.  Go. Live your life. Forget me, and do what you've always wanted."

"Forget you? Everything I am is because of you!"

"I love you, son.  Don't be afraid.  It will be ok."

"I love you too, Dad, but I'm not afraid.  It will be just fine. And I will escape. I promise."

"What?"

Quirin was taking off guard. Before he could register what his son had said, Varian shoved him out the door and closed the cellar door.  He then slammed down the wooden slab, locking himself in.

"Varian!"

The beast grabbed him and dragged him out.  Varian could hear his father's protests echoing until he could hear them no longer.  He sat down and placed his back against the wall.

"Open up!"  The beast demanded suddenly.

He hadn't heard her come back, but he obeyed hesitantly.  He lifted the wooden barricade, and the creature pushed the door open.  Varian managed to step out of her way.

"You took his place?" She asked, more quieter than she had spoken thus far, but she was still very gruff.

"He’s my father," Varian retorted.

"He’s a fool, and so are you."

"And you're a selfish brute!" He snapped back.

She growled and stormed out slamming the door shut on her way out.  Varian winced.  He felt the weight of his situation sink in.  He had just lost everything, but he didn't regret his choice.  He would make it back home to his father if it was the last thing he ever did.