Beauty and the Snake Creature

Chapter 3

In the morning when Maurice woke up, he immediately saw the new clothes and it was perfect for his size. Maurice then thought.

Maurice: Maybe dinner, bed and these clothes were really meant for me. If the dinner really was for the owner, then I might have woken up in the dungeon. Maybe chained or worse hanged. Perhaps, the executioner cutting my head when I woke up. I would just go look for the owner of the castle and thank him for his hospitality. 

Maurice fixed the bed, folded the blanket and then changed his clothes. He went to search for the owner of the castle but to no avail. As he was exploring also, he still found no one. No signs of life. Maurice did not even see a rat, cockroach. Not even the sound of the birds. Nothing but soft winds. It took him several hours, but the owner was nowhere to be found and the castle was thousand feet. That he was not sure if he already explored all of the castle. What scared the merchant were the awful and scary stone creatures.

When he could find no one, he decided to look on the garden. He might be off walking around the garden. It was sunset already when he got out of the castle. As he went outside, he decided to check on Philip and finds him eating the fresh hay. He left his horse to go looking for the owner. But he did not even find him in the garden. He searched and searched but to no avail.

Maurice: Maybe he is attending to other matters. Perhaps he is having his business with other people. Maybe I will just come back tomorrow, I hope he would be here. 

After Philip finished his hay, Maurice rode his horse and went on his way home from the castle. He had not yet come far; something caught his attention. He saw the pavilion that was covered with vines. He was amazed when he saw those roses on those vines and remembered Narda's request. 

Maurice: I hope the castle owner won't mind me plucking at least one of the roses. As promised, my Narda. Now you will never forget your mother.

Maurice had just plucked one of the roses when he suddenly heard the strange noise behind him which made his skin crawl. Turning around he saw the very frightful Snake Creature which immediately threw him to the ground and tied him with the snakes. The Snake Girl seemed very angry.

Valentina: After what I've done for you! After I made you a dinner and soft bed last night, this is how you show me your gratitude?! By stealing what I treasure the most?! By stealing my roses?!

Maurice begged.

Maurice: My Lady, you are the owner of the castle? Please forgive me, your Grace. I had been looking for you almost all day to simply thank you for your hospitality before I leave your kingdom. I didn't even know that plucking one of your roses would offend you---ahkk!

The Snake Girl strangled Maurice who was still tied up by her snakes.

Snake Creature: Well still, your insolence shall go unpunished!

Maurice dropped the rose.

Maurice: Please, my Lady. Spare me. I really am grateful for your hospitality. I am the man of my word, and it was not my intention to steal your roses. I could not imagine that it was---ahhk! It was magnificent that it will offend you. Please! I meant no harm!

Valentina scoffed and chuckled after hearing Maurice's begging words.

Valentina: Hmph! Impressive! Just like the thieves! You are ready with excuses and flattery; but that will not save you from the death you deserve!

Valentina's four strongest snakes came out and were about to bite and poison Maurice with their deadliest venoms, when Maurice stopped them.

Maurice: Wait! Wait!