Saving the Beast

Chapter eight

After getting back to my room my mind raced with many questions, I had gathered so much information in one day! It would seem that Mrs.Hanson knows the more about the story then she is letting on, yet why didn't the girl just tell me to talk to her in the first place.

Why go to the trouble to tell me to find the priest? Did they want me to find the castle the hard way? Then there was the paintings, the priest said no one has been in the castle for over a 100 years!

Yet the painting clearly show that many people have, if other people found the castle why hasn't the towns people go search it out? They clearly know about the castles existence.

Ugh! These questions were getting me no where! The easiest answer is talking to the Beast myself and get this whole ordeal figured out.

But first I have to find a way past those lovely creatures. I don't want to hurt them, but I prefer not to lose my life to them. Tapping my finger on my chin I paced around the room.

Well if it's prey they wish for then why don't I give them what they want!

The next morning I practically bolted from bed, packing a heavy bag I was sure I would get past those wolves. But before I head to the forest I better get my arsenal ready.

Walking through the town I finally found the shop I wished for. The butcher shop, the windows were filled with dead live stock and the entire color scheme seemed to revolve around the color red.

Closing my eyes I pushed the door open, the smell was extremely pungent. My eyes dilated as I stared at the multiple whole dead animals. At the end of the store was a single glass counter, and a tall man standing behind it.

"Hello Miss, what can I do for you?" I gulped and slowly walked to the counter. "I need 16 steaks." I half whispered. "16? Wowza! Are you having a party or something?" I gave a small smile, " Most certainly something."

"Well I can't argue with private business." The butcher gave me the red blocks of meat and I was out of there. I stared at the bag and began to nervously giggle. This better work or my life is over.

Taking a deep breath I made my way to the secret path, but this time I am more prepared. Pulling a heavier jacket out I wrapped it tightly around my body.

Holding my breath I stepped through the mass of bushes I once again was met with the slight snow fall. Looking down I sighed to see a heavier blanket around shoulders. Groaning I starred at the blanket, well it's better then the shawl I had before.

Clutching my bag i made my way through the ice and cold, ok this is not so bad. Maybe i have nothing to worry about, i haven't seen the wolves all- suddenly a howl pierced my hearing.

Turning the entire pack was once again right behind me, "Well hello again, look i'm just trying to get through so if you would be so kind and leave me alone. I will do the same for you, how does that sound?"

They growled at me drooling as they stepped closer. "You could have just said no!" I shouted bolting, as i ran I remembered the meat in my bag. I groaned and pulled it out.

I pray this works, i chucked the meat at the snarling beasts. I closed my eyes and continued to run, I didn't care if they were still behind me or not. But because of this i wasn't looking where i was going and ran into a tree.

"Ow,ow, ow." I muttered, turning behind me i thankfully didn't see a single wolf. Sighing with relief i continued my journey to the castle. Stumbling through the tree and bushes i gaped in awe at the stone in front of me.

This has to be the castles walls, suddenly a howl rang out behind me. At least i hope it is! Following the curving wall i ended up in front of a iron gate.

Pulling and pushing the thing wouldn't budge. "Oh come on! I thought this was a enchanted castle!" Gripping the cold metal in my hands i sighed, well it looks like the only way i am getting in is climbing.

Hoisting my body up I began to climb. Once i reached the top i starred at the wolves down below. "Ha! Can't get me up here eh?" I boasted only to lose my balance, closing my eyes I prepared for the impact.

But was surprised when I landed on a pile of soft snow, I shivered and wrapped the blanket closer to my body. This Is utterly crazy, looking around I noticed a number of stone statues each more elegant then the next.

If I wasn't totally in danger I would admire the artwork, shaking my head I turned to the rocky path. I sucked in a deep breath before trekking my way to the door. Once there I tried to pull it open, I scowled when the door didn't budge.

"Oh come on." I muttered slamming my fist against the door, "Hello? anyone there?" I asked, suddenly the doors swung open, I wasn't surprised when nothing was behind it. I walked over to the door and grimaced, "Sorry about that." I said patting the door.

walking in I found myself standing in a grand entry hall. It was huge,certainly bigger then i had ever imaged. I shivered a bit before heading over to the crackling fire place. Sitting in front I lifted my hands to feel the warmth on it.

suddenly I heard a sound coming from the second floor. this peeked my interest, so I stood up wrapped my hands around my arms and walked over to the stairs. I looked up at the top of the stairs, what ever was up there had to be alive.

If it was the beast then I should thank him for at least letting me use the fire place. climbing up the stairs I kept looking towards the top if the stairs, suddenly I felt the ground beneath me disappear. Looking down I felt my body let gravity take over.