Forest of Fireflies

Chapter 19

(3rd Person POV)

Snow crouched amongst the trees in the dense woods and watched intently at the black knight that approached on the road. After taking several breaths, she held the last one and jumped out from her hiding spot; knocking him off his horse. As the knight groaned on the ground, Snow quickly used the blunt end of her pick axe and hit the knight's ankle. 

She grinned as she shrugged and said, "It'll heal. Eventually."

The knight glared at Snow and seethed, "What do you want?"

"Information. Now, tell me. Where's the Queen?"

The knight stubbornly answered, "And why would I tell you?"

Snow crouched down beside the knight and said softly, "Do you know what a diamond is? It's the strongest substance known to man or beast. Nearly impervious to destruction. Nearly....but this, happens to be an axe from the dwarves' mines. It can, believe it, or not, cut a diamond. So, imagine what it can do to human flesh."

The knight began to crawl away but Snow raised the axe, threatening him. Finally, he gave in and grunted. "She's at the palace. But only for the night. In the morning, she leaves on horseback for the summer palace. Please! That's all I know."

Snow nodded and added, "And Daniella?"

"The princess will be travelling on horseback as well."

Snow glared at the knight and muttered, "that palace was built for my mother, not Regina..."

Then, with the quick swing of the axe, the knight was knocked out cold. Snow then began to strip the knight of his weapons and armour until a voice behind her suddenly asked, "What do you think you're doing?!"

Sighing with frustration, Snow answered the dwarf Grumpy, "I've already told you. I'm going to kill the Queen."

"But by stealing the armour of a knight?"

"Well, whatever I have to do to get into that castle. So, get out of my way as I have to get there before she leaves tomorrow."

Grumpy looked incredulously at Snow. "Have you lost your mind? You really think that this disguise is going to fool anybody?"

Snow narrowed her eye at Grumpy and answered with determination. "It will."

"Listen to yourself! All you care about is revenge, just like the Queen does. You can't even see reality anymore!"

"What I need is not to be lectured by a dwarf!"

"I didn't come to lecture you. I came to help you by taking you back to the Dark One. He made you like this. He gave you the potion that took away all your memories of your Prince. If anyone can give them back to you, it's him."

"Alright, so this Prince that you're talking about; there must have been a good reason as to why I took a potion to forget him. Then, it's clear isn't it? I don't want my memories back."

"But the potion changed you. Maybe the Dark one can at least bring you back to the person you used to be. He's the most powerful man. He can do anything!"

Snow paused for a moment as thought. Then, she whispered, "Anything? He really can do anything?"

..............................

(3rd person, in Rumpelstiltskin's castle)

Snow looked at the Dark One without flinching and stated, "I want your help, to kill the Queen."

Rumple smiled back devilishly as he whispered, "Now we're talking. Here, this arrow will help you kill her."

"But how will that help me get into her castle?"