The Son Of Ursula

Chapter 12: A Deal With Rumplestilskin

Lana's POV:

I look ahead of us to see a trail that follows the ocean as it curves to lead to villages and farms. We were told by a woman that she saw Hansel and Gretal near the trees as she was watering her plants.

I look to the right where there were dense trees. I walk towards them and squat down to the ground to see crumbs trailing into the forest.

Zale frowns, "Why would they go into the forest and leave bread crumbs?"

I stood up grimancing as my joints pop. Im getting old. "To not get loss I guess?"

He points to a squirrel that crawls to a bread crumb. It chews on it and takes as much as he could carry before scurrying off.

"They should've brought something else instead. We better hurry before more animals starts to eat our trail." Zale says as he leads the way into the forest. He sees a stump and sets the empty plate down on it with the fork I guess he didn't want to carry it with him the whole time.

As we travel deeper into the forest, I notice that it's gotten dark even though it was only noon. The sun was gone and if I look up all I see are leaves all bunched up together. It looks completely dark in here.

"Why would the kids come in here?" Zale asks, looking around, "There's nothing here but dirt, trees, dirt, and more trees."

"That's not true fish sticks!" A voice shouts.

We halt to a stop and Zale takes my arm and pulls me close. His grey eyes narrows, "Who said that?" He calls out, "Show yourself!"

A cackle erupts from all around us, Zale's grip on my arm tighten. My eyes roam trying to look for our mysterious vistor. I realize that we were also defenseless. No weapons and no guards to protect us.

I hear trees rustle and leaves drift down in front of us. Zale and I both look up to see a small man sitting on a trunk with his legs dangling below him. He swings them back and forth like a child.

"Who are you calling fish sticks you little-" Zale was cut off when the small man interrupted.

"Why, you tuna for brains! I cannot insult the princess in her own kingdom! Thats high treason!" He cackles.

I put a hand on Zale's chest before he could do anything irrational. He doesn't know who he's messing with.

I smile sweetly as I could to the powerful man, known across the lands as Rumplestilskin. My instincts are telling me to turn around and run.

"Hello Rumplestilskin," I say as I force my voice to remain calm, "Please excuse my friend," I glance at Zale, "He doesn't know who's he's talking to."

Rumplestilskin jumps off the trunk, landing perfectly on his feet as he does a graceful bow, "Your highness, it is an honor to be in your pressance." He smiles, showing yellow teeth.

I nod, wishing I was anywhere but here in a dark forest with a man who is known for his strong powers and deals.

"Now what brings you here to these neck of the woods your highness?" Rumplestilskin asks, completely ignoring Zale's pressance.

"We are looking for two children, Hansel and Gretal? Have you seen them?" I ask.

He taps his chin thoughtfully, "You mean the two siblings with a hunger for sweets?"

"Yes! Do you know where they went?" I ask.

"Yes." Was all he said.

"Well? Aren't you going to tell us where they went?"

"Hmm, for a price," he smiles wickedly.

My shoulders slump, "We don't have anything to exchange. What do you want? Gold? We have plenty to give. Just name your price-" he cuts me off.

"Nah ah, I already have enough gold to buy your kingdom and other kingdoms if I wanted to! No you have nothing I want, but he does." He points to Zale.

I look at Zale then back to Rumple, "Fine, whatever you want he'll give."

Rumplestilskin laughs, "My dear princess, you may make demands in the castle but out here you cannot tell him what to do. He is a free man after all. And it is all up to him to make the deal."

I sigh, "What is your price?"

Rumplestilskin sighs, "Can you go stand over there your Highness? This is between me and your friend." He laughs at the word 'friend'.

I triy not to groan as I take a few steps back. He looks at me and waves, gesturing for me to move more.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes and walk backwards til he stops and gives me a thumbs up. I look at how much distance there is between us. About twenty feet I think.

I watch curiously as they whisper to each other. Whatever it was they were talking about, it didn't sit well for Zale because he clench his fists and I see his shoulders rise up, as if prepare to fight.

Rumplestilskin tells him something that makes Zale drop his fighting stance. A few words are spoken and Rumple holds his hand out for a shake, Zale hesitantly shakes it and a golden light lights up through their clasp hands.

Zale groans in pain and tries pulling away but Rumplestilskin didn't let go as they seal the deal.

The light fades away and Rumplestilskin smile as he waves me over.

"I saw the children at the entrance and told them a story about a blind woman who lives in a house made of all the candy they can imagine and she lives in these very woods just past the river and a willow tree.

"I am sad to say that they rushed off to find that house before I could even tell them that if they take one bite of her house she will wake up from her nap and devour them. She is always hungry for children so I will hurry along if I were you."

Before we could say anything else he waves and is gone in a cloud of smoke. I hear Zale hiss in pain as he clutch his hand to his chest.

"Let me look," I tell him. He hold out his hand, palm up to show a burned mark of a cursive R in the center. The symbol of a deal made with Rumplestilskin.

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