Evermore: The Rylakian Heir

Evermore: The Rylakian Heir

Caroline Metzlaff

Copyright 2012 Caroline Metzlaff

Published November 2012

Smashwords Edition

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This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or if it was not purchased for your use only, please return to smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hardwork of the author.

Special thanks to Jessie Wood and Marilyn Metzlaff for encouraging me and reading each chapter as fast as I could write it, and to Matthew Wood for his mad photography skills and endless patience. I hope you all enjoy reading this book even half as much as I enjoyed writing it!

If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales

– Albert Einstein

If I am honest, I have to tell you I still read fairy tales and I like them best of all.

– Audrey Hepburn

EVERMORE: The Rylakian Heir

Chapter 1

The forest was dark; the moon was just rising in the sky like a crystal ball floating in a bed of royal blue velvet. Bare branches of sinister looking trees reached out to her, like the gnarled fingers of a crone, inflicting unwanted caresses across her cheek; she flinched. Hopelessly lost, she had no idea how far she had come. In the distance an owl cried and something sprang up from the darkness; stifling a scream Snow fell to the ground in defeat and began to silently cry. She had been so strong for so long; stronger than any sixteen year old should ever have to be. Memories assaulted her continuously, replaying in a loop she couldn’t escape, but always ending with Gregor the huntsman’s face. She would never forget it, it had been burned in to her mind.

It was the bluebird that had alerted her. She had always had a special rapport with birds, with most woodland creatures in fact. It was Gregor himself who had introduced her to the wildlife surrounding Castle White. If the tiny bird hadn’t chosen that exact moment to burst in to song, would Snow be alive today? In her heart she had to believe that Gregor would have stayed his hand regardless.

To most he was simply Gregor, beloved huntsman of the Castle White; to Snow, he was Gregor, patient confidant for a lonely little girl...Gregor had been her friend; at times her only friend. It seemed inconceivable that he would do her harm. She’d spun around just in time to see the knife held high in his hand, a look of horror across his face as he struggled against the spell.

The betrayal was unimaginable.

"Run He’d whispered through quivering lips. She’s asked for your heart."

And so she had. For hours and hours she ran, stopping only to drink from the stream. She ran until she was certain she had safely passed the Rylakian border and now sought refuge in the infamous Kingdom of Lonstas. But where to go from here? A life lived within the walls of Castle White had left the young girl ill prepared for flight; all she was truly certain of was that she had to find water again, and soon. Desperation had given way to exhaustion; eventually Snow gave up and laid her head on the cool damp grass. Come what may, she had nothing more to give.

A voice in the darkness.

Dehydration coupled with exhaustion made her vision hazy and she thought he resembled a dwarf; as he was easily a full three inches shorter than herself. She couldn’t find the energy to move.

"The name’s Doctor Cornelius Rutherford, but you can call me ‘Doc’ sweetie." With a strength that belied his small stature, the good doctor had lifted Snow up on to the horse with him, and began trotting through the dark forest. Mute with hunger and exhaustion she had simply stared back at him listlessly.

She had listened silently to the gentle melodic voice as the little Doctor spoke softly to her. He had taken the shortcut through the forest on his way back from treating an elderly elf for a terrible cough when he had came upon the seemingly lifeless girl. Surprise flashed through Snow’s eyes, human’s didn’t treat elves, and then she remembered that Lonstas, unlike her native Rylak, didn’t enforce segregation between humans and creatures. Although not a perfect system, Lonstas was the first kingdom in their world of Evermore to have taken these first baby steps towards equality and coexistence.

Doc had brought her home to his cottage, and with the help of his six kind hearted brothers, nursed her back to health, physically at least; her emotional scars would take much longer. He provided a home for her, fed and clothed her...and loved her as his own. All seven little men doted on her, cherishing every smile and showered her with their unconditional love in return. It was more than she could have hoped for.

But Snow knew one thing for certain, this idyllic life wouldn’t last forever; her stepmother would never stop....

A relentless pounding on the cottage door abruptly brought Snow back to the present. She swung the door open to find herself face to face with Cindy, flushed, out of breath and in mid pound. Cindy was the wealthy daughter of the kingdom’s most successful Entertainment Manager, Caspian Vanholston. This of course might explain her flair for dramatics. She was also Snow’s best friend; currently her only friend.

Well, he’s gone and done it. She announced as she brushed past Snow, and flung herself in to one of the many sturdy, wood chairs surrounding the long table. Sighing dramatically, she shook out her dark gold curls and dropped her cameo face in to her hands.

Who has done what? Snow asked cautiously. Her strict upbringing in Castle White had not included exposure to melodrama, so her dramatic and capricious friend never failed to amaze her. She smiled fondly at the despairing little blonde.

Snow regarded the bowl of shiny red apples placed in the centre of the table, her hand hovering as she sought out the shiniest, reddest of the bunch. She never could resist a perfect apple. The perfect apple tree that her stepmother had planted in the centre of the court...they had had such fun harvesting those apples together...but that had been ‘before’. Something had happened to change their relationship; Snow had never known exactly what, but if she closed her eyes now, she could almost smell the blossoms on that tree.

My father! Cindy exclaimed, green eyes brimming with tears. He’s been out again last night with that horrible Madame Morgada! That’s twice this week!

Snow swallowed hard and nodded slowly. She understood her friend’s fear of ‘The Stepmother’ only too well; her own had proven deadly.

Oh thank goodness. I thought you meant Prince Leonardo had gone and married a fairy princess from another realm. She teased lightly, hoping to lighten the mood somewhat; the Crown Prince was usually Cindy’s favorite topic, if anything could bring a smile to her doll like face, his name could.

Cindy peered up at Snow from between her fingers. My life is practically over! And all you can do is make jokes! She was silent for a minute as she considered.

And the tabloids haven’t even hinted at any sort of romance in his life yet. As far as they can tell, he’s happily slaving away at med school. Cindy placed her hand over her heart and took a deep breath. This is bigger than Prince Leonardo Charming.

And that really was saying something, because the elder Charming prince was the object of every teenage girl’s fantasy, in all the known realms. A perfectly muscled six foot two, with shoulder length brown waves, intelligent blue eyes and a warm, confident smile...he was the picture perfect, although somewhat reluctant, celeb. Rumours of his courage on the battle field and prowess with a sword abounded, but Prince Leonardo was at heart, a man of peace. Which of course is why he had spent the last several years in med school, he wanted to learn how to save lives; anyone could take them. This only seemed to enhance his celebrity status. The girls were both members of his fan club; in fact that’s how Cindy had befriended the tall, shy new girl.

Okay. Snow nodded slowly, she now knew what exactly was expected of her. Once Cindy was wound up, only hours of speculation and considerable patience would bring her back down. In other words...girl talk, and lots of it.

Saying that Cindy was uncomfortable with her father’s re-entrance into the dating game was a huge understatement; it had been simply the two of them, Cindy and her doting father, for so terribly long now, and Cindy had never really been very good at sharing. Snow was quite sure that had she been older when her father, King Roland, had begun dating Rosalyn, her dreaded stepmother, she would have reacted a lot like her desperate friend. Unfortunately there wasn’t anything Snow could do for her desperate friend, aside from providing a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen with. Cindy was her first best friend, she was learning on the job.

Let’s talk about it while I get ready. Snow suggested as she led the way through the homey cottage and up the stairs to her bedroom. Eagerly Cindy followed, hands punctuating various points as she poured her fears and frustrations out.

Crap Snowy, what can I to do? Cindy moaned. She’s so horrible! What if he marries her? Tears spilled down her cheeks again.

In truth, Madame Morgada was...well she was tough. Tall, with dark auburn hair pulled back fiercely from her face in to the neatest chignon imaginable, arched eyebrows over piercing gray eyes and a perfect although somewhat narrow nose. The Madame was beautiful, but in a stand up straight and make sure there isn’t any dirt under your finger nails kind of way. Her twin daughters Annette and Juliette had inherited their looks from their mother...as well as her imposing presence, and they steadfastly avoided Cindy and Snow. But most of the popular group did anyway, so Snow didn’t think it was personal. Well, maybe just a little personal.

Okay, Snow replied, slipping her feet in to her long, shiny white boots, as she tried to think both diplomatically and tactically as she had been taught at Castle White. He hasn’t formally introduced you, nor has he suggested a family dinner. This has all been very casual, I would think you are safe until one of those situations is proposed.

Don’t use that word, it sends creepers up my spine. Cindy glowered.

Sorry, maybe he is just...just... Snow trailed off as she looked for exactly the right phrase, the one that wouldn’t send Cindy into hysterics.

Just what? Cindy moaned. Then she gasped out loud, startling Snow completely, as she laid her hand across her mouth in horror.

Oh no! You can’t do that! What are you thinking? Cindy jumped off the bed and pointed at Snow’s new white boots. You can’t wear those fabulous boots with that ugly old dress.

Snow sighed loudly as Cindy began to quickly rifle through her large, walk-in closet, they really didn’t have time for this, but Cindy had very strong ideas with regards to fashion. Very strong ideas.

He’s just...he’s just what?

Just...passing time. Maybe they’re just friends, you know playing cards and betting on wagon races? He might be lonely...maybe... Snow hoped so for Cindy’s sake, although she seriously doubted it. Caspian Vanholston was the single most sought after gentleman in the village, he was never, never lonely, and The Madame Morgada was not the sort to waste her time. Ever.

He doesn’t bet on wagon races...much.

Cindy took a deep breath and nodded before continuing. Okay, maybe. I hope you’re right. Neither one of them added the silent but I seriously doubt it, that lingered in their heads. They didn’t need to.

Cindy tossed a silver and white dress on the bed. White with silver panels up the side, it was form fitting and...short. Wear this. She commanded with more authority than a five foot two inch, doll like teen should ever be able to achieve.

Snow eyed it suspiciously. I think it has a skirt.

Not with those boots and this cape it doesn’t. Cindy beamed as she held out a royal blue, velvet cape. No one dared to argue Cindy when it came to fashion, and Snow was no exception. She was usually right, and besides that, you wouldn’t win anyway, Cindy could out-talk just about anyone Snow had ever met; she was a master.

The master herself, had chosen a filmy lavender sleeveless top, matching tights and sparkly sandals. She was adorable.

Ugh. Snow said as she grabbed the garments. It was actually a great outfit.

Honestly Snowy, I don’t know what you’d do without me. Cindy began to buff her nails, a small smile pulling at the corners of her mouth.

Cindy liked to feel needed.

Chapter 2

The town of Turin was set in the valley, just east of the great mountains that separated the Rylak Kingdom from Lonstas. Turin, being part of Lonstas, was ruled by the benevolent and much celebrated Charming family, and had been for generations; much like Rylak was ruled by the White’s. Surrounded by dense forests, vibrant meadows and an abundance of lakes and rivers, Turin was your average Tudor style village. Now stories disagree on the actual reasoning, but Turin, despite its small size was a prominent and well known village. Some say it was the loss of the Idiot, others firmly believe that the magic wishing well, dead centre of town, tapped in to some magical ‘ever after’ stream, attracting good luck; still others feel it was the neighbourhood watch and aesthetics board. But for whatever the reason, Turin was home to the Holiday Palace of the Charming family, and that was enough to put it on the map.

Although all of the roads in Turin were made of cobblestone, it was only the red ones that led to the town square. By day traveling merchants displayed their wares, such as exotic spices, freshly caught fish, fresh fruit, and Cindy’s personal favourite; imported fabrics. At night, lovers, young and old alike congregated to stroll through the fragrant gardens and whisper sweet nothings beneath the moon. But the true heart of the square was that wishing well.

Legend said, that a sincere selfless wish, spoken from an honest heart, no matter how improbable, would always come true. Now teenagers for years had been making wishes for this person or that person to like them and so on, but as these wishes were not completely selfless, they were destined to fail. Adults, not wanting to waste time with a fickle well, consulted fairy godmothers, apprentice fairies and in some cases sorcerers.

The Legend had never been proven either way.

Now that particular morning, it wasn’t the exotic spices, the infamous well or even the fresh fruit vendors that caused the girls to be late for school, it was the newly arrived ‘Fanciful Fabric’ vendor that had caught Cindy’s eye. Cindy held close the dream of being a fashion designer one day, in the capital city of Crystallise. Crystallise was home to all of the wealthiest and best dressed people of all natures and origins in the Lonstas Kingdom. If Turin had a ‘season’, that being when the Charming family was in residence and throwing balls, Crystallise was one big ‘season’.

Dashing up to the Tudor style school as fast as their not so sensible shoes would allow, Snow had the distinct feeling that she was being watched. Quickly she spun around just in time to catch a very tall, muscular boy with longish dark brown hair, look the other way...but not before they made eye contact.

His light brown eyes, flecked with green and gold were really unusual, but that wasn’t what made her pay closer attention, it was the way he moved. He was fluid, he moved in a sleek, dangerous way, like a predator, and he was really, really cute; she knew in that moment that he wasn’t human. She found herself staring at the boy; she had never been this close to a creature before, Rylak had been very strict in keeping non-humans far away from its cities and castles. Socialising between species was definitely not encouraged by the Aristocracy, regardless what kingdom; in fact it had been known to tarnish reputations, in some cases beyond repair. The only other non-humans that Snow had encountered as of yet were the Crones of Turin. But no one ever counted them; all they really cared about was sugar packet stealing and bingo anyway.

The boy turned back and flashed them a truly ‘devil may care’ grin with a teasing lift to his eyebrows, before sprinting out of sight, which of course caused an embarrassing red blush to spread across Snow’s pale cheeks.

Oh he was so cute! Do you know him? Please say you do! You could always count on Cindy to notice the really cute ones immediately.

So naturally there she stood, her rosebud mouth open and awe stamped across her dainty face; the boy had kind of taken their breath away.

Nope. Snow slowly shook her head. Not at all. ‘Unfortunately’ she thought, and then immediately blushed again. He looked so human; she wondered what he really was.

Cindy thought for a minute. Was he looking at you, or at me?

Snow laughed and began to steer Cindy to the school house door. We wish.

The boy had run off so quickly, she hadn’t had the opportunity to see who he actually was watching. It had all happened so fast. However, Snow was clear about three things, one: the boy had been watching someone intently, two: he wasn’t human and three: he was trouble.

Snow had a feeling that they hadn’t seen the last of him. She wasn’t entirely sure how she felt about that.

~~*~~

Miss Snow W. Rutherford. Announced Miss Hollyhock, teacher extraordinaire, as she looked over her notes. This is the second time this week that you and your sidekick, Miss Cinderella Vanholston, have been late arriving at school. Do you have anything to say in your defence?

Miss Hollyhock was the tiny school’s only teacher, and despite her hokey Sally Sweetness name, she ruled with an iron glove. No one, not even the boys dared step out of line; she had eyes in the back of her head and uncanny hearing.

I’m not the sidekick. Cindy interjected with a toss of her golden curls. Snow groaned inwardly, knowing this was going nowhere good...and fast.

Excuse me? Miss Hollyhock looked up from her notes with a look that would have shut anyone down, anyone except Cindy that is.

I said I’m not the sidekick Cindy blew a dark gold curl off her forehead; she hated being underestimated more than anything. "Just because Snow’s taller than me doesn’t automatically mean she’s the leader. We are 50/50 with everything. There’s no boss you know, we’re equals.’’

Thank you for clarifying that for me, Miss Vanholston. The teacher said with a malice laced smile. In that case I assume you won’t mind accompanying her this evening to The Lonesome Forest with today’s lesson.

Cindy’s face fell; Snow looked confused, and some boys snickered in the back.

Excuse me, Miss Hollyhock? Why am I taking the lesson to The Lonesome Forest? Snow inquired as politely as she could, considering the fact that being sent to The Lonesome Forest was somewhat like taking a long walk off a short plank. The punishment certainly didn’t fit the crime; she really hated, cold dark forests.

Penance. said the teacher with a smile. Our newest student is stricken with Hoglas disease and can’t leave her tower for class. As penance, you and Miss Vanholston will bring and explain the day’s lessons; you will continue to do so until I say further.

Snow had never heard of Hoglas disease, she hoped it wasn’t catchy and it certainly didn’t sound good.

Miss Hollyhock? Snow questioned again. What exactly is Hoglas disease?

Excuse me? Turin’s one and only teacher had never found herself questioned so closely by a student before; she didn’t like it. She glared at the offending student...in this case, Snow. This glare might have frozen another student immediately, but they hadn’t been brought up in Castle White. They hadn’t stood face to face with her stepmother, the Queen of Rylak.

Hoglas disease. I have never heard of it. Snow repeated in a strong, level voice. I am concerned that it might be communicable.

Flustered and irritated, the teacher began to shuffle her papers again. Why it’s a, it causes, it has...Miss Rutherford, I have been assured it is not communicable, and if you have any medical questions I suggest you direct them to Dr. Rutherford, we are already behind on today’s lesson. I’m sure you can all understand why you will be kept later this afternoon to make up for this unnecessary delay.

The room was suddenly filled with groans, which were immediately silenced by a dark look in the furious teacher’s eye.

Just one more question, please? Snow pressed. What is the new student’s name?

Rapunzel. Her name is Rapunzel Goethal.

~~*~~

Saying there were actual roads through the Lonesome Forest would be an overstatement. Paths, very overgrown paths would be far more accurate. Even though the sun shone bright in the afternoon sky, the glorious rays could hardly penetrate the densely overgrown foliage. "How aptly named" Snow idly thought as she took in the dark and mysterious forest. Carefully the girls picked their way through the dimly lit path, Snow in her knee high white boots and Cindy in her fragile silver sandals. Needless to say, the going was slow...very slow.

Only the most eccentric, would make their home anywhere near The Lonesome Forest, and few ventured beyond the point where the sun failed. The depth of the forest was said to be home to trolls, vampires and various non-unionized fairies and witches; and if the legends were true, sleeping dryads rested deep within the dark and silent trees. Dryads are the spirits of the trees, they had long since stopped dancing in the moonlight. Ancient texts told stories of great celebrations in the forests, magical nights inspired by the dryads sheer joy of life; dryads had always been Snow’s favorite mythological creature. She loved daydreaming about those beautiful dancing dryads, their long hair and arms swaying so ethereally and gracefully as they moved. She could almost imagine joining hands and being caught up in the dance as well. She sighed softly to herself as she let her mind wander. It was all just fantasy now, the legends stated that the dryads had been hunted almost to extinction; earlier humans had believed that if they could cut the dryad down in her home tree¸ her magic could be absorbed. It was false, and thousands of dryads were sacrificed according to the stories. Whatever dryads had escaped the massacre had retreated to The Lonesome Forest, where it is believed they eternally sleep, or as some stories go, turned in to vengeful spirits tormenting any who disturb that sleep. Regardless, they no longer befriended humans, if they ever had.

With their destination finally in sight, the girls began to pick up the pace, and within minutes found themselves standing directly in front of a dark stone house. The dark, narrow tower seemed even taller up close. The house, situated in a small clearing in the dreary forest, appeared sinister without the help of green grass or colourful flowers to add warmth or personality. Snow followed the dusty path to the dark, rounded door with Cindy just a step behind, but before she could knock, the door swung open revealing a bent, dour looking woman.

Quickly Snow recovered her manners. Good day Madame. She said curtsying gracefully. My name is Snowy and this is Cindy. We have brought... She hunted for the new girl’s name.

Rapunzel. Inserted Cindy, who had no intention of curtsying.

Rapunzel’s lesson from school today. Snow finished. Uneasily she smiled up in to the woman’s disagreeable face. The woman took the girls in one by one. The effect was that of being inspected and dissected; there was no warmth to be found anywhere in the woman’s face. Snow’s bright smile wilted somewhat.

I am Mother Goethal. You will find Rapunzel at the top of the stairs. Explain your lessons and mind that you don’t dawdle. The raspy voice informed them with great reluctance; and with one thin and gnarled finger she pointed to the staircase.

The dark stairs went round and round, higher and higher, seemingly forever. Cobwebs grew between the stairs in the gloom and it appeared that nothing had seen a broom in years. Finally the girls reached the top of the dark, dusty staircase. The rounded door was shut in front of them, so Snow grasped the large brass knocker and rapped politely three times.

The girls turned to look at each other slowly as the rapping sound echoed off of the walls eerily; Cindy stepped in as close to Snow as she could.

Nothing.

Hello? I have your lessons... Snow trailed off, unsure what else to say. She looked at Cindy for assistance, Cindy who was never at a loss for words. Cindy was very helpful, she shrugged; she didn’t want to be there at all. They waited for another minute in the dark and dreary stairwell. Snow knocked again.

Still nothing.

Just leave it outside the door. We’re leaving; this place is way too creepy. Decided Cindy with apparent relief. Come on, we can still make it to Prince Leonardo’s Fan Club Meeting.

Snow placed the books on the step outside the door and both girls gratefully turned to leave.

Come in. Barely audible, the voice floated out from behind the door. Snow hesitated; Cindy sighed and shook her head.

Cautiously Snow opened the creaky door, nodding for Cindy to go in.

Na ah. I’m just the sidekick. Whispered Cindy giving Snow a little shove forward. You’re the leader.

"Oh, now I’m the leader." Snow whispered back as she took a tentative step in to the room.

What, you’re taller.

The room was round, and made entirely of stone; the only light came from the window directly across from the door. A bed, a wardrobe and a chair were the only furniture to be seen.

A tall young girl stood off to the side, hiding half in the shadows. Dressed in a simple floor length black dress, she seemed ghost-like. Silently, and without expression, she regarded the girls, you could feel her fear. Long platinum hair poured over her shoulders and down to the floor, it flowed across to the chair and coiled in front of the wardrobe.

Oh. My. God. Cindy breathed as she clutched at Snow’s cape.

Slowly Snow held up the lesson. My name is Snowy, and this is my friend, Cindy. She said slowly, indicating her small friend. We were sent with your lesson.

Rapunzel stared blankly at the girls.

You know, from school? Snow added carefully.

Rapunzel stepped out from the shadow. As the light hit her face, Snow was struck by how sad she looked; it shadowed her eyes, fringed with an abundance of black lashes, they were as dark as her hair was light. Her mouth, so perfectly red on her beautiful heart shaped pale face, looked as if it had forgotten how to smile. She was utterly beautiful, in an ethereally remote way. Snow was at a loss for words, and apparently so was Cindy, which was really quite rare.

Why do you stare at me? Rapunzel asked in a breathy voice full of fear and self consciousness, one pale hand fluttered helplessly by her slender throat.

Instantly Snow was ashamed. Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn't mean to, I was just-

It’s your hair. Interjected Cindy. I have never seen anything so beautiful! How do you get it so shiny? How do you move around? How do you brush it?

They had never seen hair like it before. They couldn't begin to imagine how long it truly was, it seemed to stretch on forever, gloriously silver blonde. Tentatively Rapunzel touched her own hair. Her smile was slow, as if her mouth was unaccustomed to the motion, and as it touched her rosy lips she cautiously looked up towards the girls; hope shining in her dark eyes.

It truly is beautiful. Snow affirmed. Magical it seemed, the cascades of silvery blonde hair that flowed across the room; you could almost believe it was magic. Hair like that, you just knew would feel like the finest silk if you were to touch it.

Cindy looked on in confusion. Seriously, hasn’t anyone ever told you that before?

I don’t remember meeting anyone.

~~*~~

Walking home that evening, the term ‘The Lonesome Forest’ seemed to have taken on new meaning. The dark silence of the forest seemed fitting and proper, allowing both of the girls to consider all they had just learned. Years had passed since Rapunzel had met another soul. Until today; until they arrived. How lonely she must be, they couldn’t even begin to imagine. Once she had gotten past her initial unease, she had hung on their every word, apparently fascinated by their very presence; taking in every movement, every expression like a sponge. They both felt sorry when they left her, but their reassurance that they would return the next day had brought another tentative smile to the remote young girl’s face.

One more very important thing happened without their knowledge that sunny afternoon in the forest, both of the girls made a subconscious pledge to befriend and help the lonely girl in the tower. This decision would change the course of their lives.

~~*~~

She was close. He could smell it, lifting his nose up towards the dazzling moon he inhaled deeply, revelling in the rich scent of her. It flooded his brain and instantly he relaxed. If there was a Heaven, he believed it would be full of her perfect scent. Or perhaps She herself would be present. He banished the thought instantly as his pulse began to race. No, this was enough.