The Swan Princess Chapter 9: Odette and Lancelot

Quick, out of the forest. Lancelot kept his eyes ahead - the lake shimmering from the moonlight. He clutched his side, feeling the deep cut. He could worry about the blood loss later as he heard his pursuers close their distance. A swing from his saber and the bushes cleared for his exit. One step out of the woods and his boots sank on the muddy bank. It wasn't ideal for a fight, but it was better than be flanked in total darkness.

Everything wasn't ideal. Lancelot's head was spinning, the grip on his saber weak, and his skin feverish. Nonetheless, he stood and readied his blade as his four opponents emerged from the forest. He spread his feet farther apart on the ground, hoping to maintain his sense of balance.

"You think you can escape from us Lancelot? We know you're a piece of rubbish but it turns out you're also a coward." The ringleader sneered, Lancelot had somehow forgotten his name.

Lancelot tapped his wrist to clap as he was still holding his saber tightly. "My my monsieur… A drunk man such as I alone in the dark? And the four of you sneaking to attack? Am I too tempting… to resist?" Lancelot slurred as he combed his hair away from his face. He had dueled far too many times these past weeks, watched arrogant men humiliated as they lose to him. They were silly men with fragile egos who were desperate to show off to the women. This should teach them again.

They didn't reply but charged at him instead. Lancelot moved back the until his feet touched the edge of the water. This side of the Swan Lake was steep and rocky, and the fact that his opponents could not sneak behind his back meant he would only need to guard one side.

Lancelot didn't wait for them to attack. He dashed and swung his blade to the leftmost man. "First." The opponent screamed in pain as his arm bled; and as quick as Lancelot's movement, a sword flew into the lake. Lancelot used his toe to pivot the sharp turn of his offensive, aiming to strike the next man within the range of his attack. "Second," he muttered again. His blade tore through his opponent's leg - not quite what he intended. No time to dwell on it. "Third!" Another sharp turn and Lancelot completed his triangle, his final swing for the leader.

He missed. No, Lancelot was too slow, not as fast as his technique required, his body heavy and sluggish. His opponent stepped back and Lancelot growled in frustration, the alcohol worsening his headache further. The leader thrust his saber to Lancelot's face- he evaded but the blade nearly touched his cheek. The thought of his face being scarred, his beauty spoiled, brought a sick feeling in his gut. His vision darkened. "Bastard! You will regret this!"

Lancelot charged again, but his body wasn't responding as fast as he wanted and his weight dragged him forward. Too fast. He felt a sharp object pierce his shoulder, through his rib and through his muscles. Lancelot stepped back , trying to gain distance, but another blade slashed his hip. He limped and rested himself against a nearby tree, not knowing anymore who inflicted what.

The ringleader laughed. "Are you really a man? I felt we just fought a woman." The other hooligan who was uninjured closed in, pointing his blade to Lancelot's face. "Perhaps we should check?"

Lancelot chuckled, even as he labored in breathing. "Well if my sword is the last thing you want shoved in your ass before you die, go ahead." He brandished his saber. "I'm sure you'll find it quite impressive."

"Stop this senseless violence!" A woman shouted.

All of the men, even the ones injured on the ground all turned their attention to the woman approaching them. She wore a short white dress, adorned like royalty, tall and elegant. In her hands was a staff that illuminated the place. As she walked closer Lancelot noticed that she was just a girl, just a slightly younger than him. "Wow," he breathed.

"Stay away from this little girl." One of the men jeered.

"No, you stay away from him." She responded with a force, pointing her finger. "I am Odette Annelise Isabella Christiansen Regina, Keeper of the Swan Lake." Lancelot's mouth gaped open. Everyone in the land talked about the maiden Odette, the sole daughter of the Regina family. But barely anyone had seen her. She spoke with authority. "No murder is allowed in these shores under my watch. I order you to stop this fight at once. "

"Or else?" The leader cocked his head.

"I'll call my guards and have them arrest all of you." Odette replied, the leader just laughed at her.

"Oh really?" He walked closer to Odette, swinging his sword to show off some fancy moves.

Lancelot tried to move forward to protect the girl, but his body was frozen in pain. "Hey, don't involve the lady in this fight!"

His plea fell into deaf ears as the other men continued to taunt Odette. "While we wait for your guards, can we have a little date?" The leader blew her a kiss. The other men laughed and wolf whistled, their eyes filled with lust. "Are you really Lady Odette? Because I heard-"

Without warning, Odette blasted the men with her magic, freezing them in place. Figures of swans emanated from her staff, proving her lineage. Only the Reginas wield such power, and this was the first time Lancelot witnessed such display. Odette levitated and released power from a focal point above. Night turned into day for moments and knocked all the men to the ground with a force. Everyone else laid motionless in the ground after, groaning in pain.

There were heavy footsteps; men clad in armor bearing the coat of arms of the Regina family marched in and bound the the gang. Some approached Lancelot with caution, seeing him as another hostile. Odette walked over the men who were kneeling, their hands tied behind their back. The lady snickered, one hand covering her mouth, and the other holding her staff. "Do you know the punishment for attempting to assault a Lady is death?" The men gasped and panicked as Odette pointed to them."Off with their heads!" They begged, uttering desperate apologies.

Odette quickly raised her hand and laughed, "Haha, I was just kidding! We should act like modern people don't you think?" She beckoned the guards."Take them away!" Her eyes shifted to him. "This one…"

Everything became foggy. Why didn't he notice the mist approaching? Lancelot reached forward, trying to grasp his surroundings. Somehow, the world flipped and the moon was right below his feet. The stars swirled around until everything went white.

Where can I find her?" Lancelot sat up and began removing the bandages from his shoulder, the morning light refreshing his skin. His shoulder and his hip recovered well, leaving only a mild discomfort he can easily ignore. After days of sleep, he was eager to get out and stretch. First thing to do was to thank the family for their hospitality. The Lady Regina, Odette's mother was away due to business and Odette herself was oddly nowhere in sight.

"Lady Odette she… sleeps during the day. She is a very special person." Said Martha, the maid who was assigned to nurse him to health. Lancelot had no doubt she was saying the truth, but he felt something more was concealed.

The family physician, Agnes, also said the same when Lancelot asked her. "Our Lady is blessed with the magic of the Regina family. She keeps the lakeside safe at night and protects us all."

Something was definitely odd.

Late at night, when Odette was supposed to be awake, he would hear faint music. He peered from his window; across his room was the castle hall. Light flickered, visible from the majestic stained glass of the castle. Lancelot caught the shadows of a dancing figure, tall and elegant - no one resembled her but Odette. He would watch, enchanted by her graceful movement. She would stop dancing after midnight and leave.

The lakeside was it, Lancelot decided as soon as he was allowed to walk out. He walked by the shore and admired his reflection. His wavy hair moved with the wind, and his appearance was like a painting of a goddess. Or perhaps he resembled the fabled Angel of Healing? "Odette would surely find me gorgeous," he breathed as the sunset cast a glow on his unblemished skin.

The sun fell and the stars began to appear. Lancelot continued walking around the forest, hoping to find the Lady. A strange light shone from his right, as if someone uncovered a hidden candle in a dark room. Lancelot followed the light and heard a singing voice of a girl. The melody was soft like a lullaby. He walked further, hoping to be undetected as he listened to the sweet sound. As he came nearer he wanted to compliment her, tell her it was a beautiful song, but he didn't want her to feel unsafe.

"Excuse me," he said weakly. He coughed and Odette turned to face him, looking surprised. "I apologise Lady Odette. I hope I didn't frighten you." He bowed his head slightly, keeping his distance.

"Why are you here?" She said, looking guarded.

"I just wanted to thank you personally, for saving me," he gazed at her eyes. "And for allowing me to heal in your home."

She nodded and curtsied. "The pleasure is mine Lancelot of the Baroque family." She smiled slightly, but there was a slight displeasure in her face after. "I find duels barbaric. I cannot understand why men are obsessed with them, but four versus one seems dishonorable. I had to do something."

Lancelot brushed his hair away from his face; "You saved my life, and I promise I will make the most of it. I will rethink my actions." The events of the night weighted on him. If he had died… No, it was too much to think about. What mattered now was he was given a new chance. Before him was the most beautiful girl he had met, at par with his own beauty of course, but her heart and character far exceeded his. He wanted more than just thank her. "The song you were singing; I think it was lovely. I didn't want to interrupt your song earlier so I was listening. I apologize if it was improper." If Odette wished him to leave this moment, he would accept it and fade with the wind.

"Improper?"

"Your singing deserve an audience. It was only befitting that you can see your listener." Lancelot cleared his throat as he noticed Odette's attention on him. "I know the song, is that 'Ode to the Swan Lady'?"

Odette smiled and nodded enthusiastically, her demeanor shifting easily from the stern lady earlier. "That is the melody, but the song actually has lyrics."

Lancelot nodded and reminisced. "My mother used to sing it to me when I was little, I can't remember much of it." He hoped Odette wouldn't ask about his mother; he didn't like telling people she was dead. "This is the first time I heard it after many years."

Odette quickly closed their distance and took both his hands. "Come, sit over here!" She pulled him to the rocks nearby and he sat down. "The song itself is not complete. It comes with a story and a dance." The girl moved back and hesitated, fidgeting with her fingers. "Do… do you want to see it? I mean, you didn't really come here to listen to me? I might be taking your time…"

Lancelot crossed his legs and straightened his spine. "I'd love to see you perform my Lady." He clapped his hands and then rested them on his lap. "I wouldn't be anywhere else right now."

Odette's face brightened, showing her pearly white teeth as she grinned in excitement. She lit her staff and planted it on the ground like a spotlight. She inhaled and began; "Once upon a time, when the kingdom was young, when the lands were lifeless, and when the people lived in fear, a story of love triumphed above all." She continued singing about the beginnings of the Kingdom of Felise, accompanying the verses with dancing.

"The wicked sorceress Vexana, jealous and bitter of the happiness found in love, terrorized the land. Every year, the most beautiful maiden about to marry would disappear…" Odette brought her hand to her face, imitating a weeping person. "It was a curse that brought fear and continued for so many years. People were afraid to love, afraid to find happiness. But one maiden, Odessa Celeste Regina, chose to fight."

Odette's movements became more dramatic, she turned around, jumped and waved her hand as if she was holding a sword. Lancelot cannot keep his eyes off her. Her appearance, her voice, her movements - she was beautiful in every way.

She narrated how Regina made a speech, declaring her love for her knight Hadrian, challenging Vexana out in the open. The legends said that the two dueled for days under a vicious storm. Regina unleashed a magical wave that clashed with Vexana's dark power, the clash was so powerful it destroyed a whole field enough to banish Vexana into the Abyss. In the aftermath, the water from the storm pooled together in a crater and formed a vast lake.

"The king granted Regina a noble title, a castle and dominion over the lands from the river Tigris, up to the Euphrates." She spread out her hands. "The gods, awed by her courage created the most beautiful birds; the very first swans that humans would gaze upon. Ophelia and Hadrian exchanged their wedding vows in front of the populace, symbolizing a new future."

Odette clasped her hands, inhaled, and began to sing the final song of the play. "Let me take you away my love. Let me take you in my arms."

Lancelot stood up, mesmerized by the music. Odette was startled as he opened his mouth and extended his hands. " Let me fly with you my love. Into the stars we'll spread our wings."

She flushed, her face clearly happy. "You… you know the song?"

He nodded and offered his hand with a smile. "It's a duet, of befitting of the tale of true love." Odette accepted the offer. She put her other hand on his shoulder and allowed him to hold her waist for support. Up close, Odette's cheeks looked beet red, her eyes bright and her smile infectious. Lancelot remembered his old dancing classes; every boy born in nobility could never escape it. He never thought he would be so grateful with the gift of dancing until this moment - lovely shores, under the moonlight, under the sea of stars. This was destiny.

"In the storm, in the darkness, we would sing." They echoed, their melodies in perfect sync. Lancelot twirled her around. "No matter what the future may bring. We fall, we rise, we are one! Our love will light up the sky like the moon and sun." He lifted her up and she giggled as she spread out her arms to imitate flying. As soon as she landed they locked their bodies close and spun fast. The dance ended as Lancelot dipped Odette low, cradling her body as they started at each other's eyes.

Odette's chest rose and fall as she caught her breath while laughing, whether it was because of exhaustion or emotions he didn't know. Lancelot knew one thing for sure; he had fallen in love.

They met every sundown, watching the lake together, dancing, singing, talking and dreaming about the future. Odette insisted that he stayed in the Swan Castle until her mother arrive from business. He didn't mind the hospitality, and besides meeting the girl he'd like to marry one day, it was enlightening for him to learn more about the Reginas and their magic. Odette effectively functioned as a warden at her young age.

There were little incidents like travelers getting lost, injured fishermen and occasional drunks that harass the wildlife. At least nothing as embarrassing as his duel the other day. What was he doing with his life? How could he be such a fool not to realize that there was more to life than sword-swinging contests?

"Lancelot, someday I will sing and dance in front of thousands, in front of the king and the nobility as well as visitors from all over the world." Odette said as she pet one of the swans in the lake. "I want you to be there when that moment happens."

"I think I'll regret my life if I missed that." He took her hand and kissed it. "If you need a partner, I'll also be there beside you." She smiled back, placed his hand on her cheek and closed her eyes.

How could such a beautiful person live in isolation? Odette wanted nothing more than to sing, dance and show how wonderful the world was if it was filled with love. That night they first danced together, Odette had never performed in front of anyone who didn't live near Swan Castle. Her amazing soprano voice was never heard beyond the shores of the lake. Her few friends were the teenage daughters of her mother's acquaintances that took the same dancing lessons.

He adjusted his sleeping patterns to keep up with Odette as the girl was up until dawn. She would run back to the castle as soon as the sun started to rise, never allowing him to walk her back into her room. Perhaps it was to appear proper, but there was a reason Odette was never seen during the day.

One night, caravans arrived signalling the return of Lady Regina. Odette didn't show up after sunset and came running to him at a later hour with a worried look. "My mother will host a ball tomorrow night. I'd like you to meet her but I'm afraid the Duke of Cranberry will be there."

"The Duke of Cranberry? My presence would be a problem?"

Odette nodded. "The Duke…well he was also trying to set me up with his nephew ever since we were children. He was a close friend of my father when he was alive. He might get shocked if he sees you and I don't want to hurt his feelings."

"Set you up?" Lancelot tilted his head. He had only known Odette for days and was hardly a true lover at this point, but for her to worry about marriage prospects at this point meant he was at least something to her.

"Yeah, his nephew Gusion… or Gossen was it? He is very nice but I don't think he is interested in me either." She sighed. "I want reject the Duke's proposal, but I wanted to do it in the kindest way."

He assured Odette there was no issue. No matter how much he liked Odette, he had no wish to act like a fool and claim her like she was a piece of property. No need to rush anything at this moment.

That night when the nobles gathered Lancelot stayed in the garden and practiced his swordplay. He moved far away from the castle hall, preferring the peace and the quiet. Lancelot finished his sword drills in repetitive sets, each time he tried to incorporate more magic to this movements.

Something rustled from the hedges and Lancelot turned around to see Martha and Agnes running towards him, tears in their faces. "W-What happened?" Lancelot asked, feeling a sense of dread.

"Sir Lancelot, please help us!" Everyone… everyone is dead!" Martha said as she wept.

He grabbed her shoulder to calm her down, but his own hands were trembling. "What do you mean? Where's Odette? What happened to her?"

Agnes put her index finger in her lips, "shhh don't make too much noise." We didn't see it but there were flashes of light everywhere. People scattered and everything was in chaos. Odette was fighting someone with her magic and then… she just disappeared."

How could this happen? He had to find out. Every part of his body screamed to go to Odette in that minute, but he had to make sure that Agnes and Martha would be safe. They scampered through the passageways of the castle, keeping their heads low as they hid under the bushes. Every guard they encountered was petrified, except for some who were cut down. Lancelot investigated the wounds and there were no doubt they were made by magical daggers.

He stopped. A figure of a man wearing a scarf stood in the shadows and faced Lancelot directly. There was a blade in his hand, glowing with magic. Lancelot prepared to fight when the figure raised his arm and pointed his finger to the exit. The man vanished as soon as Lancelot opened his mouth to talk. Was it friend or foe? He had to watch out in case this person called his allies.

Lancelot took the two women out of the castle and told them to run as fast as they can. "I will come back for you Odette, I promise;" he whispered as he ran across the shore. He just needed to make sure the two women are safe. Something caught his eye- a large, pure white swan flew above them. If this was a good omen let it be; let the spirits protect Odette wherever she was.

The ground rumbled; no it was a the sound of galloping horses. Figures in dark hoods raced to chase them and the two women screamed in panic. At this rate they wouldn't be able to escape. "Agnes, Martha!" He took off his ring and handed it; "This is the signet of the Baroque family. Get through the forest and you'll arrive in town. Don't trust anyone. Go to my estate, show this to our guards and they will let you in. Tell my father what happened tonight." Lancelot sent them off and took his dueling stance.

The men in horses charged at him with swords in their hands. Lancelot dashed through the air, cutting them down. Their advantage in power didn't matter when they cannot strike him at the first place. "Who are you? Why are you doing this! Where's Odette?" Nobody answered.

Lancelot took each one down. He tried his best to get information but everyone remained silent to the end. He wanted to use one of the horses to escape but the mounts all ran away as if they feared something- another set of heavy footsteps. The fog concealed the visitors but Lancelot prepared himself for anything. Another horse galloped towards him, its rider a man in full armor. Lancelot felt a lump inside his throat as the figure emerged and stood on the ground. The man was probably close to seven feet in height and was holding a large shield and a sword on his hands. The giant pointed his sword to Lancelot and spoke, his face hidden by his helmet. "Who are you and what did you intend to do with the Swan Castle?"

Lancelot's patience had ran thin. "I should be the one asking that question you bastard!" He spat back.

The giant was silent for a moment, his expression unreadable under his helmet. "I challenge you to a duel. Let your blade speak for your actions tonight."

Lancelot charged screaming. No more time for this; he needed to find Odette. This giant down should go down as soon as possible. Speed might be his best advantage and Lancelot decided to flank his opponent. One; a strike from the left. Two; a strike from behind. And finally his third angle would allow him to target the opponent's neck.

The giant charged forward and a pool of energy dragged Lancelot towards him. No matter how much Lancelot struggled, he could not escape nor move away. In a moment, Lancelot's face met the giant's shield. The blow shook his entire body and weakened his knees. His opponent raised his sword to strike and Lancelot dashed away, desperate to increase the distance. His wiped the blood from his nose and observed his opponent; armor damaged but entirely unhurt.

The white mist turned into red, shrouding the grass, the moonlit lake and the stars above. The hairs of his skin stood as he felt the presence of another opponent. Lancelot moved around and kept on turning - his back should never be unguarded. There were very light footsteps and Lancelot anticipated an offensive; instead he felt cold blade near his throat. A claw-like weapon was dreadfully close to his neck. One wrong move and he's done for.

"Don't resist. You know this is checkmate." The woman behind Lancelot whispered near his ear. The red mist cleared, revealing the giant and a group of men in armor behind him. Lancelot wanted to scream in frustration, but he cannot afford to be foolish.

The giant walked forward and spoke; "Nat, you didn't have to do that." He removed his helmet and Lancelot felt his blood ran cold. Before him was the one and only ruler of Felise and the greatest warrior of the kingdom.

"King Tigreal…" Lancelot gaped and he let his saber fall to the ground.

"I apologize my king, but he was aiming his blade at your throat." The woman replied, her claws still holding Lancelot hostage.

Tigreal smiled slightly. "Yes I know you don't like seeing me get hurt Nat," he said affectionately. "It's just a long time since I found a worthy opponent. That duel was short but interesting." He looked at Lancelot. "Let him go, he's no danger now."

Lancelot's knees fell to the ground. He quickly grasped his neck, grateful that the blade didn't slash through his skin. Wait. He had to tell what happened. "My, king. I didn't-"

"That young man killed my guards!" A man with a thick moustache interrupted. His clothing, the coat of arms only symbolized high nobility. "Look what he had done!" The man pointed to the riders that Lancelot killed earlier.

"I'm Lancelot of the Baroque family! These men were trying to kill me-" Lancelot stopped and realized he gave his signet ring to Agnes and Martha earlier. The man with the moustache can only be the Duke in this case. Was he involved? Was this is idea or was he also a victim? Lancelot had no proof of his real identity. If he told Tigreal about the women now and the others heard about this, he would put Agnes and Martha in danger. Someone tonight was definitely the culprit. He turned to Tigreal. "Please my king, let me speak with you in private."

"Why do you think you deserve it?" The Duke retorted. "Let me interrogate him, Your Highness."

"I cannot waste more time here," Tigreal replied, annoyed. Of course, to everyone's eyes, Lancelot was a stranger in a wrong place at the middle of the night. The king called his guards and ordered Lancelot chained. "Take this young man. Investigate him as you wish." Tigreal said to the Duke and then looked at Lancelot directly. "If you are innocent, then you have nothing to fear. Be truthful and the God of Light will shine upon you."

"Your Highness!" A messenger arrived and knelt in front of Tigreal.

The king walked around, his pace showing uneasiness. "Has Odette been found? Anyone have news for me?"

"I'm afraid that nobody has seen a trace of her, Your Majesty..." The newcomer answered, his voice shaking.

"We arrived too late," Tigreal massaged his temple and sighed. Then the king straightened his posture and addressed his men in a booming voice. "Find her! Look everywhere! No will rest until Lady Odette is found!"

Lancelot closed his eyes as the guards bound his hands behind his back. He was not much of a believer but he prayed the two witnesses would arrive to his father safely. On horse, the journey to his estate would take an entire day. On foot, it would be far longer. As he opened his eyes he saw a white swan flying above, the same one that followed him earlier. The creature perched on the ground close to him. Its gentle blue eyes stared at his. Again, if this was an omen let Odette be safe wherever she was.