Fanged Beauty

By Kristen Prochnow

The tale of how Sleeping Beauty was saved from her terrible curse is very well known. In the sleepy village of Barley, no one knows this particular tale better than Gavin, the village baker. Tired of his monotonous life, Gavin dreams of becoming immortalized as the lead character of his own tale of heroism and having his story told by countless traveling story tellers. When Gavin hears a rumor that there is a real life sleeping princess who is waiting to be rescued in a neighboring kingdom, he decides to go on the adventure of a lifetime to find his happily ever after. But, Gavin soon finds that the chaos of life rarely mimics linear fairy tales and that things (and people) are not always what they seem.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kristen Prochnow
• Release date: Nov 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781536542783

Kristen Prochnow

Kristen Prochnow was born in Anaheim Hills, California and jokes that she was the "trial child" as many of her aunts and uncles had a hand in raising her before having families of their own. Because she grew up in a house full of adults, she learned early on that her imagination was very active and she would often entertain herself for hours by creating complex stories and acting them out by herself outside. It was this never ending imagination that lead her to consider a career as an author and followed that path by earning her BA in English from Cal State Fullerton in 2011. Her first book, "Fanged Beauty", was a work of love that started from an idea when she was ten and evolved into the novel that is available today. Kristen is a bit of a work-a-holic, but in her spare time she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, sewing, going to Renaissance faires, and especially enjoys spending time at her "home away from home", Disneyland.

Book preview

—Part 1: Barley—

Chapter 1 – Stories

Many stories are based somewhat in truth, said the gnarled old storyteller as he sat on the bare earth under a tree, What stories give us are life lessons, hopes and dreams, which transcend one group of people or another not just tales to pass the time. Through stories we learn about other as well as learning about ourselves.

You’re nuts, said the oldest boy in the group that had stopped in front of the crooked storyteller.

The storyteller grinned. Possibly, he beamed.

The older boy shook his head in disdain and said, Come on guys, let’s not waste anymore time on this dummy. His stories are boring and for babies anyway.

The group left like a gaggle of unorganized geese but one of the younger boys stayed behind, staring at the storyteller.

Is it true? he asked.

Is what true asked the storyteller, scratching his balding and oddly shaped head.

That stories are true, said the boy, his young voice full of hope.

Sure, if you believe hard enough, anything is true, replied the storyteller as he settled himself in a more comfortable position on the hard ground.

The little boy bit his lip and said, I believe that they’re true, I really do. I want to be a part of every story there ever was. That way everyone will know about me.

The storyteller scoffed and said, How do you plan on becoming a part of a story already written and well-known? It’s not like you can change something like that on a whim.

The little boy bit his lip again and said, I guess you’re right. In that case, I guess I should make my own story.

Good idea, snorted the storyteller, half listening to what the boy was saying.

The boy nodded. And when I do have a story, will you tell it to other people? Will you help me spread it?

Sure kid, whatever you say, said the storyteller, scratching his balding head again. By the way, what’s your name? Can’t tell a story where you don’t know the name of your hero.

The boy smiled and replied, Gavin.

The storyteller’s eyebrows furrowed. Gavin? he said, What kind of a name is that?

The boy shrugged, "My name, that’s all. What’s wrong with it?’

The storyteller sighed and said, Gavin doesn’t sound too much like a hero’s name. A hero is usually named Oscar or Steve. You even get the odd Bruce every now and again, but never a Gavin.

Gavin bit his lip before brightening. But then I could be the original one! Someday all the men will want to name their sons after me and the girls will all try to find a husband that resembles me the closest!

The storyteller snorted as he got up, dusted off his bony rear end and began to walk down the lane to the inn.

It could happen! cried the boy, chasing after the old man like an errant puppy.

And Sleeping Beauty could grow fangs! retorted the storyteller as he stepped out of the sunlight and into the dark interior of the inn.

Gavin pouted at the entrance as he tried to peer into the murky common room of the inn. It could happen, he said softly, as if to convince himself, And I’m gonna do it. I know I can.

—11 years later—

And then, I’m going to slash the dragon to ribbons with my enchanted sword and save the beautiful princess waiting for me in a tower.

Is she going to have long hair for you to climb?

No, dummy, that’s Rapunzel. Gavin’s going to have his own story. Right, Gavin?

Gavin grinned as he kneaded the bread dough in front of him.

Hey Gavin? asked the big eyed child sitting across the table from him.

Hey Serafina? replied Gavin in a teasing tone, making the little girl giggle before continuing on.

Are you really going to find a princess and save her? asked the child as she watched Gavin’s face intently.

That’s the plan, responded Gavin as he wiped his brow with the back of his hand, leaving a streak of bread flour across his tan forehead. Why’d you want to know?

Serafina shrugged and looked down at her shoes before asking, Hey Gavin, do you think I can become a princess?

Gavin blinked and had an inkling of where this was going. Sure thing Serafina, you can be a princess. How about being the Princess of Flour Faces?

Flower faces? asked the young boy that sat beside her and kicked the table leg absent-mindedly with his foot. Sounds lame. Why would she want to be the princess of people that had flowers for faces?

Oh, hello Miss Buttercup, gushed the boy to his sister with fake enthusiasm and a comical grin on his young features, Soo pleased to see you again, have you met Mr. Dandy-lion yet? No? Oh that’s good since he’s a weed that’s overtaking the world.

Fabiyan, that wasn’t the kind of flower I meant, said Gavin as he placed his kneaded dough on the side to rise and grabbed a new lump to begin working.

It wasn’t? asked both kids at the same time.

Nope, grinned Gavin as he grabbed a handful of flour and dusted the table top down.

Well then what did you mean? asked Fabiyan, his grey eyes mirroring his statement.

I didn’t mean the type of flower you can smell, said Gavin as he pushed the dough out in front of him with his palms then pulled it back with his fingers.

The confusion in Fabiyan and Serafina’s faces nearly broke Gavin’s calm mask as he absentmindedly reached back for the bowl of flour he wanted. The dough was still too sticky to work without flouring liberally.

What other type is there? asked Serafina, leaning forward, her elbows against the battered wooden table. 

Gavin raised an eyebrow skeptically as his hands continued to work the dough. You don’t know?

Both children shook their heads and Gavin made an unsurprised noise. Figures. Well if you don’t know what I’m talking about then forget it, I won’t tell you.

No! cried Fabiyan.

Tell us! begged Serafina, hands clasped in front of her in supplication.

Well... said Gavin in mock reluctance as he looked down intently at the lump of dough beneath his fingers.

Fabiyan and Serafina leaned in closer and gave Gavin a full blast of their puppy dog eyes. Please!

Gavin glanced up and sighed. Oh, alright, but you have to know how to keep a secret. Both children nodded vigorously.

With a glance around to see if anyone was looking, Gavin waved the two closer and whispered, The people Serafina is going to be princess of don’t have flowers for faces but rather...

The two children leaned in even closer in interest and Gavin grinned impishly as his left hand closed on a fistful of flour from his bowl. With a quick gesture, Gavin pulled his hand back and up before blowing the flour into the two eager faces before him.

There, grinned Gavin, Now you two are officially flour faces.

Fabiyan scrunched his nose and blinked the flour out of his eyes before scowling and grabbing a fistful of flour and chucking it at Gavin.

Hey! cried Gavin as he dodged out of the way of the flying white powder only to have the second barrage hit him square in the face, making Serafina squeal in delight.

I got you back Gavin! she crowed happily before Fabiyan pelted his sister with a fistful of flour from the bowl.

Serafina’s jaw dropped and the three of them glanced at each other for a second before it was all out war. Flour was flying everywhere and soon everything was covered in a chalky white layer.

As the onslaught continued, the door to the bakery opened and in walked a young woman about Gavin’s age.

Gavin, she called, with her back turned to the skirmish to make sure she didn’t slam the door shut, I just wanted to see if you were finished with any barley loaves yet.

As the young lady turned around and pulled the colorfully embroidered black shawl from her head, an errant flour bomb flew in her direction and hit her square in the shoulder, causing her to gasp in surprise.

Her eyes traveled from the white splotch on her shoulder up to the terrible sight before her. What happened here?

Fabiyan kicked his shoe at a pile of flour at his feet and Serafina dropped her eyes to her flour-caked hands.

We’re all flour faced people now, grinned Gavin as he shook his head vigorously, sending a cloud of flour into the air around him, Come on Inessa, join us!

Inessa was about to complain about the mess when Gavin threw a fistful of flour into her tan face, causing her to pull back suddenly and blow a raspberry to clear her mouth.

Gavin grinned as his newest guest blinked and wiped her eyes slowly with the edge of her shawl.

You know what, she said emotionlessly, as she continued to wipe off her face, I don’t know why I bother Gavin, I mean really. This is the thanks I get for sticking up for you every time someone picked on you growing up? Honestly, I don’t know why I put up with you sometimes.

Gavin’s face fell audibly. Inessa, I’m sorry. I just... I got carried away having fun with Fabiyan and Serafina that I didn’t think-

No Gavin, that’s the problem, snapped Inessa as she waved the two children over, Half the time you don’t think. I love you as you are most of the time Gavin, but if you ever want to be known as something other than the goofball town baker then you need to grow up. Come on guys; let’s get you cleaned up before your parents kill you.

With the three visitors gone, Gavin felt his spirits fall somewhere around his flour coated boots and he took a good look around the bakery.

What a mess, he muttered as he kicked at a pile near his feet and sighed.

It seems that making messes of things is what I’m good for at the moment, he complained as he reached for the broom and began to clean up after himself.

Dinner around the Orrin table was never very pleasant for Gavin, but it was a tradition and tradition held a powerful sway over the lives of the villagers of Barley.

The utensils scraped noisily against the earthenware dishes as the family of seven ate at the crowded table.

Pass the peas, demanded Gavin’s oldest brother Malvus, as he tore mercilessly into his leg of lamb.

Please works wonders, sniffed the youngest, Sherti, as she passed the aged bowl of peas over Gavin’s bent head to Malvus.

Yeah, yeah, burped Malvus as he took a huge gulp of ale, Magic lamps also work wonders, but you don’t see me using those now do you?

Sherti rolled her eyes and smacked the middle child Errol’s, hand away from the roll sitting on her plate.

Father, you’ll never guess what happened to me today at the blacksmith’s, grinned Errol as he snuck his hand under Sintara’s radar and swiped her roll, causing her to cry out in indignation.

What my boy? asked Galdrin around a mouthful of meat.

Blacksmith Moriz really liked how I handled the skittish gelding today when it came in for a shoeing. He liked it so much that he offered me a steady apprenticeship!

There was a murmur of congratulations around the table and Galdrin toasted his son’s success, saying, Everyone take a good look at Errol here, he’s going to make a fine blacksmith for this village. He is one more Orrin family member to make a fine, upstanding member of our society. First it was Malvus when he took over the position of village miller, then Sintara and Sherti opening their shop with specialty threads for embroidery and their fine laces. We are on our way up in society!

Gavin glared at the peas on his plate and pretended not to notice his position as village baker wasn’t included in the list of family accomplishments.

Oh come now, Galdrin, said Gavin’s mother, Sarisa, with a pat to her husband’s arm, What about Gavin? He was the first one to get a stable position.

Galdrin snorted into his ale like a hog. Stable position indeed, he retorted as he glared across the table at his fourth child, Baking of any sort is not a thing I had hoped one of my boys would do to earn a living. If you want to earn my respect Gavin, you might as well find yourself a rich princess to marry since it’s far too late to change your trade now.

Speaking of Gavin, grinned Sherti impishly. Gavin speared his sister with his eyes but she ignored his hollow threat and continued anyway.

Did any of you hear about the mishap he had with Serafina, Fabiyan, and Inessa?

A few family members shook their heads and Malvus commented that if it had to do with Gavin and other people, then whatever was coming next would undoubtedly be a tale of his stupidity.

Well, I caught a glimpse of the three of them walking away from the bakery today and the two little ones were so covered in flour I thought them to be ghosts at first. Then I saw Inessa and boy did she look irritated. Though her face was covered in flour, you could tell she was red in the face.

Everyone’s jaw dropped.

What exactly did you do to them? asked Errol in surprise.

Gavin shrugged and kept his gaze on his plate even though he could feel the stares burning into his head.

I was telling the kids a story and we got a little carried away, explained Gavin as he pushed what was left of his peas around the plate with his spoon, Inessa walked in just as the war reached its peak and I...sort of... threw flour into her face.

Silence.

Gavin dared glance up and he immediately caught Sintara’s eyes as she shook her head in disbelief.

Leave it to you to throw flour all over the children of the mayor and into the face of the daughter of the second most influential man in the village, she sighed, Only you would be dumb enough.

I didn’t mean for her to react the way she did! replied Gavin in his defense, but deep down he knew that any and all defense was futile against the combined disapproval of his family.

Oh Gavin, sighed his mom, When are you going to start acting your age and taking responsibility of your actions?

When he becomes mistaken for a noble prince, that’s when, snorted Malvus.

Chapter 2 – Wishes

That night, Gavin couldn’t sleep. Between the stuffiness of the house and the combined snores of his father and Malvus, Gavin was way too restless to even think about sleep.

So, silent as an owl in flight, Gavin stole out of his bed and was out the back door in a flash. The house sat on a rather small plot of land so there was really no place to go except the tiny vegetable patch his mother kept behind the house.

With a sigh, he turned over a small wooden bucket and sat down with a dull thump.

I don’t know why my family thinks so little of me, he thought glumly as he rested his chin in the palm of his hand and glanced up at the stars.

Maybe I should just wish myself a better life, he muttered unhappily as his eyes picked out the familiar constellations in the night sky.

He sat in silence for several minutes, letting the sounds of the night drift to him over the cool night breeze before saying aloud, Why can’t I? Wish myself a new life that is. I mean no one’s around to tell me anything so what will it hurt if it’s just for fun?

Gavin looked around the sky for the biggest, brightest star and when he found the perfect one, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

I wish... he said, I wish...

I wish you didn’t look so dorky, chuckled Inessa as she leaned against the wooden fence that divided the inn’s stable yard from Gavin’s meager garden.

Gavin was so startled that he nearly fell off the bucket he had been sitting on.

When did you get there? he asked in wide-eyed surprise.

Inessa smiled and pulled the blanket she had wrapped around herself a little tighter about her shoulders. I heard you griping out here and wanted to see if you wanted a little company.

So you aren’t angry with me? asked Gavin with a worried expression across his generous features.

Inessa breathed out loudly and looked down