The Legend of Princess Wildheart (9 page)

THIRTEEN

   As they ventured deeper into the Dark Forest the group came upon a small cottage which appeared to be well cared for.  It had an inviting look about it.  They decided it would be a good place to stop and ask for information about the Dark Forest.  The horses were all thirsty and need some water.  Riding up in front of the cottage they hitched their horses to a post by the water trough to let the horses drink and rest a bit.  An old man came out the front door and onto the porch. 

  “Hello there!  What brings you all here?” 

  “Hello sir!  We are on a long journey and came upon your cottage.  We would be pleased if we could stop here for a short rest and water our horses,” said Prince Morgan.

  “Well sure you can friend!  My name is Collin Winters and who are you and your companions?”

  Prince Morgan introduced himself and the others to Collin Winters.

  “Whoa!  Princess Wildheart!” 

  Collin Winters then dropped to his knees and bowed his head before them.  He was surprised to get a visit from the Princess way out here in the Dark Forest where few traveled.

  “Arise Collin Winters, I thank you for your honor and friendship,” commanded Princess Wildheart.

  “I am just so proud you have come here Princess Wildheart!  Is there anything I can do for you?  Just name it!  I would be so honored to help you in any way I can!” 

  “Thank you Collin Winters.  Some water and food for our horses will suffice and we are very grateful for that,” said Princess Wildheart.

  “I shall gladly provide food and water for your horses.  I would also like to give you some medicines I make here.  I believe they could prove useful in the future,” said Collin Winters.

  “What type of medicine?  It may be of use to us on our journey,” said Pricilla.

  “I have white powder that can relieve aches and pains.  It was extracted from a willow tree.  I also make lemon honey brandies which can sooth sore throats and other ailments,” said Collin Winters.  “Here, I would be honored for you to have them,” he said, handing Princess Wildheart a pouch with the white powder and two bottles of brandy.

  “Thank you!  You are very kind and generous Collin Winters,” said Princess Wildheart.

  “It is my honor to serve the beautiful Princess Wildheart and her friends,” he said, bowing to her once again.

  “What can you tell us about traveling deeper into the Dark Forest Collin Winters?  We have plans to go that route,” said Duke.

  “
I don’t care much for The Dark Forest.  What can I say?  No one goes past here in that direction friend.  Well, no one goes there and returns again.  It is clouded in mystery and known to have unusual forces at work inside.  Some say evil lurks inside.  I am not sure myself.  I have never considered going deeper into the forest considering the legends that surround it,” said Collin Winters.

  The five of them bid Collin Winters farewell and once again mounted and rode their horses deeper into the Dark Forest.  The group was making good time by taking the shorter route and expected the shorter route to benefit them.

  “It’s getting dark soon.  We should camp before continuing any further into the forest dear,” said Princess Wildheart to Prince Morgan.

  Pricilla spotted a nice place up ahead for a campsite.  It had a small spring pool and some trees for shelter with soft grass for sleeping.  The group led the horses to the grassy banks by the pond and removed the saddles and supplies from them so they could get refreshed.  They set up a small camp and gathered some wood for a fire.  After cooking a small fast meal they sat around the campfire together.

  “I say we all try some of that lemon honey brandy,” said Prince Tangent, smiling.

  “Sore throat Prince?” 

  Princess Wildheart smiled at him.

  “If we drink it now maybe I won’t get one,” said Prince Tangent, laughing.

  The others laughed too as Princess Wildheart broke out a bottle of brandy and passed it around.  Each of them poured a cup for themselves.  The brandy was very good and each of them enjoyed it.  Everyone was relaxed as they discussed the journey so far.  Princess Wildheart was snuggled up to Prince Morgan as was Pricilla with Duke.

  “I am really taken by Elise Cooper,” said Prince Fancy.  “I hadn’t considered the possibility of wedding a commoner until I met her.  I plan to court her when we return, I believe we may have something to build on there,” he said, having a
faraway look in his eyes.

  “From what I saw, both of you seemed to have eyes for each other Prince.  I say go for it.  She won’t be common anymore if she marries you Prince,” said Prince Morgan. 

  “Thanks Morgan.  I respect your opinion.  See you all in the morning,” said Prince Tangent, standing and walking a few feet away to lie on his bedroll.

  “I think we should sleep right here.  The fire is warming and I am already comfortable with you in my arms,” said Prince Morgan to Princess Wildheart, pulling a blanket over them. 

  “I’m not moving, this is perfect for me,” she replied giving him a kiss. “What is your Kingdom of Caledon like Morgan?”

  “Caledon is great.  It has a substantial amount of lands and a large castle. 
It is a prosperous community where people thrive and gladly pay taxes to the Kingdom.  I believe you will feel at home there Princess.  Everyone will welcome you and adore you just as they do here in Rose Kingdom.  We have a large army to serve us.  Duke is the commander over the entire army.”

  “It sounds wonderful Morgan.  I can’t wait to go there with you.”

  “I can’t wait to introduce you to everyone Princess.  They will love you.”

  The two of them were soon asleep along with Duke and Pricilla.  It was a clear night as the firelight faded and the only sound was that of the spring bubbling gently nearby as the group slept with ease this night. 

FOUR
TEEN

Princess Wildheart woke up early still warmed by the glowing red embers of the campfire.  She looked at Prince Morgan still sleeping.  She began thinking what a fine husband he would be and the children they could have together.  She knew that the future would be wonderful with her Prince.  Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sound of a twig cracking near Prince Tangent who was still sleeping.  She could barely make out a dark figure bent over his saddle, going through his things.  The Princess grabbed her sword and slid it quietly from the sheath.  She slowly stood up and walked over to the darkened figure which had his back to her.  Startled by her footsteps, the thief jumped up when she was just a few feet away from him.  He wielded a small sword, pointing it at the Princess.  She did not hesitate in swinging her sword, striking his small sword and knocking it from his hands to the ground.  She slashed the thief across the shoulder and rammed the butt of her sword into his forehead, knocking him to the ground on his back.  The others awoke at the commotion, still bleary eyed from their sleep as the thief lay on the ground holding his bleeding shoulder.  Princess Wildheart held the point of her sword to the chest of the thief. 

  “Please don’t kill me Princess Wildheart!” 

  “You know of me?  Why should I not finish you thief?”  

  “I am but a humble servant of Prince Darksoul.  I was told to follow you all and see where you go.  Please, I was only searching for a few coins for myself.  Please don’t kill me!” 

  “Prince Darksoul?  Today you shall be spared your life thief.  Go and tell Prince Darksoul that Princess Wildheart will not be intimidated by him and show him your wound as proof of that!  Now be gone with you,” she said raising her sword to strike again.

  “Yes, Princess, I will tell him as you say,” said the thief, rising up and running for his life.

  Princess Wildheart wiped the blood from her sword on some grass and returned it to the sheath.

  “Lucky for me you woke when you did Princess, thank you,” said Prince Tangent.

  “I dislike thieves, lucky for him I didn’t plunge my sword into his heart,” said the Princess.

  The others were awake now with swords in their hands.  Still stunned by what had happened.

  “I’ll restart the fire and make us some hot tea and biscuits.  Well done Princess, I am proud of you,” said Pricilla, smiling at the Princess.

  “I’ll say!  You were brilliant dear!” 

  Prince Morgan gave her a kiss.  He was proud of the way she handled the thief.

  “I have my moments,” she said smiling.

  They all enjoyed the quick breakfast Pricilla had made.  It was now time to pack up and continue their journey in search of the missing brothers.  Prince Morgan was again riding next to Duke in the lead as the others rode behind them.

  “That Prince Darksoul is going to continue to be a pain until we deal with him Duke.”

  “I agree that we must do something to discourage him.  For now though, more pressing business at hand,” said Duke.

  Prince Morgan nodded.  The
group was now very deep inside of the Dark Forest.  The trees were huge and provided a massive canopy overhead that blocked out most sunlight to the forest floor below. 

  “I believe on the other side of this forest we will find the Barbarians encampment Princess,” said Prince Morgan.

  “How far away do you think that is?” 

  “I figure it to be maybe a few hours or half days ride at most from this point,” said Prince Morgan.

  “Good I will be happy to meet those who bring grief to my family.  Let them experience my vengeance.”

  “I believe that Wildheart, your quite good with that Princess sword of yours.”

  “I told you I was and so is Pricilla.  You will see for yourself that we two girls are a mighty force to deal with,”   said Princess Wildheart, smiling.

  Both girls giggled as they continued riding through the Dark Forest.

  “Beautiful horse Princess,” said Prince Morgan.  “What is her name?” 

  “Yes she is.  I named her Mystical.  Father bought her for me when I was still a child.  Mystical is a great horse.  Fast, and smart, I love riding her,” said Princess Wildheart, patting Mystical.

  “What about your horse Morgan?”

   “This is freedom.  I have had him since I was a boy.  We have been on many adventures together and he is like a family member to me,”
said Prince Morgan smiling.” 

  “This forest gives me the chills,” said Pricilla.

  “It is dark but you will be safe.  I won’t let anything happen to you my love,” said Duke.

  “I love you Duke,” said Pricilla.

  “And I love you my darling,” said Duke

  They traveled about another half hour into the forest before they came across a large fallen tree blocking the pathway.  The group had to dismount their horses and walk them around the fallen tree and then back onto the path again which appeared to be clear ahead of them.  Suddenly, from out of nowhere in particular they came under assault by hundreds of tiny arrows.  Most of the tiny three to four inch arrows just bounced off of the light armor and leather the group wore.  However, a few managed to pierce through clothing and stick into flesh underneath.  They were easily pulled out since they did not penetrate deeply, leaving only small surface wounds on the skin.  Prince Tangent was the first to feel the bite of one of the small arrows by being struck in the stomach.

  “Ouch!  What is going on here?” 

  Prince Tangent grabbed his stomach, removing the small arrow from his flesh.

  “I’ve been hit by a tiny arrow!”

  Prince Morgan knew what to do.

  “Everyone dismount now and find cover!”  He yelled.  “Duke, protect the girls!” 

   He pushed Princess Wildheart to the ground underneath himself to shelter her from the tiny arrows which kept coming.

  Duke did the same by covering Pricilla with his body to protect her.   The arrows continued to bounce off until one found its mark into Pricilla’s leg and another in Duke’s shoulder.  Prince Morgan took an arrow to his thigh.  Everyone had been struck except Princess Wildheart by the small arrows.  The attack stopped as suddenly as it began as the group lye on the forest floor.  Princess Wildheart, still lying protected under Prince Morgan looked around.  She could see Prince Tangent lying a few feet away, not moving.  Duke and Pricilla were also and still along with Prince Morgan who was still on top of her.  She tried to wake him up.

  “Wake up!  Please wake up!” 

  No one was moving or making any sounds.  Princess Wildheart began to cry.

  “No!  It can’t be!  My love!  My friends!  All gone!  No!”   

  She lay there crying softly for a moment and then wriggled out from under Prince Morgan.  She rose to her feet standing above Prince Morgan’s motionless body in the middle of the Dark Forest.  Kneeling down to him with tears rolling down her cheeks she called to him again.

  “Please wake up!  You are the love of my life and you can’t die, you just can’t!” 

  Princess Wildheart fell down on top of him with her head on his chest crying softly.

  A small figure appeared from the trees and came walking up slowly to the group.  It was a very tiny female wood elf which had a skirt fashioned from large leaves coming from the forest.  A tiny leaf top covered her breasts.  Tree bark sandals tied with vines were on her feet.  Her hair was short cropped and her ears rather pointed.  Her skin had a slight blue greenish tint to it.

  “You are my prisoner!”