by Sarah Earlene Shere, ©2023
(Sep. 15, 2023) — [See Part 1 of this story here.]
Daniel leaned closer to the opening in the bramble, trying to obtain a better view of the sleeping princess. Suddenly, a raven shot between the boy and his “window,” causing Daniel to lose his footing and fall from the height at which he had climbed. His heart raced as he expected to feel the rocky ground below at any second. Instead, he felt strong arms wrap around him as he fell against a broad, masculine torso. The man smiled kindly at him as he set his feet safely on the ground.
“Well, lad, you must be careful. That raven was one of Execrable’s henchmen. Three good fairies placed the thorn and bramble around the castle to protect the princess from harm. But Execrable placed his guards to see to it that no help enters in to break the curse he placed upon the princess.”
Daniel’s eyes grew wide. Forgetting the goats he was assigned to herd, he ran after the man who was taking long strides toward the woods. “You know the legend? Who’s Execrable?”
The man glanced back as he kept his pace. “Execrable is the fairy whom the king neglected to send an invitation to for his daughter’s christening celebration. You see, one fairy is assigned to guard over each part of this land. Every fairy was invited, except Execrable, an evil fairy who oversees the Anordú Mountains. While even lands covered in darkness need a ruler, the king wanted to take no chances in having such a master of evil as Execrable at his daughter’s celebration. Unfortunately, even though the Anordú Mountains are far away, somehow, Execrable discovered the slight, from one of his ravens, no doubt.”
“Has no way to break the curse ever been discovered?”
“No,” then turning with a smile as he mounted his waiting horse, “not until now.”
Daniel impulsively leaned into the horse and grabbed the reins. “And you’re going to do it, aren’t you? Oh, take me with you! I don’t know why, but I have to go! I have to help!”
The man suddenly became grave as he studied the fearless boy. Solemnly, he nodded. “Yes. I believe you do. The three kind fairies, who set the thorn and bramble, have given me this shield and this sword. They told me I was not the one to carry and wield them, that I would know when I found the one to whom they belong. I see now their wisdom, for only a child can carry the Shield of Virtue and none better than a child can wield the Sword of Truth!”
Leaning close down to the boy, with intense eye contact, the man continued, “The road ahead of us, to the Anordú Mountains is long and hard. When we reach our destination of Execrable’s castle, there will be no turning back until we have completed our task. This evil creature, most likely, will take his favorite form, that of a fire-breathing dragon. To break the curse, the dragon’s heart must be ran through with this sword. Are you up for the task?”
Daniel took a pensive moment as he traced, with his fingers, the engravings and jewels that embellished the shield and sword hanging at the horse’s side. Finally, he nodded and lifted a determined chin. “I am!”
The kind man smiled as he reached out a strong hand, “Then mount up, me lad! Let our adventure begin!”