Prince Zalient

[hooly]

Prince Zalient

by Lila May Guptill (Lunaria)



The castle sits on a high, majestic hill, overlooking the Kingdom Of Mondovia. I am prince Zalient of Mondovia. I am sitting here inside the castle walls on the steps of the castle. I am very upset right now because my parents just let my brother, who is younger than me, go with the knights to find the Wizard that will help control the dragon that is giving our kingdom trouble. I should have gone in his place because I am the oldest. I am planning to run away tonight to prove to my parents that I am just as good, if not better, at this sort of thing as my brother.

At night fall I crept down to the galley to pack a food supply. There was meat hanging to dry from the rafters. There was no one here at this time of night. The scullery help had gone to bed in the lowest part of the castle.
I quickly cut a stack of meat from the hanging corpses. I found the cheese and took a huge chunk. A mouse scurried across the floor and I threw him a piece. There were wine skins full of strong red wine and I hooked a couple to my belt. My food pack was ready. I had packed some clothes earlier in the day. I mentally went over in my mind to see if I had forgotten anything. "No". I was set. I crept down to where we kept the weapons and picked me out a long sword and a sharp spear. Hooking them on my back with the rest of my gear I set out on my own adventure.

"I'll show them", I thought to myself. The air outside was crisp and sweet smelling. There was a hint of frost as it stung my cheek. I wasn't going to let the oncoming winter stop me now. I had something to prove to my family and by gosh I was going to do it. I started off in the opposite direction that my brother went with the knights. All dressed in their shiny armor they were. Little snot nose brother thought he could lord it over me. I am the oldest and I should have gone and he stay home. Why he wasn't even big enough to wield a sword let alone be dressed in heavy armor. Him and his bright blue eyes and yellow hair. He always had a strange grin on his face and red cheeks, like he wore rouge like the ladies-in-waiting walking around the court yard. He was in stark contrast to me. I was dark with bright black eyes and hair to match. Well I would show them all.

I decided to go by foot. Taking a horse wouldn't be right for the horse as
I wasn't sure there would be food for him where I was going. Yes, going on foot would be much better. I left through the back castle gate. The guard that was suppose to be on duty was gone.
Probably in the stable sleeping. It was very difficult lifting the wooden plank off the gate. It was very heavy but I did it. I left it on the ground and the gate swung open and out I went. Heads will roll in the morning when they find the gate open and me gone. I feel sorry for the guard that was suppose to be guarding the back gate. They might even think someone came in and kidnapped me for ransom. But when no ransom note arrives my parents will be puzzled as to what happened to me. Serves them right if they worry. They should have let me go with the knights instead of my younger brother.

The air was getting nippy and soon in a few hours it would be light. I wanted to be out of sight then. I plan to travel by night and sleep by day. That way no one will recognize me as heir to the throne and capture me and drag me back to the castle hoping to get a reward. I made my way through the woods and to the base of the mountain. By this time I was really tired. If only I could find shelter out of the wind to sleep till dawn breaks. A short way up the mountain I could see an opening. Maybe it would be large enough for me to crawl into and sleep. I climbed further till I reached the opening. It was larger than I thought. In fact it was a small cave. Perfect I said out loud to myself. I will even be able to start a small fire to keep warm. I crawled inside and gathered some dry foliage and wood, got out my flint and started the sparks flying. The fire started without much trouble. I ate some of the meat and cheese and drank some wine. The wine and a full stomach made me sleepy and I curled up and went to sleep.

[hooly]

Chapter Two: Another Cave


I was awakened by some strange noise outside the cave. I ignored it.
It was dark outside and my fire had burned down. All that was left were some glowing embers. That was enough to heat my supper though. Which I did. I ate with heady abandonment. I needed to fortify myself for the all night trek to where I didn't know. I just knew I had to keep going. My meal finished, I covered what was left of the fire and stepped outside into the night air. I decided to go higher up the mountain. Maybe I would even go over it. I always wondered what was on the other side. I began climbing. It was hard to see in the dark. The mountain was very rocky and steep. Finding a piece of rock that was solid enough to pull myself up was tricky. If I chose a loose rock I would tumble down the mountain. I had to make sure I had a strong foothold. It made my ascent slow and laborious. Finally as luck would have it I spied another opening in the mountain as dawn was just breaking over the kingdom. I edged myself closer to the opening. It was very small. Too small for me to hide in as the light broke over the land. But wait! I think it is a tunnel that leads to a wide cave. I slid myself through it little by little. It was a very tight fit. At the end of the tunnel I found myself in a very large cave. Light seemed to be coming from somewhere. I couldn't find the source of the light though I looked everywhere. Up and down and all around the walls. There seemed to be several tunnels that led to different parts of the mountain. I was beside myself with anticipation. What would I find here? Would I find treasure? Would I find another Kingdom? Only time and searching would give me the answer to those questions. I wish I could find the source of the light. Caves were suppose to be dark. This one was lit up like a million bon fires.
It is almost too bright to see anything. But I strain my eyes and I begin to make out a large figure. As I continue to look I see it is a large, very large dragon. " What are you doing in my cave", he said. His voice sounds like a thousand thunders.. "Well, speak up boy. If you don't speak up now I shall eat you and be done with you."

I try to speak but nothing will come out of my mouth. I try again and a noise comes out but It's not words.
Finally I form words and they come out of my mouth. "Hello". "I didn't know anyone lived here", I say with a shaky voice. "I was looking for a place to sleep 'til it gets dark and I can travel."
"And why would you be traveling at night, boy?" "Because, sir, I don't want anyone to see me and tell my parents". "And why not?", grumbles the large dragon. "I have run away from home"." Why have you run away from home?"
"Because my parents let my younger brother go to find the wizard instead of me." "And why would you be wanting a wizard?"
"To find out how to deal with the dragon that is giving us trouble.
Er..umm..you are a dragon."
Then there was another noise coming from the back of the cave. Then the noise came into view. It was another dragon only just a little smaller and with a female dragon voice.
"Herbert who are you talking to?" "That. Down there", said Herbert. The female looked at where Herbert was pointing. "Oh, She said, it is a little human." "Yeah, I was going to eat him but he isn't even a mouthful." "Oh Herbert, said the female, don't scare him."
"Little human what are you doing in our cave?" "Looking for a place to sleep till dark, ms. dragon." "Call me Bertha, little one. What do they call you anyway little one."
"I am the prince of Mondovia, Bertha, Ma'm." "Well, prince you may stay here and sleep. And Herbert don't be bothering the little fellow."
"Yes, Bertha," said Herbert.
"Er..um..Herbert sir, are you the dragon that has been bothering our kingdom." "Well, I should say not!. I am much too busy to be bothering little people's kingdoms. And if I was were you going to slay me with that tooth pick if a sword you have there." "Oh, no sir. That is just to protect myself. I was just looking for the wizard". "Wizard! Humph!" And Herbert lumbered away to the back of the cave. "And be gone when it gets dark or I may change my mind and eat you anyway", Herbert said as he left.
"Yes, sir, Herbert Dragon, I will. Thank you for not eating me."
When darkness fell on the land, I was out of there as fast as I could go.

[hooly]

Chapter Three: Through The Mist


I didn't know whether to go up the mountain as I had planned or go around it, or skip the mountain altogether. There is a chance there are more dragons in this mountain and the next ones may not be as nice as the last ones, especially if they don't have a nice female dragon with them. So I decided to climb down to the base of the mountain and take the road. It took me all night to get down the mountain. I was plumb tuckered out when I reached the bottom. I found a clump of bushes and curled up and slept. I was even too tired to eat.
Night fell over the kingdom and I awakened from my slumber and had some of the meat, cheese and wine I brought with me. I was especially hungry since I had not eaten the night before. This time I could not warm my food with a fire because I was out in the open, sort of. I sure didn't want anyone to see me. After my meal was finished I started walking on the road. No more mountain for me. The mountain is too unpredictable..
Too many surprises for my taste. I walked for a long time. Presently I saw something on the left side of the road that drew my interest. It was some sort of mist in the middle of the greenery. I walked over to it, stepping over downed trunks from dead trees and branches that had piled up. It was a thick mist. At first I thought it was a thick spider web, but it wasn't. I put my hand through it. It felt wet.. I put my whole arm through it. It came back all wet.
Being the inquisitive boy that I was I walked through it to the other side.
Oh, my gosh. This was an amazing sight.
I stood there for a long time trying to take it all in. It wasn't night. The sun was shining. There were flowers everywhere. The grass was the greenest green I had ever seen. The sky was the bluest blue. There were golden sprinkles everywhere.
I know what this is ...It is fairy dust. Where is this place, I thought out loud. A voice spoke out of no where. " This is the land of Fey", the voice said.
I tried to see where it was coming from but was not successful.
"Hello, where are you" ,I questioned the unseen voice. "I am down here, on the flower by your foot." I looked down and there was the most beautiful fairy with golden wings I have ever seen. Well you see, I have never seen a fairy. "Hello there, what are you doing in the land of fey?". "We do not see many humans come into our land". I was stunned for awhile and could not speak. Then I found my voice. "Hello, I am looking for the wizard." "Why do you want the wizard." "Because there is a dragon that is giving our kingdom trouble. I want his help in making the dragon stop". "I see," said the fairy. Her voice was as the ringing of bells. "How did you find our land of Fey", she asked.
"I was walking along and I saw the mist. I first thought it was a large spider web, but it was wet. My curiosity got the best of me and I walked right through the mist and found this beautiful place."
"Well, now that you are here, would you like a tour of the land of fey?
You can meet all the inhabitants of our land." "Well, yes, I would like that. By the way, what do I call you?"
"I am called GoldenFire. And what do they call you," asked GoldenFire.
"My name is Zalient, the prince of Mondovia".
"Okay then Zalient, let's get started." I started walking down the road and she hopped from flower to flower on the side of the road. Finally she flew to my shoulder and she spoke in my ear and explained all the sights there in the 'Land Of Fey'. There were little houses made out of the strangest things and some of them had thatched roofs. GoldenFire introduced me to the inhabitants of the 'Land Of Fey'. There were gnomes and faeries that took care of the flowers. There were tree spirits and sprites. There were water spirits and all manner of fairy.
All of them were very friendly. There was one brownie that followed us everywhere we went. She said her name was Merry Meg. She had the most enormous nose I have ever seen. She was all brown.
We traveled throughout the land of Fey. I saw all the houses and people that were there . GoldenFire explained everything as we went.
When there was no more to see GoldenFire told me she knew where the wizard was I was looking for. I was overjoyed with this news. I guess I didn't see that mist by accident. There was a plan all along and I was being led the whole way. GoldenFire pointed to a path that was barely visible. It went through the thick lush greenery. I would not have detected anything was there if GoldenFire hadn't pointed it out to me. She wouldn't have either unless she was sure I was one that could be trusted.
All the while she was introducing me to the inhabitants of the land and showing me the sights, I was being evaluated. The fairy folk would give her a nod ,yes or no, as we walked by, unbeknownst to me. Faeries are very smart, you know. They know whether a person is good or not.

[hooly]

Chapter Four: Meeting The Wizard

As we walked on this secret path that led to where the wizard was the trees and brush became thicker and thicker 'til I could hardly walk.
Finally GoldenFire told me to pull the brush away from this certain spot.
I did as she asked. There was the most beautiful door I have seen. It far surpassed the doors of my castle. This door led into a mountain. Another Mountain, I thought to myself. GoldenFire told me to push on the door. I did and it opened up to a wide, brightly lit tunnel made of white quartz. We walked the length of this tunnel. It took about two hours in my estimation. And I would guess it was about two miles long. Finally we reach the end of the tunnel. There was another beautiful door.
GoldenFire told me to give three long knocks and two short knocks. I did and the door opened. Standing there was a guard with sword in hand ready to fight if necessary. I could see by his demeanor that he was no one to fool with.
"Hello , I said in my most pleasant voice. I am here to see the wizard."
His expression changed at once to one of amusement. " You wish to see the wizard?" There was laughter in his voice as he spoke.
"Yes sir. I have traveled a very long way. I need his help." Then the guard saw GoldenFire. He stepped aside immediately and let me pass into the wizard's domain. It was a beautiful place with lush greens and fountains of every kind and size. There were fairy folk all over the grounds. Here in this place they didn't hide for they were protected by the wizard. There was a long path that led up to the wizard's house, it was more than a house . I could not describe it so beautiful it was. On each side of the path there were large trees whose branches leaned over the path, making like an umbrella for the path. I stepped my foot on the path and started walking to the wizard's house. My heart was pounding fast in my chest because I was so excited to get to see the wizard. It took awhile to get to the door because the path was so long. GoldenFire accompanied me all the way riding on my shoulder.
Finally we arrived there. I put my hand on the knocker and banged it.
It was like a drum than boomed through the big house. Someone came to the door. He was big and important looking. "Hello", I managed to say. "Hello there. What may I help you with?" "I wish to speak to the wizard please". "Who may I say is wanting the wizard." "I am Zalient, Prince of Mondovia". "Wait here I will see if he is available". He left us standing at the door while he went to inquire if the wizard was available. Shortly he came back and said," the wizard will see you now. Step this way." We followed him down a long hall to the wizard's office. He knocked on the door then opened it and motioned for us to come in. We stepped over the threshold and entered the wizard's chambers. It was a lovely big place . There was large comfortable furniture everywhere. Behind a humungous desk sat the wizard. He was an older man with blue, merry, twinkling eyes and he had dimples when he smiled. He was smiling now as he said to me, " hello Zalient, how may I help you?' Hhhow did you know my name.?" "I know everybody's name. That's because I am a wizard. What did you come to see me about, Zalient.?" "Well you see, wizard, there is this big dragon that has been terrorizing our kingdom. I would like you to help me make him stop". "I see, said the wizard, stroking his chin. I think you might be speaking about Keith. Keith is a very naughty dragon. He likes to make trouble when he can. You are the prince of Mondovia, right?" "Yes wizard that's right."" Well I will summon Keith here and give him a talking to. He must obey me because I am the head over all this land". The wizard summoned Keith to his office. Keith came lumbering in. Because he was so big and heavy he made lots of noise when he walked. "Now Keith, I understand you have been making trouble for the inhabitants of the kingdom of Mondovia". Keith looked surprised that he had been found out. "Now hear this Keith. You will stop terrorizing the kingdom of Mondovia this instant. Do you understand?" Keith shook his head yes that he understood. "And Furthermore you are not to go anywhere near Mondovia at all. It that clear?" Keith shook his head yes. "I am ashamed of you, Keith." Keith shuffled his feet and looked down at the ground. "Now go home and behave yourself or I shall have to deal with you." Keith turned and left the wizard's place. "Now I shall write a letter to your father telling him there will be no more trouble from Keith," he said to Zalient. The letter written he put his seal on the envelope and handed it to Zalient. "I am going to give you one of my horses for you to ride home on. And you may keep him for your own." "Thank you wizard." Zalient and GoldenFire climbed on the horse and headed for the land of fey, retracing their path all the way to the mist. "This is where I leave you now Zalient," said GoldenFire. "Goodbye my Fairy friend. I shall not forget you." "Goodbye Zalient." Zalient rode the horse through the mist and all the way back to his home. The guards on the castle wall saw him coming and got word to the king right away. When Zalient got close to the wall the gate was flung open for him and he entered. The king and his wife were in the court yard waiting for him.
"Well, my son, I see you are home unharmed." "Yes father and I have a letter for you from the wizard". The king looked astonished at these words. Zalient handed him the letter. The king read it and exclaimed,
"We shall have a feast in honor of the returning of my son." And a clarion call was sent out to the whole kingdom. All the kingdom gathered to listen to the proclamation. It said I hereby anoint my son, Zalient, the first born, as the true prince of Mondovia. He has found the wizard and the dragon will terrorize us no more. All the kingdom cheered. All except for Zalient's younger brother who was pouting. He was the one that set out with the knights to look for the wizard. They all dressed in heavy armor to show off that they were knights. Zalient set out with nothing and accomplished the job. He proved himself to be as good and even wiser than his younger brother. The kingdom of Mondovia slept peacefully that night due to the bravery of their prince who really earned his title.

Copyright © 2004 Lila May Guptill (Lunaria)