“I understand Princess and apologize for the attack. However, we elves must protect our Kingdom and way of life by whatever means needed to ensure our survival. We intend to keep intruders out of our forest and protect our way of life here. I am Queen of the elves and these ladies to either side are all Princesses not unlike you Princess Wildheart. We elves lead a quiet and simple life. Our intention is to just keep to ourselves, only engaging intruders when needed. I grant my permission for you and your group to pass through our lands unharmed. Chelsi will lead you to the other side of the forest when your companions awake. I only ask that you keep secret our existence here and tell no one of us. We would like to remain secret and unknown to the outside world,” said the Queen.
“I will honor your request for secrecy your highness,” said Princess Wildheart.
“Very well then, I hope you have success in finding your brothers Princess Wildheart,” said the Queen, rising from her throne.
The other Princesses also stood and followed the Queen back inside the palace. Princess Wildheart watched them go inside. She thought it may be nice to have some knock out powder to take on their journey.
“Chelsi, would it be possible for me to have a pouch of your sleep potent? I would like to take some on our mission.”
“You can have my pouch of powder Princess Wildheart,” said Chelsi, handing her the small brown pouch filled with white powder.
“It can be put into a drink or tipped on swords or arrows. The powder only needs to get inside of the body somehow for it to work,” said Chelsi. “Let us see to your companions now Princess, they should awaken at any moment.”
The two of them walked over to the canopy where the others were sleeping. Princess Wildheart kneeled down over Prince Morgan and gave him a soft kiss on the lips.
“Wake up my love,” she said.
His eyes opened and he smiled seeing her beautiful face.
“What happened?” The last thing I remember was lying on top of you, shielding you from the attack. Where are we?”
Prince Morgan was confused from the knock out powder that put him to sleep. Princess Wildheart explained what happened to him.
“Your body protected me along with the amulet,” said Princess Wildheart.
“The tiny arrows were dipped in a sleep potent which knocked you and the others out for a couple of hours. One of the elves named Chelsi gave me a bag of this sleep powder to take with me. We are now inside the Wood Elf Kingdom, deep inside the Dark Forest. I thought you were dead, along with the others but learned that you had only been knocked out. I am so glad everyone is alright,” said Princess Wildheart, giving Prince Morgan a deep kiss.
The others began to awaken from their sleep. They all wondered what had happened. Princess Wildheart explained to everyone the current situation.
Chelsi came over to them along with a few of her elf friends. They brought some hot elf tea and cakes. Everyone drank the tea and ate the cakes which seemed to revive them. Very soon they all became awake and alert. The group studied Chelsi as she scampered around them serving the refreshments.
“When everyone is ready, I can lead you out of the Wood Elf Kingdom and you can continue your quest in search of the Princes from the Rose Kingdom,” said Chelsi.
The group readied and mounted their horses. They followed Chelsi as she led them down a path in the same direction they had been going. The path followed a clear water stream lined with lush grasses and flowers through the dense forest. There was a mountain with a waterfall ahead and Chelsi led the group around and behind the waterfall. They came to a small cave which required everyone to dismount their horses and lead them through one at a time. The cave went through the mountain and opened up into a small meadow on the other side of the mountain. The group exited the cave and walked toward the meadow. Princess Wildheart looked back and saw that the cave was hidden from anyone’s view by shrubs and bushes.
“This is the other side of Wood Elf Kingdom. I leave you now to continue your journey,” said Chelsi.
“Thank you Chelsi for all you have done. I do have one question though. Where are the male elves?”
“They live in another part of the Wood Elf Kingdom with the King of Wood Elves. The men come to see us for a few days every full moon. We then choose mates and enjoy each other’s company for those days. Our children live in another part of the kingdom. They are cared for by special caregivers and taught by scholars,” she said.
“I see,” said Princess Wildheart.
“Don’t you miss the company of the children and male elves?”
“We elves live several hundred of your human years Princess. The children visit at different times than the males, which they also visit. We do not miss either because we see them both frequently,” said Chelsi.
“I see. You look so young Chelsi,” said Princess Wildheart.
“I am young Princess, only one hundred forty of your human years, many more to go hopefully,” said Chelsi, smiling.
“Fare well humans and do not forget our secret! Very important that you keep our secret,” said Chelsi.
Chelsi turned back and started walking toward the Wood Elf Kingdom as everyone else waved goodbye. The all wished her well as she walked away.
SIXTEEN
Princess Wildheart and her group continued on their way down a small path along a creek and into another dense forest area. They talked among themselves as they walked. The discussion was centered around the elves and their attack on the group.
“Thank you for protecting me Duke. You are very brave and make me feel safe. You are the best thing that ever could have happened to me. I can’t imagine my life without you in it,” said Pricilla.
“I feel the same way Pricilla, glad I could help. I won’t let anything happen to you. Trust in that,” said Duke.
“My leg doesn’t even hurt from the arrow wound. The elves did such a great job cleaning and bandaging it,” said Pricilla.
“My wound also feels fine. It’s amazing how much damage those tiny arrows can cause. Those little arrows just knocked us all out cold with no harm to the elves. An amazing weapon they have there, just amazing,” said Duke.
“My stomach still hurts some but not enough to keep me from performing as I need to on our mission to rescue the Princes,” said Prince Tangent.
“I bet a big kiss from Elise Cooper would make you feel much better Prince Tangent,” said Princess Wildheart.
They all laughed as Prince Tangent smiled and shook his head yes.
“We need to get this rescue done so I can get back to her,” said Prince Tangent.
“It couldn’t be much farther,” said Prince Morgan.
“I agree, I bet we are getting really close now,” said Duke.
The group rode another mile or so through the trees when Princess Wildheart suddenly stopped Mystical.
“I smell smoke! Look! Down there! That’s the camp of the Barbarians. I knew we could find it,” said Princess Wildheart.
The group stopped in the trees behind a cliff. Down below them was the enemy camp. They could see many temporary huts. There were men walking around and some relaxing. Everyone in the group dismounted their horses and tied them off in the woods behind them. They all snuck up to the edge of the cliff, lying low, crawling on their bellies. They looked closely at the camp.
“Does anyone see my brothers anywhere?”
“I see their large horses over there, on the right side near those trees,” said Prince Morgan.
Pricilla was the first to see the two Princes.
“Isn’t that them tied to those posts over by that small hut there?”
Pricilla pointed out the small hut to the group.
“That is them sitting there. I am sure those are the brothers,” said prince Tangent.
“That is the brothers alright, they look well and alive to me,” said Prince Morgan.
“Thank God they are both alive. Now all we have to do is figure out a way to rescue them from the Barbarians,” said Pri
ncess Wildheart.
“There are too many of them to try to fight our way in and back out again. No good that way. We will have to try something quieter than that,” said Prince Morgan.
“Agreed, we would either be dead, wounded or captured if we try to raid them with force,” said Duke.
“I don’t see any of the King’s soldiers anywhere. They may have all been killed by the Barbarians,” said Prince Tangent.
“Maybe, it’s hard to say since we can’t see everything really well from here,” said Duke.
“Our first priority is to save my brothers! If we can save a few soldiers also, fine! My brothers come first though, then we worry about any soldiers we see,” said Princess Wildheart.
Everyone agreed with Princess Wildheart. The brothers would be the objective. If any others could be saved without jeopardizing them, then they could try to help them also. It would be dark soon so a plan had to be created and carried out quickly.
“I wish you girls would just stay here and let us three men go down there and try to free your brothers,” said Prince Morgan.
“Ha! We aren’t going for that plan! We stay and you boys have all the fun? That will not happen today,” said Princess Wildheart.
Prince Morgan looked at the Princess. There was no way she would be left out of any rescue attempt. She really was wild hearted.
“I think we should leave the horses up here and all of us sneak down really quietly and try to free them,” said Pricilla.
“I was thinking the same thing Pricilla,” said Duke.
“Ok, let’s all get going then. Stay hidden and keep quiet, no talking, only gestures! We will never be able to fight off that many if they see or hear us,” said Prince Morgan.
“We should try to get the big horses out so they will have something to ride back on. The horses look to be close to the thick trees leading into the woods,” said Princess Wildheart.
“I agree! Let’s get the horses also! We should try to sneak in from those woods behind the horses. That way we can get the horses too,” said Prince Morgan.
Princess Wildheart was ready for action. With the daylight starting to fade it was time to quit planning and go free her brothers from the Barbarian savages.
“Let’s go!” said Princess Wildheart as she led the way.
The group stayed low, backing away from the edge of the cliff so they would not be seen from below. Once they were back in the forest, trees hid them from anyone’s view. They began to slowly make their way down to the thick group of trees behind the horses. Everyone kept very quiet and hidden. They managed to get themselves in the area behind the brothers and the enormous horses they rode. The horses were tied to some trees on the edge of the timberline.
“We should spread ourselves out a little to our right and left,” whispered Duke.
Everyone drew out their weapons, stayed low and quiet. They spread out along the tree line behind the horses.
Prince Tangent snuck in to free the horses, bending to keep himself low and hidden. There were three Barbarians, talking and laughing just ahead of him a little past the small hut. The brothers were sitting near the three men with their backs turned toward Princess Wildheart’s group. Prince Tangent was super quiet as he untied the giant horses and silently led them into the forest. He smiled at the group when he passed them to take the horses up to where everyone else had theirs tied. Princess Wildheart rose up and went quickly over near the small hut as Prince Morgan followed. They waved for Duke and Pricilla to follow, which they did. Prince Morgan peeked inside the hut from the bottom. It was empty. All four of them were now hiding behind the hut.
“Duke, when I get close, shoot the fellow on the right,” whispered Prince Morgan.
Duke shook his head yes as he notched an arrow in his bow very quietly.
“I’ll take out the other two and you along with Pricilla can then free your brothers,” whispered Prince Morgan to the Princess.
“Be careful Morgan we don‘t want the Barbarians to see you coming,” whispered Princess Wildheart, giving him a kiss.
Prince Morgan managed to sneak over behind the three men without them even noticing him. He motioned for Duke to shoot the man on the right. Duke took careful aim and hit the Barbarian in the back. The Barbarian gasped and fell over. Then Prince Morgan grabbed another by the chin from behind and drove his sword into his throat, dropping him. Prince Morgan then raised his sword toward the other stunned Barbarian just as another arrow struck the man. Prince Morgan smiled at Duke. Princess Wildheart and Pricilla were each behind one brother, cutting their ropes free.
“Is that you Wildheart? I had hoped you might come free us,” said her brother.
“Shush! Be quiet and follow us quickly,” she whispered.
She led the two into the forest from where they had come. The group made their way through the thick trees all the way back to the horses and Prince Tangent.
“Keep quiet, we can talk later. Let’s get these horses back further into the forest before we ride away,” said Prince Tangent.
They all waked the horses deeper into the forest. It was night now, hard to be seen but sound seemed to carry further in the dark. They managed to find a nice clear path to follow in the direction of the main trail. When they were far enough away the group mounted their horses and began riding them. They moved much faster on horseback away from the Barbarians.
“Let's keep the quiet going for a while. We need to get further away before anyone discovers the three men we did away with and decide to start looking around,” said Duke.
Finally the group made it to the main trail and then turned to head toward the castle. Traveling away from the Barbarian encampment the group needed to get some distance between themselves and the savages. They kicked the horses and rode them at a gallop for a while. Soon it became clear to everyone that they had managed to escape the area and the Barbarians grasp. Now they could speak safely. They slowed the horses to a fast walk. Princess Wildheart rode up next to her brothers horses.
“How are you guys doing? Are you ok? I was really worried that you may have been injured or killed by the Barbarians,” said Princess Wildheart.
“We are good now sister having been saved by you and your friends here,” said her brother.
“The Barbarians kept us tied up but did give us food and water. We had each other to talk to. We could just never figure out a way to escape them! It wasn’t looking good for us there! The Barbarians had killed any soldiers that managed to live through the battle. They only kept us alive because we told them we were Princes and could be traded for gold as long as they kept us alive,” he said.
“One of the leaders wanted to just kill us and be done with it. The other wanted to try to trade us for gold ransom. They argued about it continually. I’m not sure the one who wanted to kill us would have waited for the other to ransom us or not. We are just lucky you came when you did,” he said.
“Thanks for coming to our rescue! What happened to my brother Marcus? Did he survive? Have you have seen him?”
Princess Wildheart explained what had happened to Marcus. She told them how he managed to make it back to the castle and the decision to rescue them. She also told them about Prince Morgan being her choice for a future husband.
“You have chosen well sister! We both like Prince Morgan and you will make a fantastic couple,” said her brother.
“I was disappointed that she did not choose me. However I like all of them and I wanted to help out. So I managed to convince them to bring me along on the rescue mission. Lucky for me, I met Elise Cooper on the way, a beautiful woman whom I plan to spend some time with. I believe now, she was my destiny. I plan to find out when we return to the castle,” said Prince Tangent.
Princess Wildheart smiled as Prince Tangent shared his plans for Elise.
“I think you may be right Prince Tangent and we will all be cheering you on,” said Duke.
“I wish we had some swords to give you two Princes. It’s such a long way
back to the castle with no weapons to fight with if trouble comes along,” said Pricilla.
“Your right Pricilla, we don’t know what lies ahead. Could be more trouble,” said Prince Morgan.
“We came down this same trail with our troops. At that time there was a merchant off to one side who was selling various items and I believe he had some swords. He had a little bit of everything on his wagon,” said one of the Price brothers.
“I think the best thing for now would be for us to get off the main trail and go deep into the forest. The castle is just too far away for us to reach without rest. We should all rest so we can start out fresh at daybreak. Our campfire will be unseen by who might pass by. We are well hidden here deep in the forest,” said Duke.
Everyone agreed that a good night’s rest would be beneficial. The group went off the main trail and ventured deep into the forest. After riding into the forest they came upon a small clearing with green grass and a brook flowing through nearby. The horses were tied near the water where they could eat the lush green grass and drink plenty of clean water. It was dark but the moonlight made night visibility in the forest possible. After enjoying some hot tea and biscuits everyone laid out their bedrolls on the lush soft grass get some sleep. Princess Wildheart and Pricilla gave their bedrolls to the two Prince brothers and cuddled up with the men they loved for the night.
Princess Wildheart thought how nice it was to be cuddled in the arms of the man she loved so much. Now that her brothers had been saved, she was stress free and fell asleep with ease. She and the others slept through the night without incident and awoke the next morning feeling fresh and alert. Everyone was ready for the ride back to the castle to begin. They made a quick breakfast of more hot tea and biscuits and mounted their horses. They rode back out of the forest and found their way to the main trail again.
SEVENTEEN
The Legend of Princess Wildheart Page 10