CHAPTER 1
PRINCE MICHAEL
I felt as though I had a hole in my stomach as I walked up the stairs toward the room my sons John and Michael shared. It hadn't been long since our youngest son Lionel died from meningitis, and I still felt the emptiness of the void he had filled. As I continued down the hall toward Michael and John's room I looked in on our young daughter Mary who was already asleep.
I expected the boys would likely be asleep as well, but found them still awake, waiting for me to tuck them in their beds. "Come here boys!" I said with open arms. As I held my two sons I felt some comfort, but I could tell the hurt had not gone away. There was no way to fill that empty spot inside.
"Okay, boys, let's get in bed and cover up! It's cold tonight," I said as I looked out the window to see fresh snow falling on the Colorado landscape. I wrestled with them for a few minutes and got them into their beds. As I tucked him in I noticed a familiar expression on Michael’s face. I supposed he might ask for a drink of water.
Tell me a story, Dad," Michael said suddenly as I tucked in his blankets.
“Well, what kind of story would you like to hear?" I asked as I quickly tried to think of something.
"I don't know, just tell me a story,” Michael replied.
"All right then, I'll tell you about Prince Michael and the dragon. How's that?" I asked.
“Okay," he simply replied.
"Well, let's see, there was a time, long ago, in the old Kingdom of El, during the reign of the good King Christian and Queen Debora that every person lived in peace and prosperity, and there was no fear in the land.
“The king and queen had four royal children: John, Michael, Lionel, and Mary. All of the royal children were known throughout the land for their good deeds and excellence in all they did," I began.
“What did they do?” Michael asked.
“Oh, they helped people when they were in need, worked hard in their school work, and did the best they could, I suppose," I replied.
"Oh," Michael quietly responded with a nod.
"Though each prince and the princess was known for great abilities in various matters, this story is about Prince Michael and his adventure," I continued.
“Just Michael?” John interrupted.
“We’ll all be in it, but this story is about Michael’s great adventure, okay?”
“Okay.” John willingly conceded.
“Now, let’s see. Though Michael was not the oldest prince and heir to the throne, as was his brother John, he was best known in the kingdom for his great strength and courage, both in battle and in protecting the weak. Prince Michael was such a stately and able man, it was he of whom story tellers thought when they told stories of Prince Charming.
For in truth, Michael rescued many maidens from many different perils, though sometimes a witting maiden seeking the prince's attention would create her own peril from which to be rescued when she knew he was nearby.”
Michael was tall, but not so tall that he stood out too much. He also was a muscular man who left no doubt by his appearance that he was certainly more powerful than normal men. His eyes were as blue as the deepest and clearest ocean, and his hair, which he kept cut short, was so bright and yellow, it was believed his hair was made of spun gold. In fact when his hair was cut the people would ask for a lock of the prince's hair.
Though Michael was so powerful, no ruffian dared to challenge him, he had the most gentle look any man ever had. It was because of this that when anyone was distressed for any reason, they came, without thought, to seek out Michael's aid, which he freely gave.
Prince Michael carried with him a sword, which he called Avenger.
“Was it a mighty sword?" Michael asked as he seriously looked up at me.
"Oh, well yes, of course it was a mighty sword,” I responded. "In fact, it was said among the people that the King of Heaven gave Michael the sword to protect the people and that whoever wielded the sword would be invincible.”
Avenger was long and its blade was as wide as a man's hand, and sharper than any razor ever made. The blade was so highly polished a person could clearly see their reflection in it. Its hilt was made of decorative gold with silver inlaid about it. The pommel of Avenger held a great diamond that was so bright it would herald the prince's coming long before he would arrive at a destination.
Michael also rode a great chestnut steed, which he named Noble. Noble was known to be the most powerful war-horse in all the land. He also was as gentle as the prince, and often when the prince would visit a village, children could freely ride on Noble without fear. But, Noble was a good judge of character, and would not allow any wicked or evil person to ride him.
Michael and Noble often roamed the countryside of El. Though the prince loved life in the joyous court of the king and queen, he loved most to be with the people of El and to see all the sights of the land. For to the north were the great forests where the mighty red deer could be found. In the south there were great fertile plains where those who tilled the soil could produce enough food to prevent any person of El from going hungry.
To the east were mountains, beyond which was the great sea stretching further than the eye could see, and to the west lay the mighty mountains of El, known for their beauty and height. Throughout the land Michael would go with Noble in search of adventures and people in need. After the prince completed a trip he would present the king, his father, a report on the condition of the land.
So, as you can see, Michael did his best in all his activities, and was very helpful to all the people of the land.
Michael’s Sword, Avenger
Prince Michael and The Dragon Page 2