“Those two have so great times together. It will be so hard for them to be apart when Princess Wildheart gets married,” said the Queen.
“They will be fine dear. They will still be able to spend lots of time together, just like now. Wildheart will be married and Pricilla can still be her friend. Not much will change for them. They will always be great friends,” said the King.
“I guess your right dear, I just worry too much about my girls I guess,” said the Queen.
She smiled at the King and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“By the way dear, you have met both of the Prince suitors who came to court the Princess. What do you think of them? I am betting that you favor one Prince over the other at this point,” said the Queen.
“Well I’ll say this, Prince Tangent is a good fellow and has much grace, style and is likable. He seems well educated, pleasant and has great manners. Obviously he has had a gentleman’s upbringing. The other Prince, Prince Darksoul. I’m not so sure about him. He had a bit of a falling out over in the Tavern. Well I guess, I shouldn’t even say anything about it, he probably just had too much ale,” said the King reassuring himself. “Besides we will both see much more of them in the contests today and at tonight’s Ball. Both of them have entered this horse race. Let's just see how we feel when we get to know them a little better. Wildheart gets to choose the one she likes the best. We all agreed that she could make her own decision. All I really want is her to be happy.”
“How much do you know about Prince Morgan and Duke? What’s the story there? I know you think well of them,” she said.
“As I already said, I have met them and we had conversations at the Tavern over ale. Prince Morgan told me they were traveling together searching for a sword that had been stolen from him. They purchase and trade items which they come across as they travel. They are two best friends traveling the world together. I like both of them and enjoy talking with them. Maybe they will stay for a while here in the Kingdom but Prince Morgan seems to be set on finding his sword.”
“So they are just passing through on their way to more adventures then, “said the Queen.
“It appears to be that way. Both men have entered these games and told me they plan to attend the Ball. You will like them too as you get to know them both better,” said the King.
“Not many people have extra gold to splurge on games,” said the Queen. “Are they wealthy?”
“From what I can tell, they are very well off and have no concerns over money. However, unless they have Kingdoms, they would not be as wealthy as men who do have Kingdoms. That subject never came up in our conversations,I didn‘t ask them.”
“Your right, having a Kingdom does ensure a secure future. Either way, I appreciate the flowers,” said the Queen smiling. “That was very thoughtful of those young men to honor me in that way. Nice young men do things like that.”
“Yes dear, very thoughtful. I guess our sons will be giving them all a run for their money today,” said the King proudly. “I spoke to them a little while ago and they are very confident in their ability to win.”
“Our sons have always been very competitive,” she said smiling.
“The people expect them to win and are proud of them too. They are most likely to be the best riders entered in the contest.”
FIVE
The race was about ready to start. It was customary for the riders to stop in front of the grandstand and be seen by the Royal family before the race began. A race announcer would introduce each contestant to the family. Trumpeters blasted some horns as the crowd got quiet to listen as the announcer spoke.
“Attention ladies and gentlemen. The horse race will begin very soon. The prize of three hundred gold will go to the winner of the event. There will be no second place winners. The introductions of each rider will begin in a few moments,” said the announcer.
Everyone in the crowd moved close to the track for a good view. They didn’t want to miss the introductions or a chance at getting a good viewing location.
The men who would be racing today readied the horses at the stables. All riders mounted up and were ready for the grandstand review and horse race. A list carried by the Stable Master told them when to go to the grandstand review. The first riders up for review would be the three Prince brothers of Princess Wildheart. The brothers each rode huge black stallions. All three rode off together toward the stands. Slowing as they neared the stands, they were side by side as they stopped directly in front of the grandstand. All of the horses appeared to be disciplined and controlled.
Prince Morgan and Duke talked as they waited their turn for review. “The brothers look intimidating on those giant horses,” said Duke.
Prince Morgan laughed. “Yes, they do! We won’t be given any breaks by them here today, bet on that,” said Prince Morgan. “Looks that way anyhow,” he added.
Duke nodded over toward Prince Darksoul. “I wonder what Darksoul was up to all morning,”
Prince Morgan looked over at Prince Darksoul who was just sitting on his horse, waiting for his turn to come up. “I don’t know Duke but I am not worried about him anyway. He has no better chance than any of us to win the race.”
“I think my horse is faster than yours Morgan. I was way ahead of you that time we raced down that road a couple of months ago.”
“I think your right Duke. You probably have the best chance to win between the two of us. Let's go friend, were up now,” said Prince Morgan as the two of them rode toward the grandstands.
The introductions of the brothers were being made as Prince Morgan and Duke took their place in the parade line.
“The Kingdom’s finest, the unbeatable three Princes of our very own Kingdom,” yelled the man introducing them. “Competing for all of us here living in the Rose Kingdom. Please welcome our three Princes,” he said clapping his hands.
The King and Queen both clapped and smiled. Princess Wildheart and Pricilla both stood up and cheered for them.
“I love you my brothers!” yelled Princess Wildheart. Princess Wildheart and Pricilla both clapped their hands as the brothers smiled and waved at them.
“Now ladies and gentlemen of the Kingdom, we have a rare treat today,” said the announcer. “We have a Prince from the Kingdom of Caledon and his best friend competing in our race. Please welcome Prince Morgan and Duke!”
The crowd cheered loudly for the special visitors. It was very rare that anyone outside the Kingdom entered into the competitions much less royalty from other lands. Princess Wildheart and Pricilla both stood up clapping hands and smiling at each other. Prince Morgan and Duke moved in the parade line next to the brothers and all greeted each other in a friendly manner.
“Well the crowd seems to like us Morgan,” said Duke.
“Sure they do Duke, relax, and try to have fun,” said Prince Morgan.
The introducer continued on with his introduction of the riders. “From the far away Kingdom Dentania I would like to introduce Prince Darksoul! He has traveled here to Rose Kingdom in hopes of being chosen to marry the lovely Princess Wildheart.”
The crowd cheered as Prince Darksoul pulled up in front of the stands. He smiled and waved to the crowd. Everyone wanted to see what the Prince looked like since he was possibly going to marry Princess Wildheart. He then took his place in the parade line forcing his horse between two of the Prince brothers and their giant horses.
“Look how rude Darksoul is acting Duke. He just shoved his way in between those horses. I should have hit him harder,” said Prince Morgan.
“You knocked him right out of his chair and out cold Morgan. That was plenty hard enough to teach him to respect you,” said Duke smiling.
“Your right Duke. Maybe I am the one that needs to relax a little,” said Prince Morgan.
“Princess Wildheart doesn’t look too impressed with him Morgan, she just keeps looking at you and smiling,” said Duke.
“If I look at her too much Duke I won’t be able to focus on this r
ace.”
“Now I know how to beat you at a horse race Morgan. Just have Princess Wildheart show up and smile at you,” said Duke.
“Your right Duke but if she brings Pricilla along to smile at you then we both have the same chances of winning again.”
Both men laughed as they enjoyed teasing each other. The announcer continued with the introductions as the crowd listened closely.
“Our last entry in today’s horse race is another Prince which seeks the hand of our fair Princess Wildheart. This gentleman is a scholar and traveled here from the far away Kingdom of Lundrum. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Prince Tangent!” The crowd again cheered as Prince Tangent stood in front of the grandstand and then took his place in the line next to Prince Morgan and Duke.
“These are your competitors for today’s horserace,” said the announcer.
The crowd cheered as the riders waved and greeted them.
“Now our King will speak to us all. May we now have silence so as to hear his words,” said the announcer as he walked away.
The King stood up to speak to the people of the Rose Kingdom. Everyone loved him and his family.
“Welcome everyone to my Kingdom and our Festival in honor of my daughter Princess Wildheart. Thank you to our contestants who have entered today’s events and to all of you for coming here. Let the best man win. Let’s race!” The crowd cheered as the King waved to them and then sat back down to enjoy the event. The riders then went over to the starting line to line up for the race.
“Good luck Morgan,” said Duke.
“Luck to you also Duke,” said Prince Morgan.
The crowd grew a little quieter as the starter raised his hands high in the air. When he dropped his hands the race would start. The horses and riders were focused and ready for a quick start in hopes of out running the others in the contest.
“GO!” The starter shouted as he dropped his arms to begin the race.
Quickly the horses all took off in a thunder past the grandstands and down the track. The crowd cheered as the riders rounded the first turn. The three Prince brothers were in the front of the rest but not very far ahead. The entire group was really close together going into the back stretch. It was anyone’s race to win at this point. Prince Morgan and Duke were trailing behind the other riders but coming up quickly on the group. Down the back stretch they rode, really pushing the horses hard, all riders still close together with the three brothers in the lead. The horses ran fast into the last corner and around the back curve. Coming quickly out of the curve it was close, anyone could win. They all looked even as they pushed towards the finish line with the oldest brother crossing first, followed by Duke and Prince Tangent. Prince Morgan finished last but not far behind the group. The crowd cheered wildly!
Slowing up to a trot, Prince Morgan and Duke sided up by each other.
“Wow, tough race Morgan. I thought we might be able to do better but it was a hard race to win with those enormous horses the brothers ride,” said Duke.
Prince Morgan laughed. “Yea, well no big deal. Let's get our horses stabled and bring the gold to the weapons merchant for the stuff we bought,” said Prince Morgan smiling.
All of the riders went back to the stables where the attendants took charge of the horses and put them in stalls with food and water. Prince Morgan and Duke started walking toward the merchant to get their weapons as Prince Tangent caught up with them.
“Those brothers on their gigantic horses really showed us, they were real fast,” said Prince Tangent.
“Yea, those were colossal and fast horses. Hard to beat unless you had a horse stronger and faster than those giants,” said Prince Morgan.
“A fair race, no complaints here,” said Duke.
“Not my event, some others will be more to my liking I believe,” said Prince Morgan smiling.
“I agree Prince Morgan. We still have many more events to come. We all have a shot at winning something here,” added Prince Tangent.
“Are you two planning on going to the Tavern to eat something?”
“We are going to pick up some items we purchased and then go to the Tavern,” said Duke. “You’re welcome to join us at the Tavern Prince Tangent.
“Thank you Duke, I would like that,” said Prince Tangent.
“We will meet you over at the Tavern after we finish up our business with the merchant,” said Prince Morgan.
“I’ll get us a table and see you there gentlemen,” said Prince Tangent as he turned toward the Tavern.
SIX
Prince Morgan and Duke went to the merchant and paid him in full for the weapons he was holding for them. Prince Morgan was admiring his sword as he and Duke walked toward the Tavern. It had been missing for a while and he had been afraid it may never be recovered. The sword felt good in his hands.
“It’s really nice to have my sword back Duke,” said Prince Morgan smiling.
“I am glad we found it Morgan. I know how much that sword means to you. I am looking forward to shooting this bow and arrow set I bought.”
“I want to take a couple of shots with it myself Duke. It looks to be of good quality and I am guessing it is very accurate.”
“Sure you can Morgan. Maybe later today we can get a chance to test it out.”
Prince Morgan and Duke dropped their weapons off at the Inn. They went over to the Tavern to meet up with Prince Tangent. The Tavern was crowded and busy catering to the larger than usual crowd drawn by the festival. When they entered they found Prince Tangent had managed to grab a table and order some food for them all. The three brothers entered and dragged another table up beside them. The mood was lighthearted and merry.
“Hey Duke! Nice riding! You almost beat our horses,” said one of the brothers while tipping his mug to honor Duke.
Duke smiled. “You have fine horses’ gentlemen! They are not only big and powerful but also very fast,” he said.
“Father gave those to us a while back. Battle horses really, although we love riding them for fun or racing,” said the brother.
“Morgan, are you mad about coming in last? It doesn‘t seem to be bothering you,” said Prince Tangent.
“No, racing is not really my best talent. I like using other skills I have while riding on horseback,” said Prince Morgan.
“I thought you wouldn’t be angry about it Morgan. You seemed to be having fun and not real serious about the race,” said one of the brothers.
“I try to have fun when I can. I tried my best to win but you all had faster horses,” said Prince Morgan smiling.
“I believe we have a good chance to win some of the other contests today,” said Duke. “Excuse us gentlemen, we are going to go enjoy the festivities and prepare for the next event,” said Prince Morgan.
“Cheers! We will see you both at the next festival event,” said one of the brothers as they all held up their mugs to the men as they left.
“Brilliant fellows,” said Prince Tangent.
“Yes, they are! We all like them both very much,” said one of the brothers.
“I wonder where Prince Darksoul is right now. I expected him to be here at the Tavern,” said one of the brothers.
“Probably causing trouble would be my best guess,” said Prince Tangent.
They continued to eat and drink together while enjoying each other’s company in the Tavern. Prince Morgan and Duke had decided to go over to look at some armor. There would be plenty of time before the next event.
“Nice guys, those brothers,” said Duke
“Yes and you can tell they are icons around the Kingdom, the crowd adores them,” said Prince Morgan.
“I noticed that also, the crowd really gets behind them and cheers their efforts,” said Duke.
Princess Wildheart and Pricilla had left the stands and were viewing various wares the merchants had for sell in the courtyard. They didn’t really talk much about the race. Both girls were just getting lost in the shopping and excitement of the festival.
The armor merchant showed Prince Morgan and Duke the leather armor he had for sale. Light enough for everyday wear while offering a bit of protection to the upper torso. They both bought the leather armor and found shirts, hats and boots they liked at another merchant nearby. After taking the items back to the Inn and putting them away the men sat down on a bench to discuss the next event on the schedule. The Riding Ring Grab event would offer a chance for them to show skill while riding on horseback. Only Prince Morgan would be entered into this event. The object being to ride real fast and using a sword grab as many of the rings as possible. The next event after that would be the Sword Fight. Prince Morgan had the best formal sword fighting skill, so he would also do that event. The final event was the Boxing Match and Duke would be entering that one. Duke was the best fist fighter of the two and had a good chance of winning it. Strategy now in place, the two of them decided it was time to leave the Inn and make their way over to the Riding Ring Grab event which would be starting shortly.
Princess Wildheart and Pricilla were still shopping and came upon a woman who was selling beautiful ribbons that could be braided into their hair. The woman insisted on giving them as a gift to the Princess on her birthday. She braided the ribbons into their hair for them. They both thanked the woman and started back toward the event area.
“Look Princess I see Duke and Prince Morgan over by the race track,” said Pricilla, pointing toward the men.
“I see them, let’s go see what they are up to,” said Princess Wildheart.
The two girls made their way over to the track and walked up to Prince Morgan and Duke.
“Hello, we saw you standing over here and wanted to come and see what you were doing,” said Princess Wildheart smiling.
“Ladies, nice to see you again,” said Duke.
Duke walked over to Pricilla as Princess Wildheart talked with Prince Morgan.
“I miss you. I was hoping to see more of you today,” said Princess Wildheart.
“I have been thinking about you all day. I wanted to spend more time talking with you earlier today but your father came along unexpectedly. Duke and I have been preparing for the next event, I think our chances are better since it is a skill based competition,” he told Princess Wildheart.
The Legend of Princess Wildheart Page 4
