The Lost Princess in Winter's Grip

by Josh Kilen

  One night as she was falling asleep, she dreamed that the bird came to her and started to talk. At first she didn’t understand what the bird was saying, the way it usually happens in dreams. But as it kept talking, before Annabeth’s eyes the bird transformed into a beautiful woman. She was older, and motherly looking, but she had a radiance about her that made Annabeth smile. Suddenly she understood what the woman was saying, "Annabeth, my dear, if you can hear me, you must leave the tower. Only you can bring True Justice to the land and save it from evil!"

  Chapter 4

  "Annabeth, my dear, if you can hear me, you must leave the tower. Only you can bring True Justice to the land and save it from evil!" The motherly looking woman said to Annabeth in her dream.

  Annabeth just looked at her in wonder, "How did you… but you were a… I don't understand?"

  The woman's eyes softened, "I know dear, it's all a bit much right now but it will become clear soon enough. You are in grave danger. You must leave the tower as quickly as you can."

  Annabeth’s forehead creased in confusion, "Leave? Wait a minute. Who are you? Isn’t this a dream?"

  The woman looked thoughtful, "A dream? Yes I suppose, of sorts. But that doesn't make it any less real. As for me, I'm your Godmother. It's been my job to protect you."

  "My Godmother, like as in my fairy Godmother?" Annabeth was very excited by this.

  The Godmother's face twisted up, "Not a fairy, silly little things zipping about and causing mischief. No, I'm just a Godmother and that's how we'll leave it. Now, how can you escape?"

  Annabeth said, "If I could have escaped don't you think that I would have already? Besides, where would I go? The Royal family would just hunt me down or do something terrible to my parents."

  The Godmother became lovingly stern, "You can escape and you must. Or else your parents are in real trouble. As to where you will go, there are some very important things you must know."

  Annabeth was cautious but she was listening, "Please, go on."

  The Godmother took a deep breath, "You are the Princess Annabeth, there is no doubt about that. When you were born, there was rejoicing all over the land. After a few days passed, an old woman came and said a prophecy over you. She said that you would bring True Justice to the land. Although she didn't explain, it was thought that through you, all wrong would be set right and that everyone would get what they deserved.

  “As you can imagine, there were many who wanted to make sure this fate never came to pass. That includes the King and Queen who imprisoned you here. There were threats against your life, and even a plot by the Royals to kill you. Fortunately you were taken away in the middle of the night and given to the people who you have grown up knowing as your parents."

  The Godmother continued, "The King and Queen will destroy this land and your adoptive parents will perish if you do not escape and end this evil. Now, can you do it?"

  Annabeth was shocked. This was so much to take in, "What you say feels true, though I do not know why. How can I trust you?"

  The Godmother smiled, "Who do you think has kept you company this past month?"

  Annabeth was shocked, "That was you!?! What magic you must have! Can't you simply turn me into a bird or magically take me away from this terrible place?"

  Godmother's face fell, "If only I could, but my little miracles are only given to me for special tasks. I have every confidence that you will leave successfully. Does that mean that you will try?"

  Annabeth was hesitant, but hope was rekindled in her heart, "Yes, I will leave. Where do I go though? Can I go back to my parents?"

  The Godmother shook her head, "No, that would not be wise. Instead, you must find two items of immense power and bring them back here. Only then can evil be defeated and True Justice be set free throughout the land.

  “First you must travel to my cottage, beyond the Thunderous Wood. You will find it easily if you travel down the lone river in that forest. Once there you will find a stone that shines like the sun.

  “After you have the stone you must travel to the Northern Ice Fields, where the cold bites and the wind is fierce. Find the cave in the valley between the two great mountains. There you will find a an ancient scepter.

  “Combine the two and bring them here to the castle. Down in the dungeon is a room long forgotten. When you arrive I will find you and tell you what must be done. Now, recite that all back to me."

  Annabeth did as she was told, and remembered everything perfectly, "Godmother, why have I not seen you till now?"

  "Because it was not time my Dear. But have no fear, I know you will succeed. One more thing, I am not permitted to come to you like this again until you have the two items and are ready in the dungeon. You must do this, and you will do this. The land is counting on you."

  Then the Godmother began to fade away.

  Annabeth cried out, "Please, Godmother, don't go, I have so much to ask."

  But her Godmother was gone, and Annabeth woke up alone to the soft glow of her magical plant. Sleep was out of the question now as she thought deeply about what her Godmother had just said. Annabeth plucked a piece of fruit and nibbled as she devised a way to escape.

  The next few days proved to be highly frustrating. No matter how she tried to escape her prison, her attempts failed miserably. She tried tricking the guards to come into the cell but they had strict orders to stay outside. She tried faking a terrible illness but they didn't seem to care. She even tried flirting with each of the guards as they brought her meal, which really made her a ill, but that didn't work either.

  “What else could I do?” Annabeth asked herself.

  She decided to send for help. Surely someone would come to the rescue of a princess. She took one of the tattered rags and wrote a message using the juice of one of the fruits, "PLEASE HELP, PRINCESS IN TROUBLE. ROYAL CASTLE TOWER." Annabeth rolled the rag up, tied it with a thread, and gave it to her friend the Blue Bird.

  The bird took the rag and quickly left through the window up above.

  The Blue Bird flew high and far. Eventually she settled on a branch to rest and watch the road for a suitable recipient of the Princess's message. After several minutes, a young man on a horse road toward her. He was dressed in battle gear and looked like he had been traveling for a long time. The bird swooped off her perch and dropped the rag in the man's lap.

  The man was startled. It's not everyday you get a piece of rag dropped on you by a blue bird. He was just about to toss the rag onto the road when he saw what looked to be writing on both sides. He opened up the rag and read the message.

  Chapter 5

  The man read the message carefully, "PLEASE HELP, PRINCESS IN TROUBLE. ROYAL CASTLE TOWER.

  “Hmmmm, sounds serious,” he said to himself. “Must be close if the bird was able to bring it here. And a captured princess means ransom money. Worth a look at least." He spurred his horse onward down the road.

  The man came to the castle and stopped short, he had never seen anything so large in his life. The entire city was massive and there was activity buzzing everywhere, but he had a mission to accomplish so he rode straight on to the castle gate. The draw bridge was down and it was protected by a gang of guards.

  The man rode up to the guards. While he wasn't quite sure what to do, he often found that acting more confident than whoever he was talking to usually did the trick. He stared down at the guards, "I have traveled long to see the Princess you have captured, now let me through you dog!"

  The words did not have the effect the man intended. The guards became cold and angry, "We don't care how long you traveled, you ain't gettin' in here Bub. Now, scram." Said the lead guard while he made a wave of his hand.

  The traveling man did not move, "You DARE talk to me in such a manner! I am Prince Ryan of Altersia, seventh in the royal line. You will let me pass!" and the Prince showed them his royal medallion. The lead guard took a look and immediately bowed low to the ground. The other guards did likewise.

  T
he lead guard grovelled, "We meant no offense your Highness, of course you may enter. We will announce your presence right away."

  The Prince shook his head, "No need to announce me, I'm sure that I can find my way around. You have done your duty here and you are to be commended. I will put in a good word about you to the King."

  The Lead Guard nodded and lowered himself further, "Thank you my good sir, thank you much."

  The Prince rode through the gang, "Think nothing of it. You and your men should get everything that's coming to you." And the Prince rode into the castle. He assumed that the prison tower was the tallest tower in the castle and headed in that direction.

  Walking up the long stair well, the Prince thought about his medallion. He really was a Prince, though his kingdom was nothing impressive. His family ruled over a small marsh country in the south, and their castle was little more than a largish house. His parents were mushroom farmers, as was the rest of the marsh peoples, not exactly glamorous. Luckily those guards had never heard of Altersian Mushrooms or else they would have asked more questions.

  As he came to the top level, he saw that the door to the tower room was guarded heavily. Three very large men stood outside, and these did not look like the type to be intimidated like the other guards. Prince Ryan decided to use a bit of guile instead.

  He talked up to the largest guard and had to hold his breath. The man stunk to high heaven. "The queen sent me to interrogate the prisoner," Ryan said as he showed his Royal medallion.

  The large guard had large, evil eyes and a jaw that stuck out too far. He looked closely at the medallion, then at the Prince, then back at the medallion. "What's the Password?" he said gruffly.

  Prince Ryan was taken aback, he hadn't counted on this. "The Queen was in a rush," he said haltingly, "She didn't have time to tell me such trivial details. I know the Princess is in there and I was sent to ask her some very pointed questions, if you get my drift."

  The Large Guard did not. Drifts were not his business, only guarding the door. "What's the Password?" he repeated.

  The Prince became exceedingly upset, "I already told you, her Highness was not able to give it to me. But I have a job to do so you will let me through." And the Prince started to walk towards the door. He was stopped by a monstrous looking hand.

  "No password, no entry," was all the guard would say.

  The Prince almost screamed, "But I have urgent business, you must let me in."

  The guard didn't blink, "What's the password?"

  Obviously this was a fight that the Prince wasn’t going to win. He couldn't take all three guards in a fight so he turned on his heel and went back down the stairs, defeated but not for good. He was forming a rather crazy plan.

  Fortunately, crazy plans were kind of his specialty. That night he set his plan in motion.

  The one thing the Prince had going for him was that he was an excellent marksman. He could shoot an arrow farther than any professional archer he had ever met and he always hit his target.

  He tried to remind himself of this as he aimed at the castle tower. It was farther than he had ever shot before and he was aiming for a target that he couldn't see. "I really hope there's a reward for saving this Princess," he said to himself.

  His custom made bow was designed for long distances. Prince Ryan breathed steadily and pressed the trigger to release the arrow. The arrow and the small rope attached to it sailed through the air. He only had one chance at this. If the arrow hit the side of the tower and a guard found it, he was done for.

  The wind picked up and the arrow veered a little off course. "NOOOOOO!" the Prince screamed.

  Chapter 6

  Annabeth was having a tough time sleeping that night. She could only hope that her plea for help reached someone that was able to come to her aid. Just as she was imagining what it would be like to leave the tower, she heard a whistling sound in the wind. This was a different whistling than she had ever heard before and Annabeth sat up to get a better listen.

  The whistling got closer, then there was a crashing sound above her and an arrow fell right between her legs. It made her jump with surprise and Annabeth had to cover her mouth to avoid making noises.

  A small rope was attached to the arrow's end, and a thin paper was wrapped tightly around the shaft. Annabeth took the paper and saw there was a note on it, "GOT YOUR RAG," it said, "CLIMB OUT TO ESCAPE."

  Annabeth's eyes got very wide, "You can't be serious!?!" she said as she looked up through the window in her roof. Turning the paper over, she saw a second note, "YES, I'M SERIOUS. USE RAGS TO SLIDE DOWN."

  Annabeth steeled herself. She knew that this was her best option. Actually it was her only option for escape. She had to do it.

  Quietly as she could, Annabeth tore up the rags that had been her bed. As she wrapped them around her hands, she looked down at the glowing plant that had given her so much hope. She knew that it couldn't come with her, it had grown too big. Her heart felt like it would tear open, but she had to escape. She placed her hand on the plant and felt its warmth. Annabeth said a little prayer for the plant's safety, hoping that the Blue Bird/Godmother would take care of it.

  Annabeth climbed the rope up to the roof. She was stronger than most of the girls in her village, but this was a challenge. It was almost 20 feet up to the roof, and by the time she reached the top her arms were so tired they were about ready to give up.

  Finally, she made it to the top but her arms needed a rest. As Annabeth looked out over the night and the scattered light of the city, she was reminded of how beautiful the world was. Tears formed at the corners of her eyes as she saw, far off in the distance, her little village. Her parents must be there.

  The rope tugged a little and she tugged back. Annabeth wasn't sure how to get down the rope. She could just crawl down using her hands and legs, but she was suddenly struck with an idea that sounded both frightening and the most fun she could ever have. With a mischievous smile, she grabbed the rope with both hands wrapped thickly in rags, and jumped off the roof. She slid down the rope, air whooshing by her, going faster and faster. She was scared but something inside of her could help itself as she let out a loud "Woooooo!"

  The Prince saw her sliding down the rope, whooping and hollering like a savage. He couldn't help but smile, he like this Princess already. One thing she hadn't counted on was how the rope sagged a bit and how fast she was coming down. At this rate she would slam right into the wall and fall 50 feet to the ground. Prince Ryan had mere moments to form a plan. He grabbed an extra piece of rope, tied it to the wall, and watched as she slid down.

  He timed his jump perfectly. Swinging down and to the side, the Prince swooped in and snatched her off the rope. Annabeth grabbed on to the Prince and held on for dear life, just thankful to be safe. The Prince's feet landed on the side of the wall and he repelled them down safely.

  Feet firmly on the ground they got a good look at each other. Prince Ryan was taken aback. He had never seen anything more beautiful in his life, but it was more than just because she was pretty. It was like she glowed. Most princesses were stuck up and spoiled, but this one seemed to have none of that. He didn't know what to say.

  Annabeth looked at Prince Ryan and wasn't sure what to think. He was handsome, but very rugged and it looked like he hadn't showered in some time. In fact, he had a bit of a scoundrel look to him. But he had saved her life, twice, so she was indebted to him. Plus he was kind of cute…

  Prince Ryan was finding it difficult to speak, "My name is Ryan, uh, Prince that is, Prince Ryan of Altersia. It's my great honor to save you."

  Annabeth laughed softly, he was cuter when he was nervous, "Thank you for saving me my good prince, my name is Princess Annabeth. Altersia? Isn't that where the mushrooms come from?"

  The Prince looked embarrassed, "Well, I suppose, yes it is. We should be off. They'll be looking for you soon enough." And with that he grabbed hold of her hand and they ran away from the castle.

  They came to the Pri
nce's horse and after mounting, Ryan helped Annabeth up behind him. They rode out of the city and into the dark forest.

  Once they were far enough away, and Ryan was reasonably sure that listening ears out of range, he asked Annabeth, "So, where can I take you? Where’s your home?"

  There was a sadness in Annabeth's voice, "I suppose that was my home. It seems that the Royal Couple are my parents."

  Prince Ryan brought the horse to a stop and spun around, "Are you telling me that I just kidnapped a Princess from her castle?! That’s just Fantastic!"

  Annabeth worried that he might return her to the castle, so she spoke quickly, "No, you don't understand. You see, they locked me in the tower and I had to escape."

  The Prince shook his head, "Honey, I don't care what they did. You belong to them and I'm honor bound to take you back."

  Annabeth pleaded, "Please, don't. I have a mission. The Royal Couple is evil and I have to stop them. I can't go back there." Annabeth began to tell the Prince her tale.

  To Prince Ryan's credit he listened to the whole thing. He thought it was interesting, certainly not something you hear everyday.

  When she finished the Prince looked more softly at her, "Okay, I get why you want to leave, and I'll admit that it's strange for parents to do that to their kids, especially if you didn't do anything to deserve it. I'm not sure that I buy the part about the bird and the Godmother, though a blue bird did deliver the rag to me. This is all pretty strange. So what's this True Justice your Godmother spoke of, what does it do?"

  Annabeth looked uncertain, "I think it means that everyone will finally get what they deserve. So if you've done bad things, then you get really bad things happen to you. But if you've done good things then you get very good things. I just don't know for sure."

  The Prince suddenly looked grave, "I see," he said, "We should make camp here for the day. Probably not a good idea to travel when everyone can see you."

  Annabeth agreed but she nervously noticed that something about the Prince's demeanor changed.