Princess Tessy's Ride Into Peril - A Beautiful Day - Princess Tessy - Princess Tessy Stories | ||
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Princess Tessy's Ride Into Peril Chapter One - A Beautiful Day 
The stunningly beautiful Princess Tessy had risen earlier than usual that morning, almost early enough to greet the sun, which many said was so envious of her beauty that it took pains to rise before her. So early did she rise that she was the one who had to awaken her maids to help her dress, rather than the other way around. It was the first true day of spring, after a long cold winter, and Tessy had resolved to get as much out of it as she could. Her maids sleepily but happily helped dress her in her petticoats and her gown, a lovely rose colored satin gown that she had recently added to her sumptuous wardrobe along with the purple velvet cloak that she wore when going out riding or walking in her realm. After strolling among the rose gardens, she had delicious breakfast and spent time with her two favorite hugfriends; Mr. Bear and Lady Bear. Lady Bear, between hugs, praised the Princess for her lovely choice of garments."You look like a true lady." She said. "Every bit what one would expect from a Princess." "Yes." Agreed Mr. Bear. "And what does our Princess have planned for this fine spring morning?" Princess Tessy answered. "I think I shall go riding through the forests of the realm and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine today. It has been such a long cold winter that I’ve long looked forward to days like today." "Be careful out there." warned the Bears together. "We would not wish anything to happen to our fair Princess. One of us should come with you my dear. Or at least you should go out with one of the Palace Guards." 
"No need to worry them." Princess Tessy laughed. "I can well take care of myself. Even dressed as I am I can deal well with any threat that may occur. It is not for nothing that I spend all those hours in the Royal gym.""Besides" she added. "Nothing could happen to me in Happy World. None of my subjects would dare try to harm me." The Princess set out of the castle towards the stable. She smiled and waved goodbye to her friends laughing at their concerns. She loved them dearly but felt they worried way too much about her. Princess Tessy ruled the land called Happy World, a peaceful kingdom far far away from the cares and worries of ordinary mortals, along with her friends and advisors, Mr. Bear and Lady Bear. All citizens of Happy World dearly loved the Princess, as did many tourists and visitors to her enchanted realm. Most who were granted an audience with her often kneeled or curtsied in front of her and were rewarded with a friendly hug, for she was quite affectionate as well as beautiful. Most of her hugs were reserved for Mr. Bear and Lady Bear, her hugfriends as she referred to them, but she returned the love of her subjects and ruled wisely and well. If there was one friend Princess Tessy loved more dearly than the Bears, it was her beautiful white horse Alabaster. Alabaster was a snow-white stallion and the most beautiful horse in all the land. His noble grace and bearing made him the perfect royal companion to Happy World’s beloved Princess. The Royal stable master was only too glad to help the Princess saddle Alabaster and bring him out for her. Everybody who served Princess Tessy found great pleasure in doing so. She was so kind and gracious that any work they did never seemed like work at all. Even Alabaster was more than happy to bear the Princess wherever she wished to go and seemed more than anxious to start their little adventure. "Good morning, Alabaster!" said the Princess happily, stroking her dear horse’s nose and feeding him a lump of sugar she brought from the breakfast table. Alabaster accepted the sugar gratefully and nuzzled his mistress with great affection. Zeke, the stable master, watched enviously. "He’ll be glad to get out, Your Highness!" He said. "He’s missed you terribly." "Well thank you for taking such good care of him Zeke!" said Tessy giving him a small kiss on the forehead that made him blush deeply enough to match her dress. 
"Need some help mounting?"
"Not at all!" said the Princess as she gracefully pulled herself up on to the back of Alabaster and settling into a comfortable sidesaddle position arranging the skirts of her dress until they covered the saddle and behind. Princess Tessy was by no means a lazy sit at home royal. She spent many hours riding outdoors when the weather was good and doing gymnastics and fencing in the royal gym when the weather was bad. Although winters were cold, she loved them because then she could indulge in her most favorite sport, ice-skating. Many people spoke of her graceful figure skating and many of Happy World’s most talented composers wrote and performed exquisite ballet scores for their Princess to skate too. She was like a dream to watch, gliding across the ice like a faerie across the surface of a still mirrored pond. And she loved to wear the skating dresses, although they were far more daring than what most ladies generally wore. She would wear almost nothing else if not for Lady Bear’s insistence that the Princess wear long dresses when she wasn’t on the ice. There was very little ice to skate on today, as Princess Tessy and Alabaster rode through the towns and hamlets surrounding the castles of Happy World. All the men who were out that morning knelt as she passed while the ladies all curtseyed. Those were too busy or too old to kneel made do with a quick but respectful bow to their beloved Princess. She graciously acknowledged all of their courtesies with a warm smile and a wave. The wind was building up bringing a slight chill to the morning air, but the sun was spreading its rays across the sky bathing it in brilliant hues of orange and red as the Princess set off down the path towards the forest. Chapter Two - A Good Day Gone Bad Once out of the inhabited dwellings, Princess Tessy urged Alabaster into a trot and then a gallop. Holding tight to the rains and the saddle. Tessy thrilled to the wind blowing through her hair, after blowing off the hood of her cloak. It wasn’t easy staying on a galloping horse while riding sidesaddle but Tessy, being an experienced rider, enjoyed the dangerous challenge this presented. Coming to the edge of the forest, she slowed Alabaster down to a slow walking gait and gazed admiringly at the beauty of the forest surrounding her. Slowly they made their way along the path admiring the sunlight filtering through the trees and seeing if any of the budding leaves were visible just yet. The sunlight shined gloriously and reflected off of her cloak and her gown seeming to send shimmering light into the darkened corners of the forest. The birds sand almost in welcome to her radiant beauty and the many squirrels, deer and rabbits seemed to peek out joyously to gaze upon the beauty that walked among them. But not all within the forest were there to pay homage to the charming Princess. Lurking behind the trees in the darkest corners was a gang of Bandits, fierce and merciless cutthroats that robbed and harried any travelers unlucky enough to encounter them. It was rare to see them in the forests so near the castle and environs but the cold winter made travelers scarce and the pickings slim. It was merely Tessy’s misfortune that they happened to be in the forest for they recognized her immediately, the Princess was famous far and wide as a wise and wonderful ruler, and immediately concocted a plan to seize and hold her for a very high ransom. Bandits such as they are as notorious for their quick thinking as they are for striking without warning, and that is just what these fiends did. Before she even had time to think, the Bandits set upon poor Princess Tessy. Two very unpleasant looking men rode up beside her and Alabaster and seized her immediately. A third jumped on the horse behind her and, taking a long scarf, tied it into her mouth and wound it firmly around her head before she had the chance to cry out for help. The other two pulled her down while Skar, their leader, dismounted and grabbed Alabaster’s reins, holding him steady while his underlings bound Tessy’s hands in front of her with a thing leather thong. "Well well my boys! After a long cold winter we have our first little robin of spring, eh?" Said Skar with a very ugly grin, a result of his having very ugly teeth. "Your Highness!" he said, bowing with mock courtesy at his prisoner. "You are cordially invited to accompany us on an outing into the forest and to lands beyond. You are, of course, in no position to refuse." With a cruel laugh he ordered the men to place the Princess on Alabaster’s back again and had four men surround her so that she couldn’t try to break away. Skar dictated the ransom demand to the only member of the band who could write. It was direct and to the point, making no mistake of their evil intent. "We have your fair Princess. You will give us, let’s see, four pack mules each loaded with four times her weight in gold plus the crown jewels or you will never see her again. Have two unarmed messengers deliver the ransom to the Eastern foothills of Dragon Hills. And leave it there. When we have received the gold and the jewels, Princess Tessy and her horse will be released. Do not send any knights along with the ransom or have them attempt to rescue her. We are desperate men and will stop at nothing to get what we want. Sincerely yours, A Roving Band of Bloodthirsty Bandits" "All right." Said Skar, "Read that back to me!" "I can’t! I only know how to write. You know I can’t read!" "Aaarrgh! Why do I bother?" Said Skar as he took a carrier pigeon from the cage and dispatched it towards the castle with the Ransom demand attached. Then, the bandits rode through the forest towards Dragon Hill, with a helpless and frightened Princess Tessy in their evil clutches. Chapter Three - A Chance to Escape All along the way, her captors taunted Princess Tessy but scared as she was, she resolved not to show it. Bravely holding back her tears, Tessy resolved that she would bear her ordeal with all the grace and dignity that one would expect of a Princess. It was hard looking down at her delicate hands, tightly bound together by the crude leather thong. She would have murmured some encouraging words to Alabaster were it not for the gag that filled her mouth and prevented her words from being anything other than a muffled whine. Summoning up her resolve, Tessy pulled up her chin and looked straight ahead, assuming this stoic position all throughout the days ride. At night, they finally came to the foot of Dragon Hill, a rough forbidding looking country, barren and rocky. Most of the rocks seemed to be charred black at certain points, because, as legend has it, a fire-breathing dragon lived in those hills and few who ventured into them ever returned to tell the tale. Tessy shuddered in spite of herself as she saw the landscape in front of her. Stopping at a clearing almost at the edge of the forest they dismounted and pulled Tessy off of Alabaster. Skar spread out a crude but soft blanket under one of the trees for the Princess to sit on while Alabaster was taken to a tree opposite the clearing, hobbled and tied to the branch of a tree. "Well she might as well be comfortable while we wait for the ransom to come. It should be here by tomorrow morning. Or afternoon at the latest." Said Skar. "Bind her feet though so she doesn’t get any ideas about running away." One of the men led her to the blanket and made her sit down. Then he lifted her skirts just enough to expose her ankles, which he tightly bound together. "I trust the accommodations are to your liking? Your Highness." Said the Bandit doing the same mock bow that Skar did earlier. Tessy scowled at him and then tried to settle as comfortably as she could under the circumstances. She watched as some of the Bandits gathered wood and built a fire while others watered and fed the horse, including Alabaster, whose beauty did not escape their admiration. A small party disappeared into the woods to hunt for dinner while others engaged in gambling and drinking purloined wine, the one thing there seemed to be plenty of. All around the camp seemed to buzz with excitement and Tessy began to wonder what was going on in the Realm of Happy World. Oh how the Bears would worry when they received the ransom note! Mrs. Bear had told her just that morning to be careful and now look! What an awful way for such a beautiful day to turn out! Bound gagged and helpless! Taken far from home. Tears began to form but remembering her resolve she quickly composed herself and made a determination to find a way to escape. Testing her bonds she decided that the first thing she needed was something to cut herself free. Near her a very ugly Bandit was getting very very drunk on wine. On his belt she noticed a dagger that would serve that purpose very well. She would bide her time and wait until he, and the rest of the camp, were asleep. The men returned with a newly slain deer, which they skinned and cooked. Meanwhile, Skar came over with a stale bun and pulling off Tessy’s gag pushed it into her bound hands. "Here! Eat hearty!" he said gruffly. "Is this all I get?" was Princess Tessy’s cold reply. "That and water, you’re a prisoner!’ "May I have the water first?" Tessy asked flatly. "I’ve been wearing a gag all day you know!" Skar said nothing but poured some water out of his canteen into a clay cup and gave it to his captive. She took it and drank it quickly for her mouth was parched and dry from the long journey. Skar watched as she ate the bread. When Tessy was finished he gave her a little more water and, before she could protest, gagged her again. Then he turned his back and joined his men in feasting on the delicious smelling venison. Tessy sighed and hoped that she could stay awake longer than the men and wishing she had more than bread to eat. As the night got later, the men slowly passed out, one after the other until the wine, meat and general weariness had them all snoring loudly. Carefully Princess Tessy pulled herself to her feet and in a crouching position, hobbled her way towards the one Bandit’s dagger. It was slow going. Her bound feet afforded her little movement and every time one of her captors turned or rolled over in his sleep, she froze in terror. It was only a few short inches, but with her limbs restrained, it might as well have been a league. After a few endless minutes she made it and gingerly pulling the dagger from its sheath she carefully turned it towards her wrists and served the tongs that bound them together. Then she severed the bonds around her ankles and pulled off her gag, breathing a sigh of relief as she massaged the marks the thongs left on her wrists. Motioning to Alabaster to be quiet, she slowly stole around the edge of the clearing and soon had her beloved mount free of his hobble. Carefully she led her horse into the brush cringing every time his hooves hit a stone or made a sound. She breathed a little easier as they got farther from the camp. Right, she thought, we’ll find the main highway and intercept the messengers and then I’ll send knights to arrest the Bandits and… Suddenly her way was blocked by three hulking figures on horseback. She was crestfallen to recognize one of them as Skar as he slowly rode his horse out of the shadows. "Leaving so soon?" he said angrily. "Wouldn’t hear of it!" Chapter Four - Captured Again "This is what I get for being chivver....chilver....chival....nice!" spat Skar as he seized Alabaster’s reins with one hand and Tessy’s wrist with the other. "Well no more of that! We’re going to make sure you don’t get away this time! Come on boys!’ He said as the other two horsemen followed with Skar’s riderless mount. When they got to the camp he pushed Tessy down on the blanket and called for more rope! "I’m gonna show you how we used to tie men in the Navy before I deserted! This has held even stronger men than me!" he said with a humorless laugh. Tessy was too terrified to even speak as the men brought long coils of rough looking rope to their leader. Pulling the Princess back to her feet he tightly bound her hands behind her with her wrists crossed together and pulled up uncomfortably and passed the rope around her waist and shoulders, pinning her arms to her side and pulling the rope tighter with every wind. "Ow Stop! I won’t try to get away I...mmmph!" Said Tessy as the hated gag was tied back into her mouth tighter than ever. Fine way to treat a Princess! Tessy thought indignantly, along with several words that Mrs. Bear never wanted to hear her say. Angrily Skar wound the rope around her legs. Tessy saw the skirts of her lovely gown being bunched and wrinkled by the cruel rope that snaked all around them. Finally binding her feet together he all but threw her down on the blanket and pulling her into a sitting position against the trunk of the tree he took more rope and tied it around her waist and the trunk of the tree securing her to it. Then he took a hammer and pounded a stake into the ground. Tying one end of a short piece of rope to the stake he took the other end and tied it around Tessy’s bound ankles. Pulling her legs out straight and making it impossible for her to move at all. "Now you’ll just stay that way until we get our ransom!" Skar hissed between his teeth. "You should know that Bandits sleep with one eye open, even drunk! You might have been able to pull one over on Bodkin!" he continued, indicating the still snoring man Tessy had stolen the dagger from. "But you’ve got to get up pretty early in the morning to put one over on me!" With that he rose and left poor Tessy, in an even worse state than she was in earlier. The rope around her bare arms and hands itched terribly and although her skirts protected her legs a little better. She was even more helpless than ever. Now the tears flowed freely as she realized the hopelessness of her situation. Helplessly Tessy gave Alabaster a forlorn look as she saw him once more hobbled and tied to a tree. She wanted to say, "I’m sorry Alabaster! I failed us both! " But could only imagine a muffled gurgle mingled with choking sobs. Every so once in a while she tried her bonds and found them too tight for her to even move! Having bolstered her courage as much as she could, Tessy still couldn’t help but cry herself into a fitful slumber. Chapter Five - An Even Worse Day The first thing Tessy saw that morning when she awoke was her lovely gown crisscrossed by the hard brown rope that held her prisoner. Her whole body ached from being bound so tightly and she tried to move her hands but they throbbed with pain from being tied so tight behind her. She wiggled her fingers and ran the tips against the bark of the tree to make sure that they had circulation. It was poor circulation but it was there. She tried to cry out to get Skar’s attention but could only manage a muffled moan. Skar heard her anyway as he and the Bandits awakened and came to her with a mirthless grin. "Well good morning to you Your Royal Highness! No sense in giving me those doe eyed looks my dear. You were a very naughty girl last night so no breakfast for you!" He said mockingly. "No water either. I’m a nice guy when I want to be but I don’t like being taken advantage of! So you can just stay like that until we get our ransom! And then we’ll deal with you!" Deal with you?, thought Tessy. What could that mean? Surely they would keep their word and release her like they said once they got the ransom. Some of the men were feeding Alabaster and petting her and she strained to hear what they were saying. "A fine horse he is. Bring a handsome price he will!" Were they planning to sell Alabaster? How would she return to the castle? Maybe they’d give her one of their own mounts, she thought, or maybe..... Maybe they weren’t going to release her at all! She had heard of women being taken away and sold to pirates who in turn took them overseas and sold them to slave markets! Would this be her fate? A thrill of terror came over her at the thought. Would she ever see Happy World again? Would she ever hold her hugfriends in her arms and feel their warmth against her? What was to become of her? She would find out sooner than she planned, for one of Skar’s men returned from the Dragon Hill, where he was ordered to scout around and wait for the ransom to be delivered. "They brung it Skar! Clear as day itself. Four Mules nearly staggering under the weight of the gold they carry. And a fifth one! Loaded with diamonds, emeralds rubies! Oh it’s a sight to see it is!" "Was their anybody there? Did they have anybody around them?" "No sir! Just the mules. They followed your orders to a T." "Ahh, honest men make our job so much easier." Said Skar with a laugh. Then, turning to the captive Princess, he said. "Well Your Highness, we will soon come to the parting of the ways." And with that he untied the rope securing her to the tree and holding her legs to the stake but kept the rest of her body tied up. "The tricky thing about kidnapping is that once your hostage is released, they have a tendency to go to whatever authorities they can find and give them the descriptions of their captors. Then these authorities tend to arrest said captors which results in a bunch of perfectly respectable bandits either getting hanged or spending long times lock up in prison." While saying this he lifted his terrified captive in his arms and carried her to Alabaster. "Now this horse we could sell, no problem. But you! You are far too famous. If we tried to sell you to the pirates somebody would recognize you and report it." He laid her face down on Alabaster’s saddle, in a most undignified position and tied her in place. "Now, if you were a man, I’d slit yer throat and leave you for the buzzards! But I can’t do that to a lady. I’ve never slain a lady in my life, you see, respect for my mother you know!" Tessy had only a moment to wonder what Skar’s mother thought of his being in this particular line of work before he continued. All of the Bandits were mounted and ready to ride out. "But as a special treat, I’m going to take you up in the hills to see a very dear friend of mine." Taking Alabaster’s reins, he led him to his own horse and mounted. "I’ll give you one last ride with your precious horsy, Princess and then it’s fare thee well." And with that he gave the order to move out and led the men and their securely bound and hopeless captive to face an uncertain fate. The ride was short but rough and rocky. In her horrible uncomfortable position, Tessy saw the poor mules trembling under the weight of their burdens and wished there was something she could do for them, but she could do nothing for herself let alone mules. The thought that this was the last she would see of Alabaster or Mr. Bear or Mrs. Bear or any of her beloved citizens of Happy World was more than she could bear. Whatever her fate she prayed that they wouldn’t be too unhappy and that they would remember her well and know that she loved them all dearly. The mules faded from sight as they came to the tricky mountain pass. The Bandits dismounted. Skar cut Tessy loose from Alabaster and carried her over his shoulder up the pass. Tessy said a silent farewell and felt heartsick at the sadness she saw in her dear horse’s eyes. She hoped his new owner would love him as much as she did. Tessy’s captors finally carried her to a canyon where a stout blackened wooden steak stood alone among the rocky terrain. Unloading his burden carefully from his shoulder, Skar and his men stood Tessy up against the stake and, as if she wasn’t bound enough already, tied her to the stake with another long length of rope. "It’s a ferocious fire breathing dragon that lives here!" Said Skar at last. "You might think he’s a legend but he’s real all right! All I have to do is blow that horn." He pointed to an old weather beaten horn. "And that will awaken him. And he always wakes up hungry. And what could satisfy a hungry dragon more than a fair Princess?" he said with a laugh that spread throughout the assembled throng. "And so I bid you farewell" he said bowing with mock courtesy as the men filed down the pass. Skar stopped only long enough to blow a long and mournful note on the horn before he hurried after his men. Princess Tessy was left alone to face the dragon she heard stirring from the cave above her. She renewed he resolution to face the end with dignity and courage. Chapter Six - An Unlikely Rescue With each passing moment the Dragon came closer and closer and through the mouth of the cave she could see the tip of his scaly snout. Tessy held her head as high as she could. Her beautiful eyes grew as hard and cold as she could make them be. She was ready to face the Dragon with all the courage she could muster. The Dragon was in full view. He was fat and scaly with shimmering green scales and long clawed forearms. Fire shot out of his long mouth from between his long sharp teeth and flickering forked tongue and wide flaring nostrils as he let out a loud roar.. His powerful hind legs propelled him forward and his long spiky tail dragged behind him as he advanced upon the helpless Princess. Almost on top of her he opened his mouth and, quite unexpectedly, spoke. "Sorry about that. I was sleeping when the horn blew and I’m always a bit grouchy when I awaken. Right I’ll deal with you straightaway!" As he said this he leaned close to the stake and exposing his long sharp fangs he moved his head behind the Princess and with a careful nibble, severed the stout rope that bound her to the stake. Tessy tried the best she could to keep her balance as the Dragon came closer, using the one of the claws on his forearms to gingerly pick at the rope that tied the rest of her body. "Please hold still. I want to do this, if I can, without scratching you or ruining your lovely gown" Tessy was actually surprised that her clothes had held up as well as they did considering all she’d been through. Finally the rope was severed and the Dragon slowly unwound it from her. Tessy felt relieved to be out of those awful bonds and slowly massaged her wrists and arms as her body tingled with the circulation returning. Slowly she removed her gag and looked up at the Dragon, not at all understanding what had just happened and why she hadn’t been eaten. "My ears are somewhat sensitive which is why I’m glad the people left here are usually gagged. Screaming gives me such a headache." He said. For a Dragon he seemed quite well spoken. "Ah Spring is here at last I suppose. I probably don’t have to guess that Skar and his vile minions left you here since you didn’t look as though you came on your own accord, Princess Tessy." He said and kneeled as best as he could which, considering his immense size, was not very well. "You-you know who I am?" said the Princess, never dreaming that a Dragon could even speak. "Why yes!" said the Dragon. "Your grace and beauty are known far and wide. And honored as I am to meet you, I’m more than a little perturbed that those scoundrels would dare to subject you to such humiliation." Princess Tessy was at a loss for words. "You see" said the Dragon. "Skar and his men often leave victims here for me, mistakenly assuming I would eat them. Such stuff and nonsense that goes out around about dragons! That’s why I live up here in the hills, I prefer to be alone than to have brave errant knights slaying me to make a name for themselves. But still we get foul villains tying damsels in distress to the stake and running away. I release them, feed them, let them rest and send them on their way, but never do I eat them! I’m a vegetarian." "Then why?...." said Tessy. "I mean the fangs" 
"Yes, well I need those to break into the hard rock land and dig out the coal and brimstone that I need to feed my fire. And I need my fire to bake my pies and muffins, I’m quite proud of my pies and muffins Your Highness and would very much like for you to try them" He said. "Although they couldn’t possibly measure up to what you must be used to eating being a Princess and all."He paused for a moment to give his guest, not captive of course, a chance to take this all in. "I don’t know what you’ve heard about Dragons but most of us are really quite harmless if you treat us kindly. I only use my fire for baking and defense. I really just prefer to be left alone to pies and muffin. But I forget my manners, your Highness, why I haven’t even introduced myself! My name is Harold and I am at your service." He said with a bow, which was only slightly less clumsy than his kneeling. "I am pleased to meet you" said Tessy with a graceful curtsey. "And I thank you for your kindness but if it’s all the same to you I would so much like to return home. Mr. Bear and Lady Bear must be oh so worried about me. Then I must send men out to the docks to recover my horse and bring those fiends to justice." "All in good time Your Highness. All in good time." Said Harold. "First things first. You must be terribly hungry and weary. I insist that you come up to my cave and let me feed you and care for me. Then I will see that you get safe passage back home and that those monsters are dealt with. Now come with me." Harold turned and climbed the rocky path to his cave. Princess Tessy clutched her purple velvet cloak around her and followed hesitantly. Her legs felt wobbly from being bound for so long but she found the path to the cave surprisingly easy to manage. She still wasn’t sure if she could trust the Dragon but since she had few other options she decided to hope for the best. As if to read her thoughts Harold turned and said, "I will not harm you Your Highness. Come!" And so he went with an apprehensive Princess behind him who was being more aware of her hunger and thinking that even raw turnips would taste good at this point. Chapter Seven - Harold's Hospitality There was more than raw turnips, however, waiting for Princess Tessy as she entered the Dragon’s cave. From the inside it did not at all look like what shed had heard a Dragon’s cave would look like. Instead of bones and skulls and bits of charred armor and broken swords she found a large banquet table. Several chair, some looking quite comfy, crude but lovely paintings and sculpture, for Harold also had an artistic bent of sorts, and several rugs on the floors and tapestries on the walls woven of very luxurious looking fabric. So amazed at what she saw was the Princess that she never heard Harold call out to some other chambers of the cave. "Hurry my friends! Hurry! We have company again. And a most esteemed guest she is indeed! For my humble home entertains Royalty today!" So she was therefore very surprised to see about a half dozen lovely servant girls all curtseying very low and gracefully upon seeing the Princess while Harold introduced them. Tessy could not remember the names very well but did pick up by the description that they were elves. 
Most people have an image of elves as being tiny mischievous pixies with pointy ears and jingles on their heads and toes. Only the pointed ears are attributes that elves actually possess. Like these silent smiling maidens that guided a somewhat bemused Princess to the dinner table and immediately, almost in one fluid motion, served her some of the best pies muffins, and fruit tarts she’d ever tasted, elves are tall pale creatures, almost as tall as humans but a little thinner and pale, almost pure white, skin. Their eyes are somewhat bigger than those of a human and very deeply colored brown or blue. They always have a dignified and regal bearing that infuses even the lowliest servants among them with an awe inspiring elegance that few members of human royalty can ever aspire to.Tessy knew she was hungry, but never knew how hungry until she had started to eat what they served her. Never was her plate bare or her glass empty but she never had to give a command or even make a sound or gesture. They seemed to know instinctively what she wanted before even she did. Every once in a while she would try to speak to them, but never got anything more than a smile and a nod. But even the simple smile spoke volumes to her and she could not help but feel safe and protected with the elf maidens around her. And the food was delicious. Tessy wanted to tell Harold that his food could rival those of the Happy World castle but Harold was nowhere to be seen. She did hear his voice speaking quietly to someone but as she rose to see who it was, the maidens gently but firmly guided her away from the kitchen door and down a natural hallway of the cave into a large room. A large pool filled with steaming water took up most of the room. Two of the elf maidens quickly but gently removed Tessy’s purple velvet cloak her long pink gown and her white fluffy petticoat along with the rest of her undergarments before she was even aware of what was happening. Then they guided her to the pool until she almost had no choice but to allow herself to slip into the steaming water. It felt wonderful! It was just warm enough to tingle all over her body and immediately relax her tired and weary muscles. The water never got too hot or cold but always remained at a comfortable level that was both exhilarating and relaxing. Tessy didn’t have to lift even a finger. The Elf maidens scrubbed her gently with perfumed soaps and soft sponges and, after taking her from the bath and drying her off, they anointed her with a sweet smelling balm, paying special attention to the rope burns and bruises she sustained from the rough treatment of her abductors. These bruises healed instantly and immediately, for this was a magical balm known only to the elves and Tessy was the first human ever to feel their effects. Throughout her bath, Tessy began to feel very very sleepy and her mind was clouded to the point that she was barely aware of her surroundings. Had her hosts meant her harm she could have done nothing to stop them, so it was very fortunate that they did not, for she did not remember being dressed in the softest silken nightgown or being led to the warmest softest most comfortable bed she’d ever felt until she awoke late the following morning. A thin sunbeam filtered through the crack between the shutters over the window opposite the bed where the Princess awoke from a long restful slumber, punctuated by beautiful dreams of unicorns and flower gardens and sumptuous balls and glittering gowns. At first she didn’t know where she was but then the events slowly returned to her and she would have still dismissed them as a dream had not the raspy but jovial voice of Harold called form without the door. "Princess! If you are awake you might want to come out and see. There are one or two people who would like to see you." "I’ll be out in a minute!" said Tessy sleepily. She stretched again and slowly rose. Two elf maidens stood by the foot of her bed startling her momentarily. They curtseyed and helped her from the bed, sitting her down in a wire chair in front of a small vanity mirror. (Would anybody believe her when she told of such hospitality from a Dragon?) They began brushing and combing her hair gently and when they had finished, Tessy’s hair had shone so after they had, they took off her night gown and dressed her in the undergarments and petticoat that she wore when she left the Happy World Castle two days ago. Then she was put back into her pink satin gown and purple velvet cloak. All of these had been cleaned and mended to the point where they looked even cleaner and more elegant than they ever had when newly made. Tessy hadn’t realized how much wear her clothes had gone through but was still amazed at how new and clean everything had looked. The elf maidens smiled at her bemused expression and, taking her by the hand, led her out in to the main cavern where Harold was waiting. Chapter Eight - A Happy Reunion Harold was waiting along with a group of men who looked like the maidens but were only slightly manlier looking. Instead of the simple gowns the maids wore they were in leather jerkins and hose, some carried swords and others bows and arrow. All at once they fell to their knees and bowed their heads as Tessy entered the main chamber. Harold fell into one of his clumsy Dragon kneelings as well and Tessy’s hand was lightly and respectfully kissed by all assembled as she passed among them. The last to rise was a tall young elf with pale golden hair and ivory skin that gazed up at her with the deepest adoration in his eyes. His lips seemed to linger over her hand as he kissed it and, although he had a most princely bearing, he still remained kneeling even after the Princess had bid him to rise. Upon rising, he bowed low to the Princess and spoke. "Your Highness, Princess Tessy." He said as he bowed. "I am Louric, a Prince of the Northern elves and today and forever I will be your humble servant." For this is how elves speak when they are in love. It is rare that an elf will fall in love with a human and it takes an exceptional human to cause such a thing. It is also rare that a Princess would describe a man as "beautiful" but Tessy could think of no other way to describe him. Harold smiled, as well as a Dragon can smile, and said. "Well done Princess Tessy, to conquer and enslave the heart of a Prince, and an Elf Prince at that!" Tessy blushed at this and smiled low as Louric took her gently by the hand. Harold continued. "My dear Princess, if you will follow me to the outside there is someone who is most impatient to see you." Tessy and the elves followed Harold to the outside and there, just before the mouth of the cave stood the five pack mules still carrying all of the gold and jewels intended for the ransom and best of all, newly washed and looking whiter than ever, Tessy’s ever faithful mount. "Alabaster!" she cried rushing forward and throwing her arms around her tears of joy falling unashamedly from her eyes. Alabaster happily nuzzled the Princess and licked her hand. "I never thought I’d see you again!" she sobbed happily. "Oh I’m so glad you got away from those awful men! But...." Turning to Harold. "How? What happened?" "My Princess, if you please." Said Louric bowing again. (For elves are almost excessively well mannered) "That was more my doing than Harold’s although I was acting on his command." Chapter Nine - Elfin Justice Louric began his story. "My Princess, if you please. I will relate to you the fate of those merciless fiends who so poorly used you. The elves, of which I am proud to be the Prince of, are in charge of protecting and tending to all of the animals and plants and everything that dwells within the forests. Elves live all over the world make this their most solemn and exalted duty unseen by human eyes. You, oh Loveliest of the Lovely, are one of the few who has seen the elves.. Most travelers in the forest are safe from us, and our allies the Faerie, as long as they respect the forest and all that dwell within. Hunting, while frowned upon, is permitted as long as it is not cruel or excessive. But those who use the forest badly or mean it ill are not tolerated. These Bandits have been a thorn in our side for quite some time. Unfortunately they are an especially clever bunch and most elusive, even for those with our inborn woodcraft. Harold has often rescued victims of their depredations from himself, which shows that people have as absurd notions of dragons as they do of elves." Princess Tessy smiled at this. After meeting Harold she couldn’t imagine anybody who was more hospitable and courteous than he, unless it was Louric, who seemed to be quite taken with her. Tessy slowly became aware of how mutual this feeling was becoming. The Elfin Prince continued. We had hoped that the long and cold winter had driven them far away but the horn call had told us otherwise. Springtime is a busy time for the elves, helping the forest re awaken after the winter’s slumber, but we decided, last night as you slept, that these Bandits must be dealt with once and for all. For anybody who would harm a beautiful Princess would be desperate enough to wreak all sorts of havoc. So Harold and I decided that my hardiest warriors would track them down and make sure they will never be a threat to anyone ever again." Tessy blanched at this. Bad as they were, she still didn’t want to think that they had been slain. Louric smiled at her. "Your Highness has a beauty that goes very deep. Few who were as ill-treated as you would be so compassionate towards their tormentors. But fear not, they lived but probably wished that they do not." "One thing about humans is that they have a hard time going through the forest without making noise. They could not disguise their presence if they tried. And Skar’s band of men weren’t even trying. We picked up their trail quickly and before long we came upon them: Loudly arguing over how they were to divide the ransom. It was an easy matter to set upon them and surround them, especially for those like us, who live in harmony with all that live. Well they were not used to being surprised themselves. Nor were they accustomed to meeting people who could fight back. They surrendered quickly like a pack of sniveling cowards, begging for mercy as we bound them." "What is to become of them?" Asked the Princess. "They are quite safe, and you are even safer from them. My warriors are taking them to the Elfin stronghold, deep into the darkest corners of the forest, where they will be imprisoned for the rest of their lives in prisons that no man or woman has ever escaped from. They will be well fed and well treated, much better treated than they deserve to be. For we are not vengeful, even though the thought of them harming anything that lives angers us no end. They will be put to work and spend their days doing useful things to aid the world instead of harming it. If even one of them sincerely regrets and repents his wicked way of life then we will be satisfied." "Yes"-said Harold. "And we have also sent word to your Castle that you are quite safe and will return this very day. We do not want your friends to worry." Tessy felt tears of happiness and gratitude as she spoke. "How can I ever thank you? All of you have been so wonderful to me! Harold! I will tell everyone about your kindness and hospitality so that nobody will ever bother you again." 
"I would respectfully prefer that you tell no one about me, Princess. For the fewer people who know of me the better. I have found that most humans care not whether a creature means them harm or not. They are still controlled by their petty superstitions and would constantly harass me day and night. I would have no time to make my pies or muffins. If more were like you, Your Highness, I would feel differently.""Very well then, Dear Harold." The Princess replied. "But I would be honored if you would consider me a friend and confidant and that you will allow me to visit you from time to time, when my Royal duties permit." With that she gracefully curtseyed to her host and, impulsively, came up to him and hugged him, giving him a kiss on his snout, which would have made him blush if Dragons were capable of doing so. Chapter Ten - The Road Homeward Turning to Louric, the Princess spoke again. "Good Prince." She said. "You and your elves have done a wonderful service, not only to me but to all who dwell in and around the Kingdom of Happy World. I am forever in your debt. All the gold from the ransom and much more is yours if you so desire." Louric laughed a laugh that was carefree and joyful. "My Princess! You are indeed generous and kind. But what use have elves for gold and jewels? The trees and beasts of the forests are far more precious to us than any gems or precious metals! Nay my Princess the only reward that I dare ask is the privilege of escorting you safely to your castle that I may be assured of your safe return and spend a few more fleeting hours in your presence!" With that he kneeled before her again. Borrowing a sword from one of the other elves that knelt following the lead of their Prince, Tessy drew herself to full height and tapped the Prince on each shoulder. "Good Prince. I will do you more than merely that. I dub you a Knight of Happy World in service of Princess Tessy and command you and your elves to continue the good work you have done since time immemorial with the one provision." Her voice softened noticeably. "That you, Prince Louric do not remain hidden from me and that all of your elves consider themselves honorary citizens of Happy World to come and go as you please. My home and my kingdom are yours should you ever have need. Now rise Sir Louric!" Kissing her hand, Louric rose. "You honor me more than I am worthy of Princess Tessy and you have our eternal gratitude. I will serve you well and forever exalt your name." Princess Tessy blushed modestly at this. Such high praise from one so fair and beautiful was more than she could bear and her heart was overflowing with joy at the thought of returning to her beloved home with such a handsome escort. Turning to Harold she spoke. "Good Dragon the same goes for you too. Should ever you need protection or help from us, fly as fast as you can to my castle and we will do everything we can for you." Harold bowed his head and thanked her warmly: Meaning with love and affection, for he was careful not to breathe fire upon her. "And now the time has come for me to depart." Said Tessy. 
Preparations for the journey were immediate. The mules, after a rest and a good feed, were loaded again with their burden and another horse was loaned to the Princess as well and hitched to a cart, which was loaded with fine silken fabrics for her to make gowns of as well as a load of freshly baked pies and muffins from Harold’s kitchen.They set off immediately. Princess Tessy rode among the fair and beautiful elf warriors with Prince Louric at her right. They passed the time with songs and stories the like of which Tessy had never heard. They surpassed the beauty and dignity of her hosts immeasurably. Louric sang to her a song of love and praise to her beauty that made the Princess blush again with a wonderful sort of embarrassment as the happy procession rode deep into the forest. The day was warm, but not too warm, and the sun shone brightly through the treetops sending rays of light along the way, illuminating the road before them. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves and gently played upon their hair and caressed their faces. The forest looked lovelier than ever to the Princess, much lovelier than the last time she came this way, as a bound and gagged prisoner. Chapter Eleven - Another Joyful Reunion But the peace seemed short lived as they heard what sounded like a large amount of people on horseback headed their way on the path. Louric silently signaled his men to stop. He listened further. "It sounds like twenty or thirty men on horseback!" He said after a while. "But who could it be? Not bandits!" Said the Princess anxiously. Then drawing on her inner reserve of courage she drew herself up and said. "Well these bandits won’t find me easy prey. Not this time!" Louric smiled. "You are indeed brave, Princess. But I refuse to risk endangering you further. You two" He said to two elf warriors behind him. "Guard the Princess with your lives! The rest of you come with me!" He drew his sword and led his regiment forward, leaving Tessy feeling somewhat left out of the action and more than a little anxious. The two elves smiled at her reassuringly but said nothing. Louric seemed to be the most verbose of his race, but maybe that was because he was royalty. A short distance ahead he heard Louric’s voice ring out! "Halt and identify yourselves" A familiar voice answered. "We are knights of Happy World and we have come to seek our Princess who was abducted by bandits two days ago!" Before her guardians could stop, the Princess urged Alabaster forward until she came into full view. It was her Captain of the Guards, William. "I am here and safe. These men are friends who helped to rescue me and have agreed to escort me home!" She could barely contain her joy. Immediately William dismounted and knelt in front of Alabaster. "Your Highness! We have searched night and day for you ever since we heard that you had been taken. We have vowed never to rest until you were either rescued or avenged! It fills my heart with joy to see you safe and well!" Tessy gracefully dismounted and happily threw her arms around William. The forest rang with cheers from the knights and the elves. After introductions all around the happy travelers proceeded towards the Castle. Chapter Twelve - Home at Last: A Happy Ending Tessy returned to Happy World and was greeted by cheering throngs of Citizens all who were relieved to see their beloved Princess returned to them. All along the way to the castle they bowed and curtseyed and tossed flowers in the path before her. Many gazed in awe at the strange warriors having never seen Elves in person before. They wondered at these fair and beautiful warriors who had mingled with the Knights and especially at the fairest of them all, Louric who rode alongside Princess Tessy in a spirit of joyful admiration. 
The Castle was all-abuzz with Tessy’s return. Maids tripped over each other to curtsey and offer whatever service the Princess required. Eventually they took charge of the unloading of the cart, directing eager volunteers as to where the pies and muffins were to be placed as well as the fabrics and other gifts. Mr. Bear, while glad to see the ransom returned to the treasury was even happier to see his Beloved Princess returned to him. So glad was he that he cared little for the gold and jewels and it was many warm tearful hugs before he could tear himself away long enough to order it returned to the royal treasury. Zeke, the stable hand, helped the Princess down from Alabaster and took the tired mount to the stable promising him a good rubdown and the best oats he could find. He also had the weary pack mules given the very best of treatment and said that they were to spend the next two weeks in the pasture as a vacation due to the heavy burden that way laid upon them. Mrs. Bear gently scolded the Princess for not being more careful and heeding her warning, between warm hugs and kisses. Louric was introduced and he and all the Elves were given the very best rooms in the castle to stay in for as long as they wished. Louric expressed a desire to court the Princess, which the Princess readily agreed to. However, Mrs. Bear’s approval was most crucial and, while she found the Elf Prince charming, said that she would give the matter the gravest consideration.A holiday was declared and the entire land launched into a weeklong celebration. There was feasting, games, drinking, jugglers, minstrels, singing, dancing and unbridled joy all around. The Princess, showing little or no ill effects of her ordeal, found a most eager audience in the court as she related her adventures during the last couple of days. The Royal Minstrels set to work immediately composing an epic song about them, which they repeated far and wide around the kingdom. Tessy remembered her promise to Harold and, while mentioning his kindness in not eating her, said that he left the realm upon capturing Skar and his Bandits. The story was repeated far and wide and many plays and poems were based on it. And that is about all there is to tell. Princess Tessy and her friends in Happy World had many more adventures, of course: As many as there are people to tell them. But all of them, like this one, ended well and Tessy lived happily in her kingdom for the rest of her days. This is the end of this great Princess Adventure. Big thank you and *hugs* from me and hugbears go to a special Prince in Hollywood. Princess Tessy Stories |
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