FIC: The Merchant's Son and the Prince
To make up for the nasty bitch-fest of last week (I'm feeling much better now *wink*) I am re-releasing a gift fic! Yay! I liked this one a lot cause I got to read a bunch of Grimm's Fairy Tales for it. Those bros were whackos! *laugh* Hope you enjoy! I also hope I stayed true to the old time fairy tale style. Let me know how you think I did, okay? ^___^
Title: The Merchant's Son and the Prince
Author: lddurham
Rating: PG
Warning: Slash
Pairing: Harry/Draco Draco/Harry
Beta: deathangelgw
Author's Note: Gift fic for noir_black56 written in the Grimm's Fairy Tale style.
The Merchant’s Son and the Prince
Once upon a time, long ago, there were two girls who were great friends and looked upon each other as sisters. As they grew, they were both known for their beauty, but one was more known for her manners while the other for her heart. When it was time for them to marry, they both married for love. One married a king and the other a merchant and they were both very happy. Both women were blessed with a son within their first year of marriage. The queen had a child of fair hair and skin, while the merchant’s wife had a boy of dark hair and swarthy features. The two friends wished that their sons’ would find the friendship and love that they had with each other and would often have tea together so the two little ones could play.
But the king's adviser, a most vile and evil sorcerer, did lust after the merchant's wife and one day pledged his troth to her. But the queen and merchant's wife repudiated him. In anger, the sorcerer cursed both sons to never know love or friendship with each other or they would be cursed with lives full of sorrow and wretchedness.
The two women were sad, but made a pact that they would raise their sons to know nothing but hatred for the other.
Years passed and all knew of the feud between the merchant’s son and the Prince. The two hated the mere sight of the other. One day, the village had a large festival and all came and partook of the food and games. There was a grand dance and the Prince and the merchant’s son were resplendent in their fine clothing. In the spirit of the festival, the two had an unspoken truce, but though there was no bloodshed there was much competition between the two. All the games quickly became ties between the two men. They dominated all the dancing, as they danced with everyone but the other.
Finally, the Grand Hunt was announced and it was not long before the merchant's son and the Prince were separated from the rest in their zeal to best each other. The forest was dark and quiet when a mighty screech rent the air. Hearing such an unearthly sound, the merchant's son raised his sword high and went in search of it. He came upon a meadow where a great dragon was found. Never having engaged a dragon before, the merchant's son nevertheless charged toward it when he sighted a human victim in the beast's claws. With great heart and bravery he fought and slew the creature. In surprise, he found within the dead beast’s clutches the Prince, who was badly wounded. With a heavy heart for his fallen rival, the merchant's son pulled the Prince free and was greatly relieved when breath still moved the golden man's chest. Not far away, the boar they had hunted lay with the Prince's arrow protruding from its heart. The Prince had won the Hunt but had been caught by the scavenging dragon, which had been attempting to steal the prize. The merchant’s son knew great admiration for his rival then and was sore relieved when the Prince opened his grey eyes. And the Prince, once hearing of the tale of his rescue by his enemy, also found great admiration in his heart and the two looked upon each other with eyes unclouded by a parent’s lying tongue.
In great confusion and newness, the two men set off to the river in which to bathe the Prince’s wounds. Having discovered most of the blood belonged to the boar and the dragon, the two men sat about a fire and spoke in friendly tones to each other. As the evening wore on, more than admiration filled their hearts. Soon the two lay with each other under the moon as a married couple would and found great love and companionship in each other’s arms that night.
But in the morn, great tragedy unfolded. Cold grey eyes greeted the merchant’s son where a lover’s eyes should have been. The Prince’s words and gestures were indifferent and heartless and the two men departed in anger. When they returned to the village, it was discovered that both the merchant and the King had died the night before in sorrow, having believed their sons destroyed by the dragon. The Prince soon was crowned and a more unfeeling and cold ruler there never was. The merchant’s son knew then that something evil had been done and sought his widowed mother’s advice.
The merchant’s wife told the tale of the evil sorcerer and the lies that had torn the two families apart. The merchant’s son sought the local witch and asked what could be done for having found love in his Prince’s embrace, he would take no other but he. The witch was afraid of the evil sorcerer’s long reach but spoke truthfully still.
“Your beloved’s heart has been frozen and no warmth dwells there now. He shall be forever hateful and unkind, for no love or gentleness can reside in a heart so cold.”
The merchant’s son was sorrowful and begged the witch for anything that would undo such a wicked spell.
“Seek the White Wizard in the North. He is the one that is feared by the Dark. Seek him, for he may know what will unspell the Prince.”
The next morn, the merchant’s son set out on his journey North to find the White Wizard. He vowed that he would return and set his beloved’s heart free.
There was great hardship and many a rainy night as the merchant’s son made his way. One very dark and stormy night, he tried to find shelter in a gloomy forest. A light drew him deeper until he found a hut. He knocked at the door and asked if he may find shelter within. A shadow came to the window.
“You will not find solace here, stranger. No one comes here, for I am a werewolf and many would hunt me rather than break bread with me.”
“If no one comes, then I would see that you are quite lonely. Allow me friendship and I shall not hunt you.”
Inside, a man of poor clothing and many scars greeted him warmly and happily shared his meagre meal and fire. The merchant’s son told of his quest to save his beloved Prince’s heart. The man had much sympathy and, having lost his own love long ago, wished to help the younger man. He brought forth a wrinkled bit of parchment and pressed it upon the merchant’s son.
“It is of great value, though it does not look it. If ever you are in the dark, this shall reveal the way.”
The merchant’s son gratefully accepted it and thanked the man. The next morn he set off again with a promise to visit his newfound friend as soon as he released his beloved Prince.
Many more miles were crossed and the merchant’s son was weary as he sat himself on a boulder near a river. He had no more provisions and was very hungry. He set about trying to catch a fish for his supper and was most vexed when he was unable to. Finally, he did fashion a spear from some reeds and, after many attempts, was able to bring a fish to the fire. He was nearly ready to eat his scanty meal when the sound of a cat mewling caught his ear. Outside of the ring of light cast by his fire was a cat that looked pitiful in its hunger. The merchant’s son could not stand to see such a creature in pain and carefully held out his catch to the cat. The cat happily came forth and consumed the meal. When it was done it rose up on its hind legs and a great shimmer enveloped it. The merchant’s son was in awe as a woman stepped forth where the cat had been.
“Kind boy, you have offered your hard won meal to a small creature and did it with nothing but gentleness in your heart. I am a powerful witch and would see you rewarded for your kindness.”
The merchant’s son told his tale of sorrow to the witch and asked for anything that would melt his beloved’s heart.
“I am not so powerful that I may undo such a wicked spell, but you seek the one who can. However I will not leave without seeing you rewarded. I will give a broom that flies through the air as light and fast as a bird. It will aid you in your journey.”
The merchant’s son thanked the witch for such a wondrous gift and watched her disappear. In his fire he found his dinner as if it had never been touched.
Many more days passed and the merchant’s son came upon a craggy land of deep caves and high hills of rock. Within these hills, he found a castle of grey stone and he knew that he had finally reached the palace of the White Wizard.
He approached with caution and trepidation, though knowing that the White Wizard was a good and kind man, he was still in awe and fear of such great power. The White Wizard did welcome him most happily and listened in great concern to the merchant’s son’s tale.
“Good man, I am afraid that I offer no magic that can undo such a vile curse. It is Dark magic and can only be broken by Dark magic. I am not the one you must seek. To the east there is a cave so deep underground that it never is touched by the sun. Go you there and find in this cave a master of Dark and evil magic. He is a good wizard but one who hates all people. Seek him and he shall have the cure you wish.
“But your tale has touched me so that I can not allow you to leave with no aid from me. I will give a cloak that allows the wearer to be invisible to all.”
The merchant’s son thanked the White Wizard most gratefully for such an amazing and wondrous gift and set out to the east to find the master spoken of.
Many nights and days passed as the merchant’s son went east. Finally, he did come upon a great valley that was shadowed by mountains so high that none could see their tops. In the bottom of the dark valley, the merchant’s son found a craggy cliff with a worn ladder of rope leading down. Down into a cave of stone he descended until finally he did find the bottom.
Stepping deep into the earth, the merchant’s son found a room full of candles and books and many oddly shaped things.
“What vile and unwelcome thing has entered my lair?”
A man of dark shadow stepped forth and the merchant’s son told his tale of woe and asked for the master’s help.
“What care I of love gained and lost? Do you believe I am a man of the heart? I have no such cares and will not help you unless you complete three tasks that I set forth.”
The merchant’s son gladly accepted and the master brought forth a map.
“Go you here to the Castle of the Deep. There inside you will find the bone of a king. Bring it to me. But know you this: a great beast walks the halls of the deserted castle. If he catches you, you will be seen no more.”
The merchant’s son thanked the master and quickly climbed the rope and set forth to the Castle of the Deep.
The Castle of the Deep was far inside a mountain, hidden from light. The merchant’s son had only a torch, but the castle was vast with many turns and pits. Deep inside he could hear the scraping and grumbling of the beast waiting to catch him. All appeared doomed until he remembered his kind friend from the forest. Pulling the wrinkled parchment from his pocket, the merchant’s son whispered the magical words that the werewolf had told him. With a great shimmer, the parchment became a map of the Castle of the Deep and showed the merchant’s son where the great beast wandered and where the bones of the king rested. Soon, he was able to reach his goal and left the castle with the beast none the wiser.
Again, the merchant’s son descended the rope and presented the bone to the master.
“So, you did not die. It is a pity.”
Again, the master brought forth his map.
“Go you here to the Land of Trees and bring me the nest of the Sullus Bird who roosts in the tops of the tallest of the trees. But beware for the Sullus Bird is large with talons of steel. If she catches you, you will be fed to her hatchlings.”
Once again the merchant’s son set out to bring back the requested item. Finally he came to the Land of Trees and was disheartened, for the trees were leagues high and no branches were lower than the top of a very tall house. The merchant’s son was afraid that all was lost until he remembered the witch near the river. With a laugh, he pulled the broom from his back and sat upon it. Soon he was aloft and soaring past the branches until he finally reached the top. He hovered above the trees until he found the tallest of them all. He flew towards it and quickly found the nest. It was large and he used sapling branches to tie it to his back.
A cry rent the air and the merchant’s son was faced with a large red bird flying at him with shiny metal claws extended. With great speed, the merchant’s son flew onto his broom and made to get away. The great bird flew just as fast and it was sure that the man would be fed to her hatchlings, when the merchant’s son flew straight toward a tree trunk and then away. The great bird was unable to fly as well as the smaller man and crashed mightily into the tree. The merchant’s son flew to the ground and quickly made his way back to the cave with his prize.
Once again, he descended the rope ladder. And once again, the master was displeased to find him survived.
“Go you here to the Land of the Sun and collect for me a leaf of fire. But, know you that if ever a shadow you cast, the very sand will swallow you whole.”
The Merchant’s son travelled far until he found the Land of the Sun. On the very edges, he saw nothing but white sand and dotted upon this landscape were tiny trees. Far in the distance he could see a tree that was lit with a fire that never went out. The merchant’s son sat upon a rock at the edge of the Land of Sun and waited for night to fall so that he cast no shadow on the sand. But never did night fall, for the sun always hung in the air.
The merchant’s son was disheartened and for many days he waited and hoped, but never did the sun stop casting shadows. The moment he put his hand over the sand and a dark spot would fall, the very sand would churn and try to suck him down under, lashing great arms up in search of him. His flying broom would do him no good now. With tender thoughts of his Prince, the merchant’s son did think of walking into the sand in despair of ever healing his beloved.
On the tenth day, the merchant’s son remembered his final gift and pulled it from his satchel. With a wary heart, he wrapped his arm in the material and watched in wonder, as it could no longer be seen. He moved the invisible arm over the white sand and was happy to see that no shadow was cast. For what can cast a shadow if nothing is there?
With joy and determination, the merchant’s son wrapped himself in the cloak and stepped out upon the white sand. Nothing stirred and with great strides did he set out for the fire in the distance. Soon he came upon a small tree with flames in place of leaves. The merchant’s son broke a branch off and the flame remained lit. Quickly, he returned back to the dark valley and once again, descended the rope ladder.
“Ah, so again your task has been fruitful.”
“Master, will you help me now unfreeze my beloved Prince’s heart?”
“Yes, yes. I have made a potion with the nest and bone that you brought me. It will undo the curse that was placed upon him.”
“And what of the leaf of fire?”
“It will light my home for many years without smoke, of course!”
With many thanks and gratitude, the merchant’s son set his sights for home as he carried the small bottle in which held his beloved’s hope. He returned to his village and was horrified to see what the Prince had wrought in his heartless rule. Many people were starving and without homes. The Prince’s own mother had been turned out into the street and now lived with her good friend, the merchant’s wife. With renewed vigour, the merchant’s son went to the castle and came upon the kitchens. He poured the potion into the Prince’s wine and followed as it was brought to the royal hall. The merchant’s son wept in grief at the state his beloved had come. No longer strong and virile with youth and happiness, he was now bent in anger and cruelty. His golden hair no longer shining, his mouth no longer near a smile. Truly, without a heart, the prince had become a monster.
With fear in his heart, the merchant watched as the vile creature on the throne drank the goblet that held the potion. With arrested breath, he watched as the Prince swallowed.
A great shining came over the Prince and enveloped him powerfully. The merchant’s son was sore afraid for his beloved as a great rumbling and lightening shook the castle. All the servants fled in terror but the merchant’s son stayed where he was, waiting for his Prince.
Finally, all subsided and the Prince was left lying at the foot of his throne. With a shout of fear, the merchant’s son ran forth and held the other man in his embrace. Tears fell from his cheeks as the Prince’s countenance was revealed to be as it once was. The grey eyes that opened were once again eyes that held love in their depths for the merchant’s son. With grand vows of devotion, the two men who had once been enemies became lovers once more.
The Prince became King and the merchant’s son became his Consort and they lived a long life together and their reign was forever known as a Golden Time.
The End
Title: The Merchant's Son and the Prince
Author: lddurham
Rating: PG
Warning: Slash
Pairing: Harry/Draco Draco/Harry
Beta: deathangelgw
Author's Note: Gift fic for noir_black56 written in the Grimm's Fairy Tale style.
The Merchant’s Son and the Prince
Once upon a time, long ago, there were two girls who were great friends and looked upon each other as sisters. As they grew, they were both known for their beauty, but one was more known for her manners while the other for her heart. When it was time for them to marry, they both married for love. One married a king and the other a merchant and they were both very happy. Both women were blessed with a son within their first year of marriage. The queen had a child of fair hair and skin, while the merchant’s wife had a boy of dark hair and swarthy features. The two friends wished that their sons’ would find the friendship and love that they had with each other and would often have tea together so the two little ones could play.
But the king's adviser, a most vile and evil sorcerer, did lust after the merchant's wife and one day pledged his troth to her. But the queen and merchant's wife repudiated him. In anger, the sorcerer cursed both sons to never know love or friendship with each other or they would be cursed with lives full of sorrow and wretchedness.
The two women were sad, but made a pact that they would raise their sons to know nothing but hatred for the other.
Years passed and all knew of the feud between the merchant’s son and the Prince. The two hated the mere sight of the other. One day, the village had a large festival and all came and partook of the food and games. There was a grand dance and the Prince and the merchant’s son were resplendent in their fine clothing. In the spirit of the festival, the two had an unspoken truce, but though there was no bloodshed there was much competition between the two. All the games quickly became ties between the two men. They dominated all the dancing, as they danced with everyone but the other.
Finally, the Grand Hunt was announced and it was not long before the merchant's son and the Prince were separated from the rest in their zeal to best each other. The forest was dark and quiet when a mighty screech rent the air. Hearing such an unearthly sound, the merchant's son raised his sword high and went in search of it. He came upon a meadow where a great dragon was found. Never having engaged a dragon before, the merchant's son nevertheless charged toward it when he sighted a human victim in the beast's claws. With great heart and bravery he fought and slew the creature. In surprise, he found within the dead beast’s clutches the Prince, who was badly wounded. With a heavy heart for his fallen rival, the merchant's son pulled the Prince free and was greatly relieved when breath still moved the golden man's chest. Not far away, the boar they had hunted lay with the Prince's arrow protruding from its heart. The Prince had won the Hunt but had been caught by the scavenging dragon, which had been attempting to steal the prize. The merchant’s son knew great admiration for his rival then and was sore relieved when the Prince opened his grey eyes. And the Prince, once hearing of the tale of his rescue by his enemy, also found great admiration in his heart and the two looked upon each other with eyes unclouded by a parent’s lying tongue.
In great confusion and newness, the two men set off to the river in which to bathe the Prince’s wounds. Having discovered most of the blood belonged to the boar and the dragon, the two men sat about a fire and spoke in friendly tones to each other. As the evening wore on, more than admiration filled their hearts. Soon the two lay with each other under the moon as a married couple would and found great love and companionship in each other’s arms that night.
But in the morn, great tragedy unfolded. Cold grey eyes greeted the merchant’s son where a lover’s eyes should have been. The Prince’s words and gestures were indifferent and heartless and the two men departed in anger. When they returned to the village, it was discovered that both the merchant and the King had died the night before in sorrow, having believed their sons destroyed by the dragon. The Prince soon was crowned and a more unfeeling and cold ruler there never was. The merchant’s son knew then that something evil had been done and sought his widowed mother’s advice.
The merchant’s wife told the tale of the evil sorcerer and the lies that had torn the two families apart. The merchant’s son sought the local witch and asked what could be done for having found love in his Prince’s embrace, he would take no other but he. The witch was afraid of the evil sorcerer’s long reach but spoke truthfully still.
“Your beloved’s heart has been frozen and no warmth dwells there now. He shall be forever hateful and unkind, for no love or gentleness can reside in a heart so cold.”
The merchant’s son was sorrowful and begged the witch for anything that would undo such a wicked spell.
“Seek the White Wizard in the North. He is the one that is feared by the Dark. Seek him, for he may know what will unspell the Prince.”
The next morn, the merchant’s son set out on his journey North to find the White Wizard. He vowed that he would return and set his beloved’s heart free.
There was great hardship and many a rainy night as the merchant’s son made his way. One very dark and stormy night, he tried to find shelter in a gloomy forest. A light drew him deeper until he found a hut. He knocked at the door and asked if he may find shelter within. A shadow came to the window.
“You will not find solace here, stranger. No one comes here, for I am a werewolf and many would hunt me rather than break bread with me.”
“If no one comes, then I would see that you are quite lonely. Allow me friendship and I shall not hunt you.”
Inside, a man of poor clothing and many scars greeted him warmly and happily shared his meagre meal and fire. The merchant’s son told of his quest to save his beloved Prince’s heart. The man had much sympathy and, having lost his own love long ago, wished to help the younger man. He brought forth a wrinkled bit of parchment and pressed it upon the merchant’s son.
“It is of great value, though it does not look it. If ever you are in the dark, this shall reveal the way.”
The merchant’s son gratefully accepted it and thanked the man. The next morn he set off again with a promise to visit his newfound friend as soon as he released his beloved Prince.
Many more miles were crossed and the merchant’s son was weary as he sat himself on a boulder near a river. He had no more provisions and was very hungry. He set about trying to catch a fish for his supper and was most vexed when he was unable to. Finally, he did fashion a spear from some reeds and, after many attempts, was able to bring a fish to the fire. He was nearly ready to eat his scanty meal when the sound of a cat mewling caught his ear. Outside of the ring of light cast by his fire was a cat that looked pitiful in its hunger. The merchant’s son could not stand to see such a creature in pain and carefully held out his catch to the cat. The cat happily came forth and consumed the meal. When it was done it rose up on its hind legs and a great shimmer enveloped it. The merchant’s son was in awe as a woman stepped forth where the cat had been.
“Kind boy, you have offered your hard won meal to a small creature and did it with nothing but gentleness in your heart. I am a powerful witch and would see you rewarded for your kindness.”
The merchant’s son told his tale of sorrow to the witch and asked for anything that would melt his beloved’s heart.
“I am not so powerful that I may undo such a wicked spell, but you seek the one who can. However I will not leave without seeing you rewarded. I will give a broom that flies through the air as light and fast as a bird. It will aid you in your journey.”
The merchant’s son thanked the witch for such a wondrous gift and watched her disappear. In his fire he found his dinner as if it had never been touched.
Many more days passed and the merchant’s son came upon a craggy land of deep caves and high hills of rock. Within these hills, he found a castle of grey stone and he knew that he had finally reached the palace of the White Wizard.
He approached with caution and trepidation, though knowing that the White Wizard was a good and kind man, he was still in awe and fear of such great power. The White Wizard did welcome him most happily and listened in great concern to the merchant’s son’s tale.
“Good man, I am afraid that I offer no magic that can undo such a vile curse. It is Dark magic and can only be broken by Dark magic. I am not the one you must seek. To the east there is a cave so deep underground that it never is touched by the sun. Go you there and find in this cave a master of Dark and evil magic. He is a good wizard but one who hates all people. Seek him and he shall have the cure you wish.
“But your tale has touched me so that I can not allow you to leave with no aid from me. I will give a cloak that allows the wearer to be invisible to all.”
The merchant’s son thanked the White Wizard most gratefully for such an amazing and wondrous gift and set out to the east to find the master spoken of.
Many nights and days passed as the merchant’s son went east. Finally, he did come upon a great valley that was shadowed by mountains so high that none could see their tops. In the bottom of the dark valley, the merchant’s son found a craggy cliff with a worn ladder of rope leading down. Down into a cave of stone he descended until finally he did find the bottom.
Stepping deep into the earth, the merchant’s son found a room full of candles and books and many oddly shaped things.
“What vile and unwelcome thing has entered my lair?”
A man of dark shadow stepped forth and the merchant’s son told his tale of woe and asked for the master’s help.
“What care I of love gained and lost? Do you believe I am a man of the heart? I have no such cares and will not help you unless you complete three tasks that I set forth.”
The merchant’s son gladly accepted and the master brought forth a map.
“Go you here to the Castle of the Deep. There inside you will find the bone of a king. Bring it to me. But know you this: a great beast walks the halls of the deserted castle. If he catches you, you will be seen no more.”
The merchant’s son thanked the master and quickly climbed the rope and set forth to the Castle of the Deep.
The Castle of the Deep was far inside a mountain, hidden from light. The merchant’s son had only a torch, but the castle was vast with many turns and pits. Deep inside he could hear the scraping and grumbling of the beast waiting to catch him. All appeared doomed until he remembered his kind friend from the forest. Pulling the wrinkled parchment from his pocket, the merchant’s son whispered the magical words that the werewolf had told him. With a great shimmer, the parchment became a map of the Castle of the Deep and showed the merchant’s son where the great beast wandered and where the bones of the king rested. Soon, he was able to reach his goal and left the castle with the beast none the wiser.
Again, the merchant’s son descended the rope and presented the bone to the master.
“So, you did not die. It is a pity.”
Again, the master brought forth his map.
“Go you here to the Land of Trees and bring me the nest of the Sullus Bird who roosts in the tops of the tallest of the trees. But beware for the Sullus Bird is large with talons of steel. If she catches you, you will be fed to her hatchlings.”
Once again the merchant’s son set out to bring back the requested item. Finally he came to the Land of Trees and was disheartened, for the trees were leagues high and no branches were lower than the top of a very tall house. The merchant’s son was afraid that all was lost until he remembered the witch near the river. With a laugh, he pulled the broom from his back and sat upon it. Soon he was aloft and soaring past the branches until he finally reached the top. He hovered above the trees until he found the tallest of them all. He flew towards it and quickly found the nest. It was large and he used sapling branches to tie it to his back.
A cry rent the air and the merchant’s son was faced with a large red bird flying at him with shiny metal claws extended. With great speed, the merchant’s son flew onto his broom and made to get away. The great bird flew just as fast and it was sure that the man would be fed to her hatchlings, when the merchant’s son flew straight toward a tree trunk and then away. The great bird was unable to fly as well as the smaller man and crashed mightily into the tree. The merchant’s son flew to the ground and quickly made his way back to the cave with his prize.
Once again, he descended the rope ladder. And once again, the master was displeased to find him survived.
“Go you here to the Land of the Sun and collect for me a leaf of fire. But, know you that if ever a shadow you cast, the very sand will swallow you whole.”
The Merchant’s son travelled far until he found the Land of the Sun. On the very edges, he saw nothing but white sand and dotted upon this landscape were tiny trees. Far in the distance he could see a tree that was lit with a fire that never went out. The merchant’s son sat upon a rock at the edge of the Land of Sun and waited for night to fall so that he cast no shadow on the sand. But never did night fall, for the sun always hung in the air.
The merchant’s son was disheartened and for many days he waited and hoped, but never did the sun stop casting shadows. The moment he put his hand over the sand and a dark spot would fall, the very sand would churn and try to suck him down under, lashing great arms up in search of him. His flying broom would do him no good now. With tender thoughts of his Prince, the merchant’s son did think of walking into the sand in despair of ever healing his beloved.
On the tenth day, the merchant’s son remembered his final gift and pulled it from his satchel. With a wary heart, he wrapped his arm in the material and watched in wonder, as it could no longer be seen. He moved the invisible arm over the white sand and was happy to see that no shadow was cast. For what can cast a shadow if nothing is there?
With joy and determination, the merchant’s son wrapped himself in the cloak and stepped out upon the white sand. Nothing stirred and with great strides did he set out for the fire in the distance. Soon he came upon a small tree with flames in place of leaves. The merchant’s son broke a branch off and the flame remained lit. Quickly, he returned back to the dark valley and once again, descended the rope ladder.
“Ah, so again your task has been fruitful.”
“Master, will you help me now unfreeze my beloved Prince’s heart?”
“Yes, yes. I have made a potion with the nest and bone that you brought me. It will undo the curse that was placed upon him.”
“And what of the leaf of fire?”
“It will light my home for many years without smoke, of course!”
With many thanks and gratitude, the merchant’s son set his sights for home as he carried the small bottle in which held his beloved’s hope. He returned to his village and was horrified to see what the Prince had wrought in his heartless rule. Many people were starving and without homes. The Prince’s own mother had been turned out into the street and now lived with her good friend, the merchant’s wife. With renewed vigour, the merchant’s son went to the castle and came upon the kitchens. He poured the potion into the Prince’s wine and followed as it was brought to the royal hall. The merchant’s son wept in grief at the state his beloved had come. No longer strong and virile with youth and happiness, he was now bent in anger and cruelty. His golden hair no longer shining, his mouth no longer near a smile. Truly, without a heart, the prince had become a monster.
With fear in his heart, the merchant watched as the vile creature on the throne drank the goblet that held the potion. With arrested breath, he watched as the Prince swallowed.
A great shining came over the Prince and enveloped him powerfully. The merchant’s son was sore afraid for his beloved as a great rumbling and lightening shook the castle. All the servants fled in terror but the merchant’s son stayed where he was, waiting for his Prince.
Finally, all subsided and the Prince was left lying at the foot of his throne. With a shout of fear, the merchant’s son ran forth and held the other man in his embrace. Tears fell from his cheeks as the Prince’s countenance was revealed to be as it once was. The grey eyes that opened were once again eyes that held love in their depths for the merchant’s son. With grand vows of devotion, the two men who had once been enemies became lovers once more.
The Prince became King and the merchant’s son became his Consort and they lived a long life together and their reign was forever known as a Golden Time.
The End