Knights Becoming and a Lady in Waiting

Untitled Story

I tell my children little stories about themselves, but using "alter egos".  I've done it since my oldest (now 6) was two, when we moved to a new community and didn't know anyone.  To preserve these stories, I'm going to list them here as well so I can remember them.  Who knows?  Maybe some of you out there have little princes or a Princess Moo who would enjoy them.

[I hate to have to do this part, but as with any written, published stuff, this is under my copyright.  You are welcome to share it, but please keep my name attached.  Thanks!]

-- Not Yet Knights --

Once upon a time, not so very long ago, in a land not so very far away, there were three little boys named Prince Berryboy, Prince Derryboy, and Prince Dannyboy.  They lived with their father, the King, their mother, the Queen, and their baby sister, Princess Moo in a small castle between a large forest and the ocean.

This particular morning, the three boys woke up with a need for adventure.  After devouring three hotcakes, six sausages, two pieces of fruit, a hard-boiled quail egg, and two large glasses of milk a piece, they went to look for a quest.  When they found Queen Mother overseeing Princess Moo in her bath, they asked her if she had a quest for them.

With great solemnity, she nodded.  "I need three brave knights to rid the forest of a dangerous green dragon.  If you can perform this task for me, you would have my unending gratitude."

The three princes were immediately afire with the idea and ready to set out at once, but the wise queen advised them to wear the proper attire.  Each young knight donned his best tunic and hose, chain mail, and coif, or helmet.  Still holding their shields and swords, they went to bid their mother adieu.

"You will need a lady's token," she said with a hint of a smile.  "Let me get you each one."  With that, she disappeared for a moment, coming back with three handkerchiefs.  "Keep these with you and bring them back to me safely.  You will be in my prayers."

The three knights put on brave faces, gave Princess Moo kisses on her chubby little cheeks, and set out on their quest.

First, they stopped by the stable for their mounts.  Each knight spent careful moments brushing his steed and putting on its tack.  When all three brothers were ready, they set off to find the dreaded green dragon.

For a long while, they travelled with laughter and joking, but as they got closer to where it was rumored the dragon had its lair, they got very quiet.  Green dragons were known for a ferocious bite and quick reflexes.  The young princes would have to be very careful, indeed.

Carefully, they dismounted from their horses and tied them to a tree near plenty of grass.  After giving the brave steeds water, they set off on foot for the last part of their journey.

A long trek up a steep hill led the princes to a small cave.  They each looked at the others grimly.  Someone, after all, had to go first.  Should it be Prince Berryboy, because he was oldest?  Should it be Prince Derryboy, because he was the best swordsman?  Or should it be Prince Dannyboy, because he was the smallest and would fit the easiest into the cave?

Their decision was made for them as the green dragon ventured out of the cave, blinking in the bright sunlight.  With a heroic shout, all three knights ran after the dragon, chasing him over hill and dale until he took flight altogether and was never seen in the area again.

Bubbling with excitement and accomplishment, the three tired young princes rode home to the castle, bursting with the story of their accomplishment.

In the castle, Queen Mother looked out the kitchen window as her sons chased the lizard, then started back on their wooden horses.  Chuckling softly to herself, she went to prepare them a snack fit for conquering heroes and to wash their grimy little hands.

The End.

[Not the best of the stories, but this is the one I told them yesterday, so I could remember it.  *laughter*]