Legend of the Mountains and the Valleys

THE NINE GIFTS OF THEODOSIA

“You must find a queen, my son,” replied the old king sadly. “It is because you rule alone that the Valleys die.” “Is this the curse that many have forever believed in, Father?” “It appears to be so, my son.” The king realized that the ancient curse had not been lifted. Confusion and anger swarmed like hungry wasps in the prince’s mind. Frustrated, he lashed out at his father, “Where shall I find a queen, and how shall I know she is the chosen one to save the Valleys?” The wise king instructed his son, “Invite all the maidens of the kingdom to the castle. Each maiden shall bring gifts. By her gifts you shall know who is to be queen.” ~ The grand day arrived. Outside the castle, hundreds of maidens stood waiting to present their gifts. Each was dressed in her finest, her hair braided and twisted like a crown upon her head, her jewels gleaming gold and silver. Some of the maidens were young, and some were older, but each thought that she would surely win the heart of the prince. The maidens waited and waited and waited. The day was long and warm. Inside the castle, the prince grew weary as he viewed the many gifts…Enos shouted at the herald, “Enough, Enough! Do not allow into my castle any more of such gifts. I have seen enough!” …With this proclamation, anger stormed amongst the throng of maidens who had yet to present their offerings. “We want our turn!” they cried out to the herald. “I surely have the best gift!” said one. “I have been here since high noon,” screeched another. “It is not fair that the prince has left us to wait and wait in this heat, and then rob us of the chance to prove our worth.” …Slowly, one by one, a stream of fuming maidens left the castle grounds. Dusk fell across the land as they made the arduous journey back to their villages, each with the very gift she had started out with that day. The agitated herald turned to go back into the castle but was stopped unexpectedly by the voice of a young maiden. “Excuse me, kind sir. I wish to present my gifts to the prince. Shall I follow you inside?” The voice was melodic and sweet, yet strong and persistent. The herald turned abruptly to see who it was that would display such nerve so as to ignore his announcement …

THE FINAL QUESTION

A whispered gasp escaped Theodosia’s throat in the astonishment that such was her first case to judge as queen. Might she rather have dealt with simpler matters such as stolen cows or unpaid taxes? “Identify yourselves,” commanded Theodosia. …These quarrelling men from the valleys were not young, but neither were they old. One was tall, his arms and head covered with dark hair, his face framed neatly by a dark, bushy beard. Strongly defined muscles bulged beneath this hairy man’s woollen tunic. The second man from the valleys was younger than his foe, and not as tall. His flaxen hair was long, with waves of curls. His face was smoothly shaven, cheeks flamed red with anger. Queen Theodosia commanded, “You shall remain free men for the time being, but do not travel far, so that I may send for you again.” ~ Sabella swept up her wrinkled smock in a curtsy. She brushed away stray strands of hair that had stuck to her damp neck, curtsied once again, and then turned to leave the court, swiftly walking, each step filled with gratitude for not being fined or imprisoned by this gracious and just queen.

KENELM’S QUEST

Queen Theodosia sat quietly, feeling the sting of Kenelm’s words … Kenelm left the following day for his new posting. When he arrived at Eastern Valley Village, he was anxious to find the lodging prepared for him by the queen and king. Restless and weary, he followed the map that the herald had provided which led him to a heavy wooden door bearing the name, Maplebury Cottage. He banged with his fists on the olden door until it slowly creaked open. A withered smile greeted him … ~ The vicar wrung his hands, “Death captures our children. This same malady slays our adults as well.” The vicar stammered, tears now rimming the edges of his eyes before trickling down his large, hook-nose. “My own son is falling into Death’s grip.” His voice trembled. “Help save him! He is a good boy. He wants to do the work of our Lord. It cannot be his destiny to die like common folk.” Kenelm listened cautiously for there was a prickle to the vicar’s voice. A moment passed before Kenelm asked, “What causes these untimely deaths?”

YEDDA SINGS

During the evening feast, Yedda was held captive by Alarie’s magnetism and wit. She found herself laughing from her belly, something she had not done since the death of her parents… ~ Yedda paused uneasily, seeing Quintian’s eyes lose the spark of his dream of a life together. She did not wish to hurt Quintian with her words, yet she needed to express her position plainly… ~ Ears flickering, the royal horses stopped grazing, moving restlessly, their heads lifting, tugging on the reins secured by trees. Hooves pawed at the earth beneath and horse nostrils twitched as they neighed a warning. “Hush!” The queen whispered to Yedda who stopped singing. Alert, both women listened attentively for whatever it was that disturbed the quietude. Stench filled their nostrils, a scent that neither could identify. There was a distinct rustle in the forest underbrush. Fear trickled through their veins as they sat motionless, barely breathing, staring blankly into the surrounding woods. The rustle moved closer to the resting spot. Fear gripped the queen and her charge. Theodosia’s eyes scanned their surroundings yet again while offering a silent prayer of appeal for God’s grace and protection … “Come, we must leave at once!” ~ "What happened?” Yedda blurted out when she arrived at the gruesome scene. …The elder’s wife held her husband’s shredded, blood-oozing body until he died moments later.