Tag: #fairy tale

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The Trial of Goldilocks

KC J. Hutchins

In the kingdom of Berne, it came to past that the only daughter of the noble King Iomair came of age to claim her birthright. Preparations were made while the father and his daughter, who had locks of gold, met in secret to discuss the trials that lay ahead of her.

“This trial will not be easy my child.” Stated the king cautiously. “Not even I can know the details of the perils that await you. It is decided by the people who have placed their trust for you to rule as their future queen. In this way, you will have an unwavering faith from those you have sworn to protect. That does not mean that they will go easy on you. I have been told that they even enlisted the help of some of our high priests to ensure that you are thoroughly tested. Take heart my dear Goldilocks and know that I support you from afar.”

“I will my father and I will make you proud. There is nothing that will deter me from achieving that which I have trained for all my life. No more words for now, let me go forth to prove my worth to the people that will follow me.” Eagerly responded Goldilocks.

The man moved to the side as he followed his confident daughter out the door, feeling nothing but pride. They were met with cheers as the royal duo paraded down the streets to a great maze. The two looked at wonder at the greenery that stood before them. Not even the night before did this stand where it grew now. It was clear to the royalty that the people wanted to ensure their future.

As they stood flabbergasted, a priestess dressed in a white dress approached them. Upon her head she wore a ring of flowers and a golden belt carved with knots that sat around her waist. Across her skin were painted marks that faintly glowed.

She addressed them, “Hail King Iomair and his daughter Princess Goldilocks. I sincerely hope that you succeed today your highness. Allow me to explain the rules of this trial. You can bring within the maze a sword, shield, flint, hammer, wrappings, and a pot. There are three trials you must overcome before seeing the end. Only then will you be allowed to exit the maze, otherwise the vines will keep you closed in. Here are you supplies, now venture forth and may you find victory!”

Goldilocks nodded before raising her fist to her people. A cry of support came from them as they watched their princess cross the threshold and into her trial. As the priestess said, the vines closed the entrance behind her while the warrior shrugged at the mist that creeped and darkened her view. She feared not what lie ahead of her. Carefully, she followed the winding ways until coming to a clearing. To her surprise, she found stuck on top of a high tower a full size adult bear. It growled and snarled at the intruder but had no means to reach her. Vainly, it pawed at her from the edge of its platform before reeling back in fear of falling from such a height. The princess smirked at the ferocious creature before passing the tower. She only stopped when she heard a whining coming from behind her. Hopelessness was beset in the creature’s eyes as she felt a pang of pity hit her heart. Looking around, she found rubbles of wood and nails scattered about. One nail after another she constructed a great staircase to reach the beast. At first, the princess put her shield up and sword pointed at the bear. She was certain the creature would attack her at first sight, but she was soon surprised as the bruin walked gently towards her and nuzzled into her neck. Patting the great animal on the head she continued her journey, followed closely by the male bear.

Together the duo moved ever down past what seemed like miles of vine until again they came to a clearing. This time their lay in the middle of the plain a female bear. It slowly began to arise only to fall in a faint. A growl emanated from the creature but not from its mouth. The poor bear had been starved to the point of exhaustion. In her mind, the princess ridiculed the treatment her people had given the creatures as she pulled out her pot. Growing close by were stalks of wheat of which Goldilocks broke down to grains. Next, she went to a nearby pool of water and filled the pot. A mixture began to brew as she threw the grain in with the boiling water and spurtled the meal. To finish, she picked from her armor bits of sea salt that had fallen off the salted pork she had eaten earlier in the day. Once the food was ready, she placed the pot in front of the great female. With what seemed like gratitude, the bear gobbled down the meal spilling it everywhere. It was only mere moments before it got back on its feet and cuddled into the male bear. A sweet sight even for the abrasive princess. The creature duo began crying out into the open ear and then listened. Curious, Goldilocks listened too as she could hear a faint cry. It seemed the bear couple had heard it too for they barreled through the walls of the maze. Closely following behind, the warrior could hardly keep up. Finally, the two in front of her stopped and gave a sad sound. There in a bed was a cub with two of its legs broken by human hands. The parents watched over snuggled into their cub as they tried to comfort their offspring. An anger whirled inside the warrior, someone was going to pay for this when the trial had ended. Grabbing the bandages and ripping two legs from the bed, she made a support cast for the young creature. It seemed to help as it stumbled onto its feet and leaned on its parents. The warrior smiled seeing the three together as she continued onward, followed closely by her three new friends.

Only an oak tree lay in front of the groups escape toward beams of light. They made their way toward the exit before the land began to shake. The tree came to life as it swatted its limbs at the intruders. Fearing for the cub, the warrior caused her new friends to retreat behind a nearby wall of the maze. Over and over in her head she tried to think of a way to get around the creature but could not find an option. At last she cried to the gods to help her against this new foe. Her prayer was answered as a beam of light shone in front of her. The bears bowed at her coming as the goddess Artio stood before them. Quickly, the princess followed suit but was brought to her feet by the deity.

“Arise my child. You have not faltered yet in this trial; so why should you start now? I have chosen you to teach a lesson to the mortals of this realm to respect nature; something they sorely lack. This I know you can achieve for you are my daughter through the King Iomair, who kept it secret to protect you from harm and prodigious. With these, you will not only be able to communicate with these great creatures, but instantly heal any of their injuries. These are called the Wheat of Leigheas and any leftover you will be able to grow more of, but only by your own hands. Now go, claim your birthright so that you may impart my will against these mortals.”

Quickly, the warrior gave some wheat to each of the bears as each was strengthened and healed of any affliction. The adult male talked for the three as he looked toward the princess.

“My thanks from myself and my family for helping us in our time of need. Those vile humans know not of natures true intention; only how to warp it for their own plans. For now, let us focus at the task at hand. Our bite can easily break that tree to bits if we do so in the correct locations.”

Goldilocks thought for a moment before answering, “If we take out its roots it will have no life to continue upon. Follow my lead and we will attain freedom only together.”

The creatures nodded as the princess led them into the fray. Limbs and branches swatted at the group as they ducked the onslaught. One such swing almost took out the warrior if it were not for the youngest bear breaking the limb in two. Goldilocks used this to jump up from its back and strike the tree at its core. Of course, the creature seemed almost unfazed until it came toppling down from the two parents that had torn off the roots from the trunk. The battle being won, the new friends set forth towards the exit. A rain of cheers came from the crowd before it came to terrified screams. No one had expected her to return with those beasts, they wanted her to let them die.

Loudly, Goldilocks screamed, “Who is responsible for this?! Who dare disrespects these magnificent creatures?! Speak now and I may just spare you.”

No one dared to utter even a whisper. It was only broken when shocked murmurs spread once they heard bear noises erupt from their own princess. The murmurs turned to screams as thirteen men were dragged to the stage by the great bears. With a single slash of her blade, Goldilocks beheaded the disgraceful men. Then she looked toward the crowd and shouted.

“Let them be an example of what happens when one decides to disrespect nature itself. Under my rule we will attain peace with the land around us, healing it from the wounds we have inflicted upon it. For I, Goldilocks, Daughter of King Iomair and the goddess Artio, will not stand for anything less. Go now and release any wild animals you chose to tease in your homes and help saplings grow to mighty trees.”

Both scared and admired at the strength of their new queen, the villagers did as they were told. Next the warrior turned onto the priestess who stopped her with her words.

“Hold great queen. I am not your enemy in this cause, for I too serve the gods, more specifically the god Gwydion. You see, it was I that set the final obstacle, unbeknownst to the villagers that now lay dead at your feet. My lord wanted me to test you to see if you could live up to the name of your mother, the great goddess Artio. This you have succeeded and more for you could have only gotten past the mighty oak with the help of all three. I look forward to seeing how you transform this kingdom.”

With that the priestess of the trickster god vanished in a puff of mist, cackling before fading away. King Iomair was delighted at his daughter’s success and bestowed upon her his crown. The next few years were a form of transition as the human town soon grew side by side with nature. Bears were not uncommon to see walking beside the citizens and helping them with their day to day activities. All the while Goldilocks remained upon the thrown knowing that some day that her and the alliance of the bears, would be put to the test.

Samples

The Stained Hood

KC J. Hutchins

Another night of merrymaking was in procession in a crowded tavern in a town whose name no one remembers. Laughter, story-telling, and idiotic babbling filled the air as old and new friends shared in good times. At the bar there sat a young woman covered in a red hood, never stopping her intake of alcohol. Across her skin were a number of claw marks and bites; signs of great conflict and an attitude to match. No one dared to come near her, except one foreigner. She sat next to the intimidating figure without an ounce of fear. The woman in red seemed to ignore her presence as the liquor continued to pour down her throat. Finally, the foreigner spoke,

“Seems to me that you are the only one sulking on this fine night. Come, why not smile a bit and share in the partaking of stories. Tell me your name and the most exciting of tales. The sky is alight with the stars and moon that…”

Suddenly, the girl in the hood smacked the foreigner backwards against a nearby wall. She glared menacingly at her victim with her red eyes alight before going back to her drink. Seemingly foolish, the foreigner rose up and sat next to the hostile woman. A chuckling emitted from the hood before the woman within it spoke aloud,

“Stubborn, I like that. You want to hear a tale then huh? Let me tell you one, but I guarantee you that there will be no laughter found within it. I am only known by the name of Red for my past name I do not deserve. It started upon a night like this, I was out riding upon my silver horse with my white hood when out of the shadows a werewolf pounced upon the two of us. I tried to defend us, but I was knocked back by the strength of this creature. Hours crept by as I lay in darkness, only awaken by the rays of the coming morning. When I awoke I found only bits of my beautiful horse left. My anger and sadness knew no bounds as revenge became my only thought. I marched to the temple of the goddess Epona and demanded for the high priestess, my grandmother. The attendants worked fast to retrieve her as she appeared before me in a long gown with a moonstone carved into a horse’s head. She looked at my questioningly before asking,

‘My dear granddaughter, what is the matter? Have you finally come to your senses and asked for forgiveness from the great goddess? It is only then will you find peace in your parent’s death and see the purpose that is meant for you.’

I scoffed at her before responding, ‘No, I came to make you aware of what the goddess that you revere has done to us. As you know, she took my parents away many moons ago but gifted us a silver horse. For a while, I was happy with the gift that I had been giving, but sure enough your goddess had to ruin that too. A werewolf, a creature of the moon, attacked me and killed my beloved horse. What do you have to say to your goddess now?!’

At first, she seemed unfazed by my news, making me even angrier, but then she did something I never thought I would see. She grabbed her necklace and shattered it against the ground. That is when our quest for revenge began.”

Red took a few more sips of alcohol as she paused from her story. The stranger was stunned by the words that came from the woman’s mouth. She asked,

“Revenge on a goddess? How foolish could you be? The gods and goddesses are not to be trifled with. How are you even still alive?”

“Shut up and I will tell you.” Responded the harsh woman. After finishing what seemed like her eighth glass she continued, “First, we wanted revenge against the werewolf, the goddess was afterwards. We knew that we needed at least a third to even attempt to kill the beast. So, we came to this very tavern and hired the services of mercenary who used only axes to kill his victims. The three of us then headed into the forest to hunt for the beast. It took days to even get within the right area to find its den. In that time, the three of us bonded and partook in merrymaking much like those around us tonight. But like most good things, it came to an end. We were attacked in a flash by the beast. Without a second thought, it killed my grandmother by biting down on her throat. I screamed in anger as I went after the beast with no plan. It easily pinned myself underneath it as it tore into my skin. I would have been dead if it were not for the mercenary. He threw three axes into the side of the beast, making it come towards him. I went towards my grandmother’s body and found the shards of the moon necklace she once wore. Then I heard a dying scream as the body of the mercenary lay cold and bloody upon the ground. It was just me and the horrid beast left to battle. I took up one of the axes and grounded the moonstone into the axe head. With my weapon ready, I charged forward once again to kill the wretched beast. It moved to the side, barely escaping my swing as it latched onto my arm with its teeth. My other hand was still free as I chopped again and again into the beast. It died after the first two strokes, but I did not care. Over and over again I struck it until my white hood was stained red. As I looked at what was left of the body, it began to change to a human form. Horror struck my face as I saw the dead body of my father upon the ground.”

Red had to stop for a moment, her past causing her to be visible shaken before grabbing a whole bottle of wine and guzzling it down her throat. The room had stopped their fun and were listening intently to her story. She noticed this as she gave them a murderous glare, to which they all returned to their fun. After a few deep breaths, she continued,

“As I stayed at bended knee at my loss a beam of light from the moon above came down in front of me. A being formed from the radiant glow as a goddess stood before me. She kept her hair in a pony tail and had a riding hood of silver around her shoulders. Across her shoulder, she wore a belt of moonstones that glowed within the dark night. She looked at me with a disappointing gaze while she spoke,

‘What have you done? My dear you were always so headstrong, but this is beyond that characterization. Anger blinded your judgement and reason. Your father was so close to finishing his sentence before you struck him down. Now, you have lost him forever.”

I was stunned by the figure in front of me, not because she was a goddess but because I had recognized her.

‘Mom?’ I asked questioningly.

The goddess sighed as she replied, ‘Yes, my dear daughter. You see you were only half right about when you thought the goddess took your parents. When I committed myself to your father and him to me, we were told by the other gods not to reveal my identity to anyone. For many a year we both kept silent of my true nature until one night in that dam tavern. Your father was with some of the other men in the village who began to mock me. They said horrible things such as I was a whore looking for redemption by the goddess Epona by becoming a priestess. Due to anger and alcohol, your father rose to defend my honor revealing who I was. Of course, this broke the vow we made to the gods and he was immediately struck by the moon. He transformed into a werewolf and killed all around him before running into the forest. Many moons passed, and he hid within the woods; not killing another soul until he felt the pull of the silver steed, the one I gave you. Another test by the gods to see if you were worthy of being in my presence again. This you failed miserably. Had it not seemed strange that he did not kill you at the same time? You were knocked unconscious with no way to defend yourself, easy prey to anyone. Worst of all you dragged two others to their deaths because of your anger. My dear I am sorry, but you must be punished. Henceforth from here on you will guard my temple as the beast that drove you to such foolishness.’

The moon struck me with such power it overwhelmed my mind. All I could hear was howling and feel a hunger for flesh. That night was the end of me as a human for now I am cursed to walk this earth as a werewolf until my sentence is finished. Serving as the guardian of the temple of Epona just a short distance away.”

With her tale finished, she had finally stopped drinking from the alcohol she had been given. Her eyes had softened from her tale from the fury she had started the conversation. The foreigner smiled as she talked to werewolf,

“So, you are the woman I have been searching for. I am going to need your help Red. The gods have decreed only one that has been bathed in moonlight can defeat the foe I face now.”

Red plucked an eye brow up at the foreigner, intrigued by her offer. Before agreeing to anything she asked one question,

“What’s your name?”

A small smile appeared on her mouth as the foreigner responded, “Aurora.”

Samples

Hansel and Gretel the Glory Seekers

KC J. Hutchins

(Another epic retelling of a classic fairy tale, hope you enjoy.)

Hansel and Gretel, twins at birth, were the son and daughter of the mighty king Adalbern. At the age of sixteen, they grew restless at their home and set off in search of glory to prove their worth beyond royalty. On one such occasion, they heard of a strange occurrence in Blackthorn Forest. The two curious royals traveled to this land, before entering the forest however, the duo fell upon a village. Entering the center, they found that no one was outside of their homes, all of which had been boarded up to prevent entry. One of these they approached and heard the whispers of citizens inside the structure.

A villager unlocked the door and asked, “Are you an ally or foe? Where do you hail from? Why have you come here?”

Gretel, the fairer talker of the two responded, “We are friends. My name is Gretel, daughter of Adalbern, and this is my brother Hansel, son of Adalbern; we seek glory and to rid this village of its oppressors. Speak so we may know what we must vanquish.” The villager sheepishly stepped out of his door, revealing that he wore a full set of armor and seemed to be heavily injured.

Hansel is perplexed, “Why are you hiding warrior? Where is the rest of your company?”

“Gone sir. I am the only survivor.” The man responded. “My name is Franco son of Godwine, the friend of the gods. I was sent by my father to liberate these people with my men. But we were destroyed in the face of the enemy or enemies… I am still not sure which it is…”

Gretel questioned, “What do you mean brave soldier?”

“We came to the forest and found a lone wolf feasting on the flesh of one of the elders of this village. When we approached, the monster turned quick and used its mighty jaws to rip through one of my men’s armor and tore his leg off before it disappeared. While we looked, a mighty bear swung its paws from behind us and brought down a fourth of our company. One of my men was able to shoot an arrow at the beast, causing a scar across its face. The bear hid away, and we thought it was over, when from the sky arrows began to rain down above us. A seventh of my men and I were lucky enough to put our shields up while the rest perish. With the remaining soldiers, we began to retreat when we saw the wolf again, this time though he had fancied a scar. The scar of which the bear had worn. To my despair, I watched as the rest of my comrades were eaten alive as I fled for my life. I have disgraced my family and name, but I bring information and warning to any who may enter.”

Hansel responded, “We mourn for the loss of your kin but how did you escape from the forest? The land changes as one enters, no man can emerge from it alive.”

Franco explained, “My father Godwine once had to journey to slay a mighty boar for the gods. The divinities favored him and gave the tool to escape the paths. This object I give to you. It is the Crumbs of Credon, a bag full of rock hard crumbs that shine when the moon is full. Take this so that you might escape with your lives. May the gods favor you.” The twins took the Crumbs of Credon and went on their way. After crossing over the river and into the forest, the pair felt a presence nearby that watched their every movement. They began to drop the crumbs knowing that the forest had a malice beyond its roots. As they reached the very center, they saw smoke arising from the tree line. Carefully they approached and found a peculiar sight that neither had ever seen. A house made of of delicacies stood in front of them, the main structure made of gingerbread. Frosting kept the parts together while the framework was made of candy canes. Decorating the roof were gumdrops as big as their heads. Tentatively they approached, having not been able to eat for what seemed like days. As they partook on the goodies before them. the door swung open and a figure emerged from the house. The two drew their swords but lowered them after beholding the creature in front of them. The creature was a beautiful young woman who was covered with skins of animals layering her lovely hourglass figure.

The stanger spoke, “Weary travelers, where have you come from and why are you in this terrible forest?”

Hansel responded, tripping over his words from his befuddlement that was caused by her beauty, “I am Hansel, son of Adalbern, and this is my sister Gretel daughter of Adalbern; we have come to slay the beast that has oppressed this land.”

“My name is Ada, and I welcome you here. Please eat and rest brave travelers. I offer my home to you and everything found within it.” Said the stranger with a wink.

Hansel responded, “Lead on fair maiden.”

Ada led them inside, but before Hansel followed, Gretel grabbed his arm, “Something is not right with this woman. Take caution brother and let us focus.” Hansel nodded and entered with her sister.

After a great feast, Gretel laid in her bed to slumber and so does their hostess in their separate rooms, but Hansel was restless. He stood up from the table where he remained sitting and entered the chambers of Ada who was waiting for him. The woman invited him to her bed where they fornicated for hours. As Handel tried to leave, he heard ancient and foreign words emitted from behind his back that caused the young hero to drift to sleep. Gretel who had been awaken from the sounds emitted from the fair maiden in her bedchamber, peeked into the room of Ada. The beautiful woman looked at the now asleep Hansel after casting a sleeping spell on her guest.

“My hunger needs to be met, a taste could not hurt.” Said Ada before ripping the right arm off the sleeping warrior and devouring it. As she looked toward the door with bits of Hansel in her mouth, a scar formed across her face. Finally, she sees Gretel looking through the door way. In a fury, Ada grabs a kettle from beside her bed and captures her female guest inside it. Bewildered by the magic displayed, the young heroine was unable to escape the power that kept her trapped.

“I guess I will dine early tonight.” Shrugged off the monster as she took the kettle straight to the oven; her mouth watered at the feast she was about to savor. In Hansel’s dreams, the god Andhrimnir approached him.

“Hansel, you have been enchanted by the creature you seek. Her grip on men is fierce and she seeks to eat all of mankind; causing the gods to put an end to her crimes. If we intervene, we will be forced to use magic so fierce that your world will not survive our wrath. You must vanquish her now while she is weak. Strike for the scar and beware her powers. I will help you defeat her by giving you the Stone Arm of Bucegi.” Hansel awoke and looked at his new weapon that was attached to his missing arm. He ran out of the bed chambers and found Ada with the kettle close to the fire.

“Face me wench! You who is despised above all! You will die for the shame you have brought upon me!” Screamed Hansel. Ada turned and saw the Stone Arm of Bucegi, causing fear to twinkle in her eye.  The prophecy she was told many years ago, stood in front of her.

“Shame dear Hansel? You came to my chambers to fill your lusts. It is you who has shamed yourself. As for that new toy of yours, an oracle said that one day a man with a stone arm would come to vanquish me. I do not believe in such fate and will not die today. Your taste I have tried twice now, let us see how you will taste in the bottom of my gut.” Ada then transformed in front of him by uttering hidden and strange words. The wolf described by Franco appeared in front of Hansel. The shapeshifter leapt forward knocking Hansel back through a wall. He writhed in pain as he tried to recover, when the mighty wolf pounced on top of him. Raising his sword, he forced the sword between the teeth of the creature only holding it back mere inches from killing him. Its might jaws bit down, and the sword shattered into many pieces that clouded the air. Hansel wiggled free from under the beast as the dog was stunned. Remembering the words of Andhrimnir, he rose the Stone Arm of Bucegi and landed a punch on the face of Ada. Her skull was crushed into nine pieces as her body shook and then was still. Hansel freed Gretel from the kettle, receiving a hit on the head for falling for the creature’s seduction. Together the two dragged the shape shifter’s body through the woods. They followed the path of the Crumbs of Credon that was laid before them until it brought them to the village. Praises were sung from the villagers as they came in triumphant from the quest with the corpse of the wretched creature. After a brief celebration, Franco asked to join them on their search for glory, and they gladly accepted his company. The three then went on to travel the world and their names were written into history.