The Adventures of Ovidio Glare 1: I want to be a Prince. as told by Trevon Andarosel. "A storyteller was in town. He came from another country, or was it another world? Ovidio Glare didn't remember. Not that it really mattered, since the storyteller was certainly a strange person. He was short and knobby, with a brown beard and clad in a brown dress. A green ribbon was plaited through his hair. It had nearly the same color as his eyes. There was something with those eyes: when he looked at you, you felt, you couldn't leave, you had to stay and listen. The stories he told were as strange as he was, about elves and dwarves, wizards and unicorns, and about princes, princesses and dragons. Ovidio couldn't get enough of stories about brave princes who suffered great hardship, defeated the dragon and finally turned an enchanted frog into a beautiful princess, just by kissing. And they always lived happily ever after. So many happy people. Ovidio wasn't happy, not really. Not that he had much to complain about, as a son of a rich and ancient aristocratic family. There was no room for them in their castle on the hills; therefore his parents lived in Gum Gooloo Gum Jublet, where they lived as a carpenter family. They were quite contented with it: you didn't need to travel a few days to buy the most common things, like food and shoes. But this life was somehow not appropriate, not aristocratic enough. Ovidio didn't know exactly what it was, until the storyteller had come. Now he knew what his fate would be: no longer stuffed inside a small, ordinary house. No, he would travel through the world, smashing through enchanted forests, even slaying dragons, if absolutely necessary. And, most important, kissing beautiful princesses. Ovidio was 18 years old. A hero, a prince, that was what he would be. After he had made up his mind, he thought about what had to be done first. Clothing, he decided, probably influenced by his aristocratic heritage. This was a matter of too much importance to leave it to his servant. So, he left the tower, blinked a few times in the sunlight, and went out shopping. when he returned home, he had exchanged his simple red toga for a bronze breastplate (he couldn't afford a golden one, but princesses wouldn't see the difference, he thought), soft dark green silk pants, a large dark grey coat, and a hat of the finest beastie skin, with a colorful plum on top of it. His parents didn't seem to like his new dress very much. But that was their problem, and after all, it was his dress. At least these were aristocratic cloths, not the ordinary things his parents were wearing. Ovidio had also ordered a sword, since a prince needed a sword to slay his dragon. He had tried one the smith had in stock. It was a mean looking monster of steel, but it was far too heavy! Carrying it made him sweat, and what princess wanted to be kissed by a sweating prince? So he ordered a much lighter and elegant one. In the mean time he explored the attic. This would be his castle, he decided, as long as he hadn't a real one. He placed a large mirror on it, and ordered his servant to put a large wooden pole up there. The poor servant was slightly puzzled, but he had given up asking questions about his master's reasons a long time ago, and did as he had been told. Finally the sword arrived. It was a beautiful and light, with a long, small and razor sharp blade, and an ingeniously forged hilt. Ovidio practiced with it, while continuously looking in the mirror. After a week he could finally beat the wooden pole without hurting himself too much. He thought that he must be very talented, and felt ready for his important task. But where to start? His mum shouted up: "Ovidio, we're going to Aunt Messalina's birthday today. Dress yourself properly, and please, leave your hat at home. And hurry up, we're late already." Ovidio got angry. Of course he wouldn't go as a prince. The others would only ask annoying questions. His family would notice soon enough when he would come home as a battle hardened hero on a noble beastie with a beautiful princess in front of him. And who had ever heard of a prince going to his aunt's birthday party? Not that it was a real aunt, but that had never been very important. However, he had no idea what else to do, so he shrugged and put on his red toga. The party was just as boring as he had thought it would be. When they came in, his aunt had said: "Octavio and Clea, how nice you have come . Oh, and you've brought Octavio with you. What a fine and beautiful young man he is. What a pity he is still wearing those toga's". Then she whispered to Ovidio: "You know, girls will be much more interested when you wear something more extraordinary", and gave him a wink. "Stupid woman", Ovidio thought. "Thank you, Aunt Messalina for your advice. I have seen a few nice dresses, but haven't made up my mind yet", Ovidio said. "Good on you, boy. Now, come in please". This meant, taking place in a large circle of so called aunts and uncles, chatting about the latest family gossips. Ovidio just sat there and thought about his glorious future, only now and then interrupted by an obligate "Yes, aunt Roxanne" and "of course, uncle Julius". Suddenly it was over. "Are you coming with us, Ovidio?", his mother asked. Finally! Ovidio jumped up quickly, causing laughter by the whole family. Ha, let them laugh, he thought. He would come back with a beautiful princess, that will teach them. Or perhaps he wouldn't come back at all. But that decision was for later. On their way home they passed a group of people on beasties. Their kind of people. Ovidio held his breath: in the middle of the group, sitting on an elegant beastie, was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen! Her black hair curled around her lovely face. Her blue eyes sparkled and she smiled. For a moment their gazes crossed each other. She smiled at him! Ovidio flushed and looked down. The young man was fallen in love on first sight. Luckily for him, his parents didn't notice their son's state of heart, and said: "Don't look. Those are Frostbittens. Henry, his daughter Danae, and a few others. Probably on the way back to their castle in the hills. I wonder what they were doing here. Although they are not even worth to talk about." His father sounded bitter. Now Ovidio knew what he had to do. Danae would be his first princess. He would wait a few days, and then leave for the Falling Hills. Princess had to be rescued from a tower, not captured somewhere along the road, although the idea amused him. It certainly would save time. No, his first mission should be according to the rules, he decided. And he had time enough, his whole life was lying in front of him. He prepared himself carefully. He bought a rope, enough provisions, and a beautiful beastie. His brown mane were swinging in the wind, the end of his tail swept ferociously and it quivered with impatience. Then he carefully asked questions, one here, a few there, where the Frostbittens lived. Bit by bit he found out, and finally he thought he was prepared. At night he climbed to his cellar, packed everything into his bag, (except for the wooden pole). Then he climbed out of the window, down to the street. Because this was his first experience with rope climbing, he severely burned his hand. Painfully he looked to his hands. They were all red, and nearly bleeding. It hurt very much, but on the other hand, when princesses would see him like this, she would know how much he had suffered for her. He climbed on his beastie and began his first day as prince. When people would have looked out of the window, they would see a strangely dressed young man with a determined expression on his dace passing by on a beautiful beastie. However, it was nearly midnight, and nobody was looking. Young Ovidio didn't know much about the country. He knew the city, and the surroundings, but he didn't know where the hills were, for example. He only had heard about the barren landscape, the grim castles, the cold and the wind. So he randomly went into one direction, without knowing, or caring, that it was the right one: he was going to the hills, so he would get there. Not much happened during the night. Some times he heard the call of an owl or some other animal. The first time he halted and drew his sword, ready to slay his first enemy. However, nothing happened, and after a while he got used to it and didn't pay attention any more to the phenomenon. The stars already bleached, the birds began to sing, and the rising sun turned the sky and the fields into a soft red. It was the beautiful sight he had ever seen in his life, and Ovidio was glad he had chosen to become a prince. Along the road he noticed a small barn, belonging to the village a few miles ahead. He could already see the smoke coming out of a chimney, probably the bakery. He tied his beastie to the barn, went in and soon fell a sleep. Princes should either sleep in a barn, or in the arms of a princess, that he remembered from the stories. The only other option was to be somewhere imprisoned, and that didn't appeal much to him. He woke up by some noises outside the barn. Someone was stealing his beastie! He went outside, and saw a man patting his beastie on its head. The man was small with black hair, and looked quite sneaky. Ovidio's face became red with anger, and he shouted "Thief!". Ovidio jumped towards the man and drew his sword. The man put his hands in his side and looked at him with amusement. "Why do you think I am a thief?", he asked. "Because you look like one, and because you're standing next to my beastie. Don't dare to touch it again" Aggressively, Ovidio swung his sword around his head. The stranger didn't change his pose. He only said: "Do you really think I'm afraid of your safety-pin? Who do you think you are?". With a quick move, he pulled out two mean looking knives out of his pocket. "I'm Ovidio Glare. I'm a prince, I'm on my first mission, and no one's going to stop me. Especially not you. But, because it is such a lovely day, I will spare your miserable life." He put his sword back in its sheath. "What's a prince?", the man asked puzzled. Ovidio took a deep breath. "A prince", he said, "is a hero, an honorable person that endures hardships and danger, slays dragons and saves beautiful princesses." "A princess?" "Yes, a beautiful girl in a castle tower". The man laughed, put away his knives. He investigated Ovidio in his beautiful, but not very suitable cloths, his bronze breastplate, his weird hat. "Looking at you, I think you want to start with the princess part, and save the rest for later, when really necessary. Am I correct?". Young Ovidio flushed a bit, and murmured. "Eh, yes, quite correct." The man paused little while, then he said: "You know, I could use a princess, too. Women don't seem to see me. I wonder why." Thoughtfully he rubbed over his hooked nose, and looked at his oversized feet. "You know what, I think I'm going to join you on your quest. You beastie seems to be large enough to carry both of us. My name is Sancho." The idea of sharing his beastie with this stranger didn't appeal much to him, but he felt he hadn't much choice. Ovidio climbed on his beastie, and Sancho jumped on it behind him. "I don't know where you're going, but, please, don't go through that village over there. People there tend to dislike me. Perhaps it has something to do with the death of the son of the shoemaker. They are very touchy over there.", Sancho said. "Oh, well, if you say so". Before the village, there was a crossing with a road to the east. This road they took, and together they traveled towards the next village. As soon as the strangers arrived, all villagers left their houses. They looked at them and whispered for a moment among each other. Ovidio stopped and wondered what they were doing here. Were they discussing how a prince should be honored properly. The discussion became more agitated, and all Ovidio and Sancho heard were people shouting "Yes!" and "No!". Then a man said loud and clear: "I say, they won't make it. Never." A woman answered: "If that ridiculous one would be alone, I would immediately agree with you. But the other looks, no, not smart, he looks sly. I'll bet they will make it." Not much people joined her decision. Then a young man near to them said: "And what are you doing?" Ovidio whispered to Sancho: "Do you know what they are talking about." "Eh, yes, I have heard about this", Sancho replied. "It seems that there is a riddling monster along the road, not far from here. If you don't answer its questions correctly, it will eat you. They are betting if we are going to make it, or not" "What?", Ovidio said with amazing and contempt. "Of course we are going to make it. Pricking monster with the tip of my sword is my duty. Daily business.", then he added softly, "in a few years". "Well, what will be your stake? Your sword looks good enough. Your odds don't look good, so I would advice you to bet that you won't come back." "What?", Ovidio said again, "How can I defeat a monster without a sword?" Then, with dignity he said. "I will offer my hat. It's good leather. And don't break a feather, or Sancho here will punish you all, as soon as we are back.". Ovidio saw the faces of the people, and said "Of course we will be back. But before that, we have to do some important duties. ", he said. He removed his head and handed it to the man who had first spoken, revealing his straight blond hair. Sancho said: "I don't bet with fools." "What did he say?", a woman asked. "Fools don't bet", someone else said, and the whole population burst out in laughter. "Come", Ovidio said, "We don't let us terrorize by common people. I hope they take care of my good hat". Slowly they moved on, and Ovidio get more nervous with every step. His head continuously moved from left to the right, and now and then he shouted: "Look Sancho, there, behind that tree!". "That's another tree, Ovidio", Sancho replied. The road made corner, and a few hundreds meters further one on they saw a large creature sitting in the middle of the path. "A good day to your all", the monster said. "I'm glad to have you here for lunch. But first you must answer a simple question wrong. Questions, because you are two. And an additional one for the beastie. The road suffers much more from beasties, than from human feet. Although they are less tasteful." Sancho took the word: "But we are only one group, o monster. And since a beastie can't speak, and thus can't answer a question, and we are travelling together, I would say, one riddle would be fairer." The monster sighed. "Oh, well, it was worth a try. And it will be faster, which is good, because I am hungry." "Can you tell us your riddle then? And hurry up, because we have more things to do". "Or else?", the giant monster asked grinning. "Or else I'm afraid I have to slay you." The monster first giggled, then started laughing, until large tears rolled out of its eyes. "Hahaha, this is funniest thing I have ever heard. And ever is long time. I have even shortly considered about telling you no riddle at all and let you go. But that wouldn't be fair to all the others, would it. But you are lucky. I'm in a good mood today, so I will keep it easy. Well, here comes the riddle:", the monsters eyes turned all white, and with a lofty voice, it said " I see, I see, what you don't see." There was a deep silence for a while, then Ovidio asked: "Good, playing along the rules is good. Well, what do you see?" "That's the riddle, you idiot. You must answer it, not me", said the monster. "Oh", Ovidio thought for a while. In the mean time Sancho took the word. "Who doesn't see it. I, or he", he pointed to Ovidio, "or perhaps both of us?" The monster was confused for a moment. "Eh, good question. Very good question." The monster thought for a while, or whatever it did. It's eyes became white again, and with the same voice as before " A prince should know this" Ovidio already wanted to say something, but Sancho gave him a harsh look, and said. "Well, then I should answer the question. When Ovidio here hears it, he will know it". The monster looked a little disappointed, but couldn't beat the logic of Sancho's answer. "Well, go ahead then." Sancho, thought for a while, then he said: "My face!" Ovidio looked thankfully to Sancho. He would have never guessed it, and he also wasn't very sure anymore if he could slay the monster. But it was true. Sancho couldn't see his own face, but the monster could. The face of the monster saddened even more, then it said: "Ha, but you can see it in the mirror!". It already began drooling, and reached out for Ovidio. "Not so fast", Sancho said quickly, "you used present tense, and I don't have mirror." The monster scratched his head, which was quite funny look. Then it said sullenly: "You are unmean players", and returned to its cave, angrily swinging with its tail They continued they're way. The hooves of the beastie clattered on the rocky ground, and for a while the two men were silent. Then Ovidio asked: "That was quite a monster, wasn't it. Do you think it is the task of a prince to kill such monsters?" Sancho answered: "I don't know. You know more about that subject than I do. But why kill a monster if it isn't necessary? This one you don't need to kill in order to defeat it" "Because it is a monster?" "Hmm, good point." The sun was already going down again, and the shadows of the mountains that were quite close by now lengthened. It had been a hard day for Ovidio. He had defeated his first monster, although not actually slain. It was time to find some shelter, at least Sancho said so. "What about that tree?" Ovidio asked. "Do you sleep in trees?", Sancho replied. "Eh, well, mostly not. Although prince Akiran did, to avoid the beastmen. That's what the storyteller told me. But I agree, there are no beastmen around, and it doesn't seem very comfortable to me." Some time later they found a small cave. They dismounted, fed the beastie and themselves, and finally prepared to sleep. "Who is standing watch first?", Sancho asked. "Watch? Oh, you mean there are other thieves around?" "Well, eh, quite possible. Not that I am a thief, of course. But if, let's say, Bill Fingersmith walks around, and sees a lonely beastie, he probably wants to lessen its loneliness a little." "All right, you convinced me", Ovidio said, "you will be watch" "Hey, hey. I won't stay awake all night. I'll wake you up halfway.", Sancho answered, but Ovidio was already fallen asleep. "You will find out soon enough, young friend", Sancho grinned. It was a beautiful night, and nothing happened. First Sancho looked at the stars, wondering what they are. Then he stared into the fire he had build. "What am I doing here, with this arrogant and ignorant chap? I don't know what he is planning to do, but he seems to know sure enough. He will definitely need some help. Soon we are in Gooloo again. Perhaps I can convince him to stay there. Or just leave him there. I definitely have to go on. People go once in a while to Gooloo. Too big a chance they'll recognize me. No, I have to move on, but to where? Some village north of the city? or somewhere in the west?". Sancho's thoughts drifted off. The fire had already burnt down low. He searched for some twigs to feed it with. "Fire is just an animal", he thought, "It also needs food". During the night nothing happened. Sancho just sat there, staring in the fire or watching the stars, until they began to bleach and the new day started to announce itself. Sancho decided he also needed some sleep, therefore he woke up Ovidio. He shook him until he opened his eyes. "Wa....Waaaa?", Ovidio jawned and looked suspiciously at Sancho through his half-open eyes. "Why are you waking me up? Fight that dragon on your own, please. Or better, tell him to come back at a decent time". He turned around to fall asleep again. "Huh, dragon? what are you rambling about? Hey, stay awake", Sancho kicked him in the side. "Whaaa? Why?" "It's your turn to watch". "Watch? Me? Have you ever seen a prince standing watch?", Ovidio asked angrily. "No, but I will soon. I need my sleep, otherwise I might loosen the grip on my knives tomorrow. And who knows where you will find them?". Although not fully awake, Ovidio got the hint. "All right, all right, tell me what to do." Sancho laughed and said: "That's really easy: stay here and keep awake." "But I'm not even awake yet." "Then get yourself awake quickly. Anyhow, I'm gonna sleep now. Wake me up in the morning." Sancho put himself to sleep, and it was Ovidio's turn to sit at the fire and think about what he had started, and what he should do with Sancho. True, his help had been proven quit valuable with the monster yesterday, but he was not suitable enough equipped to appear in front of a princess. I can always leave him at the foot of the tower, when I climb up to kiss my princess. In his thoughts he saw a lovely face covered with long black hair, staring every night out of the window of her castle tower while she waited for him and was craving for his kiss. Having reached that point in his thoughts, Ovidio couldn't wait any longer. He woke up Sancho, whom he from now on regarded as a servant. "Wake up, wake up. make some breakfast, then we go." Sancho stood up, rubbed his eyes, and looked at the sun. "Hmm, perhaps I should've been more specific about 'morning'. I thought I had deserved more sleep." "Perhaps, but I want to go. I have more important things to do than lingering around here any longer." Sancho sighed and made breakfast. They ate in an uneasy silence, then Sancho asked: "Where do you want to go? I don't think you told me." Ovidio first wanted to reply with a snappy "you don't need to know", but then his aristocratic manners won: "I go to the falling hills, to save a beautiful princess in a castle tower. We are talking about the Castle of Howling Snow and Rain of the evil Frostbittens." "Then our route will take us through Gum Gooloo Gum Jublet. Here we can rest for a while and get some provisions." Ovidio angrily stamped on the ground and said: "I'm not going to stay in Gooloo! I've escaped from there only a few days ago. I'm sure they want to see me return, laughing at me and asking all kinds of stupid questions. Thus, I won't go there. I'm sure there is a way around the city." He folded his arms and looked challenging at his comrade. "But we need food!", Sancho replied, "Look at that. We only have half a bread left. We will hardly make it to the other side of the fly with this provisions." "Well, if you like to, you can go to town. I will wait here with Esgalope." That's how Ovidio had called his beastie. "What? You want to carry everything on my back? I'm not a pack-beastie!" "Esgalope is neither", Ovidio said sullenly, but Sancho already climbed on the beastie and rode off towards Gum Gooloo, while Ovidio had been left behind. And because Ovidio had nothing else to do, he fell asleep. He woke up again by the loud hoof-beats of a beastie in a hurry, and a familiar voice shouting "Hey, quick, quick, Ovidio, Jump up and let's go. They are not far behind me. Ovidio started by the noise and jumped up in bewilderment. "What? Who? Where?" His vision, blurred by sleep, cleared up a little. "Oh, it's you, Sancho.", he said, "don't make such an unhealthy noise, please." Sancho pulled him up at his sleeves and said: "Don't ask, jump up first. They are catching up on me." Ovidio sighed, climbed on Esgalope, and off they went. "Now, tell me, comrade, who are 'they'?" "I don't know. People just don't seem to like me. I borrowed some goods, and I said I wanted to give them back something later. They didn't believe me and went after me. But, I managed to get some good smelling bread, and enough dried meet and fruits for several weeks. Do you smell the bread?" Ovidio nodded, although all he could smell was Esgalope, and even worse, a sweating Sancho. He wanted to ask something else, but he forgot what. He only shrugged and let Sancho ride. Ovidio looked behind and saw a large cloud of dust in the distant. Slowly it got closer, and Ovidio's eyes grew big with fear. He shouted to Sancho: "Quicker, quicker, it are Djinns, they are going to get us! Arrgh!" Sancho tried to put Esgalope to even greater speeder, then he asked: "Djinns? What, in a puppets name, is a Djinn?" "It's a creature that covers himself in a cloud of dust and does nasty things to you. The story teller told about them." Sancho smiled. "Yes, they are certainly in a cloud of dust, and I bet they are going to do nasty things with us when they get us. However, they will never get us. This boy is too fast." He patted Esgalope on its head. They speeded on, the dust cloud didn't get much closer. While the beastie was in full gallop, Ovidio bounced into every possible direction. He held tight to Sancho, or whatever it was, and closed his eyes. This was a nightmare! Suddenly the cloud of dust was gone. Sancho immediately slowed down Esgalope, and told Ovidio: "You can open your eyes again. Your beastie has outrun them all. It's a good boy." Ovidio opened his eyes, and noticed that they were quite close to the river. On the other side the barren landscape of the hills stretched out: infinite rows of hills and valleys, as far as he could see. "Ha", he said, "We're almost there". They arrived at the muddy riverbanks. "Now cross the river, Sancho. Princess, here we come!" "And, how, exactly, do you want to cross the river?", Sancho asked. "Ah, just swim, of course. That's what people do when they are in the water. Or don't you know how to swim?" As soon as he had said this, a large hippo emerged from the water and looked hungrily into their direction. "Yes, I can swim", Sancho said, "But she can, too. And she looks quite hungry to me." Ovidio examined the Hippo closely, and said after a while: "Hmm, you might be true. That reminds me. I'm hungry too. Let's have dinner, and sleep on it." "I think that's the first good idea I have heard from you." The sun came up, changed from a hesitant red into a warm yellow and peered through the trees. Its rays touched Ovidio's nose and his closed eyes. He sneezed and woke up. He looked for Sancho, but couldn't find him. Esgalope was peacefully chewing on some local vegetation. Nearby, he heard someone chopping and cursing: "Son of a rotten tree, what kinda wood this?" "Sancho?", Ovidio asked. No reaction. "Sancho!", he shouted, louder this time. "The chopping an cursing stopped for a moment: "Yeah?" "Sancho, what are you doing?" "What do you think? I'm trying to build a !@#$%^& raft!" "O", was all Ovidio said. He walked over to Sancho. He had already chopped a few branches and had tied them together. "Does that work?", Ovidio asked. "O'course it works.", Sancho grumbled. Ovidio looked around. "Can't we use that?", he said. "What?", Sancho's eyes narrowed to see what Ovidio was pointing at. It appeared to be a large object floating in the river. Then he looked at Ovidio with disbelief. "That", Sancho said, "is a large hippo paddling in a river." "Ah." "Crossing the river on the back of a hippo would be the worst idea since Sarah said: 'Let's go into the forest'". He shook his head and returned to his work. Ovidio went back to eat his breakfast. After a while he looked at the progress of the raft, and noticed that it was finished. It was a sturdy wooden platform, with two floats underneath for stability. "This should do it", Sancho said. "I think it can carry us.". He took hold of two large poles. "With these two we can pull ourselves forward, and perhaps keep off approaching hippos. We have to leave Esgalope behind". "What? Never! I'm not going without Esgalope", Ovidio exclaimed. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and looked at the raft with disapproval. "Can beasties swim?", he asked. "I don't know.", Sancho replied, "I've never seen them swimming. Did you?". "No...Then we will have to swim.", Ovidio added after a while, "We put Esgalope on the raft, and we swim to the opposite side of the river, while we pull the raft." "Are you serious?" "Yes." "And what about the hippos?" "I will think about it." Ovidio thinking about that? Sancho rolled his eyes, but said nothing. Their chance came about noon. In the distance they saw a small group of rundeer approaching the river to drink. As soon as they were at the river, the hippos noticed, and slowly moved their large bodies towards the rundeer. "Now!" shouted Sancho. They pulled the raft into the water, brought Esgalope and the provisions on to it, and started swimming. Ovidio only swam, and Sancho also pulled the rope with the raft attached. Immediately they were caught by the strong current, and drifted off. Unfortunately, the rundeer and the hippos were also downstream. With fear they noticed they drifted closer and closer to the hippos. The hippos were completely focused by the rundeer on the shore. The rundeer had noticed the hippos, and didn't get any closer. They moved nervously back and forth along the shore, because the wanted to drink. Then one accidentally got too close to the river. This was what the hippos had waited for. With a growl they pulled the squeaking rundeer into the river, right under the nose of Sancho, Ovidio and Esgalope. The beastie was shocked with fear when it smelled the blood of the rundeer. Its first instinct was to run away, but it already had noticed that moving on the raft made it swing, and the beastie didn't like a swinging floor. Therefore it stood stiff and trembling on the raft, ears and eyes wide open. After having enjoyed their rundeer meal, the hippos suddenly noticed something else floating in the river. Curious, and eager for a little desert, they approached the raft to investigate. "Swim!", Sancho screamed. "and help me with the raft!" They swam as hard as they could, now helped by the current that drifted them away from the Hippos. They just made it. They pulled Esgalope and the provisions from the raft just in time; the pursuing hippo got a mouth full of wood. With their last breath, Ovidio and Sancho tugged themselves and Esgalope up the nearest hill, away from the river and the awful hippos. After a while, Sancho pulled out his knives, rubbed them dry and polished them. "Why are you doing that?", Ovidio asked. "Otherwise they will rust. I advice you to do the same with your sword." Ovidio pulled out his sword. He didn't see any rust, but nevertheless he rubbed it against his damp cloths. Then he took care of the poor beastie, who was still shaking on his knees. Ovidio wanted to stay, but Sancho urged to go a little further into the hills. "We are still too close to the rivers. We have the hippos, and the rivers seem to attract all kind of ferocious animals. One or two miles further on, we are safe." "Where did you learn all this wisdom?", Ovidio asked. Sancho was silent for a moment, and his thoughts wandered off, probably to a nearly forgotten past. Finally he said: "I have to thank that to my father" "How?" "I don't want to talk about that right now". The rest of the day Sancho was silent. The walk through the hills was cold and wet and uninspiring, but not very difficult. The greatest difficulty was keeping warm. From time to time they found a half or whole dead tree that gave its wood unwillingly for a fire. They didn't met any people, only now and they saw a herd of scrape goats. At first they approached them. They climbed off Esgalope and slowly walked towards the herd, but this was not to the liking of a few scrape goats with sharp horns, and soon afterwards also not to the liking of Ovidio and Sancho. They had to run very fast, with the horn of a scrape goat pricking in each butt. They jumped on Esgalope and galloped off. The scrape goats looked after them in disappointment: they would've loved to practice a little more. Finally they returned to the herd they protected. They rode on through the hills, and on. They tried to determine their direction by the sun, at the scarce moments it appeared. Their food got scarce, their water got scarce. "Are we still not at your castle?", Sancho complained. "No.", Ovidio simply said. They wondered already if they were lost, when finally, finally they saw a castle on a hilltop. A large grey stone wall surrounded a hilltop. On the top of the hill were two square towers built, and a few smaller other buildings, all connected with a wall. Behind one of the highest windows in the left tower burned some light. "There!", Ovidio shouted and pointed to the window. "There we have to be". "How do you know?", Sancho asked, although he hoped Ovidio was right: that would mean the end of this crazy expedition. During the last days, he kept wondering why he had ever chosen to follow this crazy fellow. The next answer of Ovidio didn't much good to his image: "Princesses always keep a light burning for their prince to rescue them." "I think I have to trust you in this; this is your specialty. How do you want to rescue her?", Sancho asked to Ovidio. "I go to the hill, climb over it, climb up the tower, and kiss her. Then she is rescued, and we live happily ever after. That's how it is going to be, that's the natural flow of fate." They tied Esgalope to a nearby dead tree and inspected the wall. It was quite high, about 10 feet, but not unclimbable. The impatient Ovidio immediately started climbing, but Sancho held him back: "Isn't it better to wait until the dark, my friend?" "Why? Sneaking around in the dark isn't very princy. My princess may think I am an ordinary thief! And besides, in the dark I can't see where I am climbing". Ovidio looked at the tower and shivered. Climbing that in the dark didn't appeal much to him. "Trust me, Sancho replied. "Sneaking into a building can be done best under cover of the darkness. I, eh, have some experience with that." "Huh.", Ovidio growled, but they waited until the dark. Silently they were sitting against the wall and looked out over the desolate hills, and now and then up to the grim castle walls. Slowly the grey light began to fade, much too slow, in Ovidio's opinion. Now it was nearly dark, and Ovidio jumped up. "Now it is time to go. Princess, thy savior is coming", he exclaimed. He took the rope and looked up to the wall. "We don't need the rope for this wall, we will save it for the tower. Now get on your knees and hold your hands like this, then I can step onto them. That'll help me to get up there.", Sancho said. Ovidio did as he had been told. Sancho out one foot on Ovidio's hand and one against a hold on the wall. Now he was able to grab the top of the wall, he lifted himself up, and immediately lay flat on his chest. He looked around. The inner square seemed empty. Behind some of the lower windows of the main building burnt candles or torches. Also the light in the top window of the castle tower was still on. Behind the various windows, he could vaguely distinguish some figures, and also heard some noises. The rest of the complex was covered in silence. He winked to Ovidio to climb up, and whispered: "Grab my arms, I'll pull you up". Ovidio struggled up the wall, and Sancho told him to lay down, too. Ovidio also examined the surroundings, and suddenly he stammered: "Th...There, a dragon. I must slay it!" "Where?", Sancho asked curiously. He wondered how a dragon would look like. "Look, th..there, under the third window from the right. Can't you see the blazing eyes, can't you feel its fiery breath?" Sancho looked more carefully now. "Ah, yes, I can see it. It looks like an ordinary snufflehound to me." "No, no, it's a dragon. It is protecting the princess. I must slay it." Ovidio already prepared himself to jump down, and only Sancho's tight grip on Ovidio's arm prevented a certain death of the creature below. The snufflehound lifted its head. Hadn't he heard something, didn't he smell something? Yes, there, on the wall! Growling he approached the spot. Were they intruders? Then he should bark. If not, he'd better not alarm his master. His master hated false alarms, and would hit him on his head. One definitely smelled like an intruder, the other didn't. On the other hand, intruders were noisier, and with many, many more. When he had reached the wall, he still was uncertain about what to do. The not-intruder spoke softly to him, let the hound snuffle at his hand and patted him on his head. Now the intruder also extended his hand and crawled him carefully behind his ears. These people new what a hound needed. Not intruders, he decided. The hound wagged its tail and returned to the house. "You see? No need to slay your dragon.", Sancho said. "Of course not", Ovidio replied disgruntled, "this was not a dragon, this was just a friendly snufflehound. I don't slay pet-dogs!" Stealthily they sneaked over to the tower with the illuminated window. The courtyard was empty, and unnoticed they reached the foot of the tower. "Now I will climb the tower. Is my hair in goo shape? It's a pity I don't have my hat anymore." "You can always say you lost it in a battle", Sancho proposed. "Yes, that's true". Ovidio rearranged his clothing a bit. Sancho grabbed the rope and tied a hook to it. He stepped back. a few paces and aimed at the illuminated window. The hook left his hand, the rope snarled through the air...and with a 'clang' it hooked behind a window. One window too low, but still a window. He pulled the rope a few times, to check if it is secure, then he returned to Ovidio. "The rope is secure, although it is attached to one window too low. That shouldn't be a problem for a brave prince like you." Ovidio was not amused, but also felt flattered: "Yes, that's true. But still, you are good for nothing, and quite worthless", he said, "Now, please stand back while I lift myself to the summon of my first and important mission.", and Ovidio began to climb. Danae looked out of the window. After having seen the young Glare in Gooloo, she knew he would come. For his ease, she had left a candle burning in her tower chamber, day and night. She liked her chamber: when it didn't rain, she could look far out over the hills. Not that there was much to see, but she liked staring at the vast and empty landscape. This afternoon she had seen them coming, two men on a beastie. She had followed for a while with her eyes, then she had lost track of them. They must have arrived at the wall some time ago already. At first she had wondered why there were two of them, but then she realized that one must be a servant. She also wondered what they were doing right now, and how they had planned to get into the castle. The day had gone by, and the darkness had set in. Suddenly, she had heard a loud 'clang' from somewhere below. She leaned out of the window, but it was already too dark to see. Would it be them? But Cerb, the watch hound hadn't alarmed until now. She pulled her head back and waited. After a long time, she heard heavily panting, and some cursing from below, and soon afterwards a face appeared in front of the window. She started and jumped up. She hadn't expected him to climb up the wall! Was he a wallrat? And what had he done with Cerb? Her first reaction was to keep him out by closing the window, but her curiosity won. With last effort the man, or merely boy, climbed through the window and sank down on a chair. She stared down at him and observed him. He was ridiculously dressed, but she had to admit that it fitted to him. His breastplate was scratchy, but still it reflected the candle and the rest of the room. Blond hair surrounded his bare head and face, which was read from the exertion. Certainly he was quite a weirdo, but he didn't look bad. After he had regained his breath, he got up, bowed deep, put his hand on his chest, and said proudly: "I am Ovidio Glare, I am your Prince your Hero, your Savior. I have come all this way to save you, my lady." For a moment he was silent and looked at his 'princess' before him. He saw the curly black hair, the pale face, the cold blue eyes. No wonder these people were called Frostbittens. But he would do something about that frosty look, he would save her! He continued his speech: "May I kiss you now, my princess, in order to save you?" Danae was puzzled for a moment. She didn't know what a princess was, but this guy certainly lacked some wheels, although he was very charming. She giggled behind her hand: "Oh, how sweet of you, Ovidio." She took one step back and offered her hand. "you may kiss my hand." Ovidio immediately did. "But before you can gain my love", she continued, "you must first do something for me." "Of course, my lady, I am your servant. In a metaphorical sense of course.", Ovidio replied. This was not actually what he had expected, but, after all, it was his first mission, and better than nothing. Perhaps he needed more practice, more field experience. Danae thought for a moment: what could she let him do? She needed some time to think about this whole interesting situation. Then she remembered something she had heard some time ago. "I would really appreciate if you would bring me a branch of the tree of love.", she said sweetly. "Of course, my lady, I'll bring it right way." "Don't you wan tot know where you can find it?", Danae asked surprised. "That would certainly decrease the time you would need to wait." "Ah, well, I will tell you. The tree of love can be found in the big forest. Now, go, before my parents hear you." Ovidio bowed for the last time: "Good bye, Danae, my lady, my princess. I will swift return." He stepped through the window and vanished in the darkness, ready for his new quest."