A Story of a Prince

Back Story on this post: 
In July of 2009, I was chatting on the computer with Randon McKee, the guy I had been dating for over 5 years, at that point. Things were really great between us. We were best friends, and long distance dating, so we spent a lot of time talking either on the phone, or over the computer. It's amazing we actually ever got anything done. :) He asked me that day, as he often did, to tell him a story. This time, instead of telling him something that had happened that day (which was what he meant when he asked that), I made up this story as I wrote it, then and there, on Instant Messenger. It was kind of a story about him, in the way that someone might tell a bedtime story to a boy as though he were the hero prince in it. Instead of using his name though, I substituted some of my favorite names for our hero and his friends, and then surprised him at the end by making the prince's true identity the name we had agreed would be our first son's name, Tryston. As you read, I'm sure you'll be able to catch the raw typing it out without having a clue where it was going... it's kind of a mess. Hahaha! It's not done yet, and now I might never finish it... so enjoy it as it is! And if you would, if you know me, don't take my names... (most aren't in this story, but if you think you might be about to name another child a name you didn't come up with... and are wondering where it came from, feel free to ask.) 
P. S. I'm going through it now with the intent to self-publish it when it gets to be something worth publishing, so there are changes in the details, and elaboration to the story line, but it'll stay basically all the same... and I'm making the prince quite unlike Randon now. 

Aurelia's Prince
     by Chelyse Henderson

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there lived a princess who was good and kind, and loved everyone around her. Her dainty charm and goodness were known throughout the land and everyone who knew her loved and admired her. Her name was Aurelia.

She was beautiful to see, and had a melodious laugh that rang out, full of merriment and gaiety. Princess Aurelia was quite unlike princesses in other stories you may have read. Instead of doing nothing but frolicking in the gardens, she found satisfaction in searching for the poor and down-trodden around her. She endeavored to lift their spirits with her considerations and diligence, by laboring on their behalf, and in giving them whatever she could for their hearts to again fly. Far and wide, everyone knew of her. Accounts of her delightful disposition and joyous heart spread across the land, like the seeds of a dandelion floating on a wish. Now, don't get me wrong, she loved the palace gardens, but she preferred to be out among the people of her kingdom, doing what she could to make everyone's lives easier. 

Across the sea, in a kingdom Aurelia had only ever heard of, there was a prince who was gallant, adventurous, brave, and chivalrous. He was everything a prince should be. He had been taught from a young age what it is to be good and wise. He was skilled at everything he ever tried to do. He could win every joust, and out think the smartest men in the kingdom. He was handsome, but didn't take it into much account, himself. He was growing up to be the kind of prince every king would hope his son to be, and his father was very proud of him. The king spent as much time as he could with the prince, and they enjoyed each other's company immensely. They would often go on adventures together in the far corners of the kingdom, deep into the woods, or just practice archery together in the fields near the castle. They regularly took their meals together, and would have conversations about the state of the kingdom and what could be improved upon, until late into the night. They were the best of friends, and each other's greatest support. 

As time passed, the king began to feel that his son should find himself a worthy bride. The king had heard of Aurelia, and thought she might just be perfect for his son. He bade his son to find her, and see if he could love her. When the prince had heard the stories of Princess Aurelia, he determined that yes, he would like to see if what they said about her was true. If the description people gave of her was true, he wanted to present himself as a worthy suitor to her father, and win her heart. He knew he could win her love just by being himself, but if her father didn't know of his kingdom, he might not consent to the marriage. To convince Aurelia's father that he would be able to give her the world, the prince gathered a lavish caravan of camels, horses, and elephants laden with a myriad of immeasurable treasures to present.

He brought many fine silks, shiny satin, wispy chiffon, soft cashmere, and treasures and trinkets from all over the land. He brought a fluffy, long-eared puppy with a golden collar for Aurelia, servants to show her father the vastness of his command, and the wonderful foods that were only grown in his kingdom. He brought some of everything he could think of that might help him to woo the princess whose heart he wanted for his own. When everything had been placed precisely in it's place, the caravan was magnificent to behold. The prince bid farewell to his loving father, and started off on the long journey to win the heart of Aurelia.

The prince brought with him his most trusted friend, Itzel. They had grown up together, and had played together since boyhood. Itzel was the son of the king's personal advisor, and it was well known that Itzel would fill that role for the prince, when the time came. Not only was Itzel joining the expedition to advise the prince and provide some companionship, but he was also trained in fighting and was skilled in it, should they find themselves in trouble along the way. 

While on their journey, they didn't travel much along the main roads because in that land, the roads winded lazily along, getting travelers to their destinations by the beautiful sights that could be seen along the way. It would have taken much longer that way, so the company forged a straight line toward the coast, and their waiting ship. The caravan made good time during the day, and at night, they would set up camp  wherever they found themselves. The prince loved adventure, and loved to have fun, so everyone who was a part of the caravan enjoyed the travels immensely. At night they would pitch their tents around a big fire and they would sing and dance, and tell stories until the fire got low and it was time to sleep. There were a few children in the caravan, and they always looked forward to hearing the stories the prince told of the fun he had when he was their age. Usually they would go to bed long before the adults, and they were never upset to go to bed because of the wonderful stories they got to hear every night. Once the children were put to bed, the animals were fed, chores were finished, and the best route was chosen for the next day. 

One day, the caravan was traveling over a mountain pass, and they noticed as they went along, that the clouds above them were getting low, dark, and heavy with rain. Before night fell the clouds burst open and the party was completely overcome by a torrential rainstorm that made a mud bog of the trail they were on. They could hardly get through it, and the mud was up to the children's knees! The animals struggled to pull their treasures as the mud collected on their feet and made heavy shoes that were difficult to walk in. The servants set up camp as best they could, but the poles just sunk in the mud, and the wind constantly threatened to blow the tents over. As the sky got dark with the clouds and night, there was no way to build a fire, so everyone who could, went into the tents to wait out the storm. The rain kept coming down, and then the lightning started. It was so close, and so loud that it shook the ground and lit up the camp as though it were a flash of day. The terrible noise, and frightening sight set the animals into a panic, and chaos reigned among them. The horses' wide eyes and shrieks of terror further frightened the camels and elephants, who began to run wildly through the camp crushing everything they stepped on, knocking over the already loose tents, and destroying much of the supplies and gifts. The elephant's hysterics scattered some of the horse and camels whose tethers had come out of the mud, and some of the servants were badly injured when trying to reign them in. Those servants had to be carried back to the kingdom straightaway to get their legs or arms set after being broken in the turmoil. After three days the rains settled, and the prince was able to determine the damage. They had lost a considerable amount of supplies, but there was still plenty to bring along in their journey. 

They party continued on with their journey in good spirits, considering all they had been through. They traveled to the nearest village, and the prince employed every able member of the town and his company to clean and restore the beauty of what was left of the caravan. It was much smaller now, but still looked quite impressive, with gold and treasures still dripping from everything. Once everything had been cleaned to sparkling, it looked perfect. The grateful prince paid the people of the town with some of the treasure he had brought, they graciously accepted it, and bid the caravan farewell. The prince's caravan continued on in the back roads, and across fields and forest, as they had been doing. By now, many people knew of the prince's travels, and there were times that townspeople would go to see the great caravan and wave as the traveler's went by. The good townspeople weren't the only ones who knew of the richly laden caravan traveling far from the main roads, and far from protection. A band of robbers had been following them too, and was steadily growing, as tales of the riches they were carrying spread among the wicked men nearby. Every day a few more robbers would join the group that was planning to strike when they were sure they could succeed. The caravan continued on, crossing every land and clime you could imagine. After some time, they found themselves in a dry, desolate land where water was scarce, and shelter was even harder to find. They were getting weary of the journey, and though they knew they were almost to the sea, it was still taxing. The nights weren't as fun, and the stories had all been told several times. The sand and rock was uncomfortable, there was nowhere for the children to run and play, and the travels during the day were just hot and miserable. This is where they camped, and this is where the robbers knew they could be victorious. Late at night, the robbers fell upon the camp as the worn out travelers slept. The robbers were so numerous by then, and the prince's camp had been so taken by surprise, that they were quickly robbed of much of their treasure and fine animals.

The prince, Itzel, and all of the servants woke up to do what they could in protecting themselves and their belongings. They fought hard, but being ambushed, were not adequately prepared to defend the caravan. The robbers had studied the camp, and where the most valuable things were kept. They went to those places first, and made off with everything they could carry. The caravan party was successful in chasing down some of the robbers who had taken so much they could not move quickly. They found some of the animals by the yells from the robbers trying to make them hurry along, and were able to bring some back. Though there was success on the part of the prince and his traveling companions, some of the servants were badly injured in the fighting, and those afraid of the battle fled into the dark night never to return again. The prince fought bravely, and drove many of the robbers away. Even so, the robbers were so numerous that they were eventually able to overpower the camp, and they tied up everyone to who did not escape into the night. The prince was dressed just like all the other members of the caravan, and so the robbers tied him up with the rest, not knowing it was he who could be held for ransom for many more riches than the caravan held. When morning came, a small white-haired boy who had been hiding in his blankets was the only person in camp who had not been tied up. He struggled to untie his father, a servant, who then untied everyone else. Of those who were left, most were all right, with only bruises and small scrapes, and those who were more injured were taken to town to have their wounds looked after. Once the people were taken care of, and the animals were found to be okay, they set to work repairing what had been sullied, or broken. They gathered up treasure the robbers had dropped, and put everything as right as they could. The found that the robbers had taken much of the treasure, and some of the animals, but there was too much of both for them to have taken it all. They were happy to find that they could fit everything they gathered onto the backs of the remaining animals, everything except for one chest of sweet almonds and dates, which they regretfully left behind.

They continued only a few more days and came to the edge of the desert. They saw before them a lush, green valley, and just beyond they saw the deep blue sea, with tiny fishing boats dotting the inlet. At the dock they saw the grand ship they would be taking across the sea, and landing on Princess Aurelia's shore. Seeing the next, and last, leg of their journey, they were overjoyed, and their strength and vigor came back to them, knowing they would soon be starting a brand new adventure. 

They got to the ship and loaded it with the treasures that had survived the journey. The ship was huge, and stunning to behold! It was made of a light wood, that shone like gold when the sun hit it. It was massive, and looked like an entire village could be right on the deck, with apartments for the crew, sailors and plenty of room for supplies. The mast was taller than any they'd ever seen, and perched at the top, the lookout could see far out to sea from the crow's nest, as well as out into the desert the caravan had come from. It was because of this, that when the prince arrived, everything was almost ready to go. They only needed to secure the treasures and animals below deck. There were plenty of provisions already on the boat, and they all felt very happy and comfortable knowing they would be there in a short time, after a delightful, smooth voyage. They finished the very last of the preparations, and eagerly set sail into the setting sun. Just after they left port, the sails were let out, the and they billowed heartily, filling with air, and mirroring the exuberance the passengers aboard felt. The sailors, and all aboard, were in wonderful spirits, and those who had come along on the caravan happily strolled along the deck watching the sailors at work, and enjoying the beautiful sea. That night they were all lulled into a deep sleep by the waves that rocked the boat, as gently as a mother rocks her child. 

The next day the crew marveled at the perfect day that greeted them, a beautiful blue sky and light fluffy clouds was all that could be seen. The breeze took them briskly along, and they were sure to reach land the following day. The sailors sang their sailor songs about the marvels of the sea. They told of the wonderful things they'd seen; great whales cresting and slapping their tails, making waves that seemed to go on for miles. They spoke of great storms they'd been in, and off when pirates had tried to take over the ship, and failed. They told of mermaids and monsters under the sea, times when the sky seemed to be filled with clouds made of gold, and daring leaps to rescue someone tossed off the ship in a storm. Everyone was enthralled by these stories, and gladly listened to each of them. They passed the day this way, everyone enjoying each moment more than the last. The sunset that night was glorious, and the sky was full of big billowy clouds that turned from white, to purple, then pink, and faded with hues that made it seem the very sky itself had been set on fire. Merriment took over the ship that evening as everyone sang, danced, and laughed together. Without much warning, the beautiful breeze gave way to a strong wind, and the billowy clouds sunk with darkness and began to shoot lightning. The waves got bigger and bigger, and before they knew it, they were in the middle of a terrible storm. All hands were called to the deck, and every sailor knew his duty. They had been sailing for years, and knew exactly what to do in these kinds of situations. The sails were drawn in quickly, and the anchor was dropped. Many of the sailors tied a rope around themselves, and then to the railing on the side of the ship, in case a wave washed them overboard, they could rescue themselves. The waves were fifty feet high, and the enormous ship was tossed among them like a tiny paper boat in the rapids of a brook.

The deck was repeatedly flooded, and every able body was emptying the water by the bucket! The seasoned sailors kept the ship safe as the storm raged on all around. The lookout bellowed from the crow's nest, though nobody could hear him for the raging of the storm. The ship rocked so violently now that those who were not tied in to the ship had to hold on for dear life, and the water was impossible to keep at bay. Waves crashed onto the deck and washed away anyone not strong enough to withstand their blows. Lightning struck all around, and thunder rumbled through the entire ship. The stalwart sailors battled on, and if the storm had stopped then, they would have easily been able to tell the tale of this night on future voyages. Alas, a ferocious bolt of lightning struck the main mast, splitting it in two. In the nick of time the lookout leapt from the crow's nest into the sea, and was seen swimming toward the ship. It was to no avail. Within moments the mighty ship was split in two, each side sinking fast with the weight of all its cargo. It all happened so fast, that only two of the smaller boats were able to be heaved into the waves, and those who had been thrown overboard swam quickly to them until everyone who could fit, was inside. The storm didn't let up after the ship sank, and the oars may as well have been toothpicks for the good they were to the survivors of the shipwreck. It wasn't long before the two tiny boats got separated, and by the time the winds and waves settled, one of them had capsized and was sunk to the bottom of the ocean with all twenty-eight of its unfortunate passengers. The other tiny boat miraculously made it through the storm, but it had only one oar, and it was hopelessly lost. The prince was not among the passengers of this little boat. It was mostly sailors, and a few of the servants who had accompanied the prince on his journey earlier. The sailors and servants who remained alive were utterly heartbroken at their loss, and terrified at their future. There they were, lost at sea with no food, no water, and no prince. They were doomed to the hands of fate, and to the wind to blow them wherever it willed. 


Only hours later, and not so far away, Princess Aurelia frolicked along the beach enjoying the sunrise, and the salty sea breeze. She had heard the storm outside the castle the night before, and she knew that after the storm, there were always new sea treasures washed up onto the beach. She loved to look for the big seashells, and watch as the sandpipers and stilts scampered along the seashore looking for their breakfast of clams. All that was left of the night's storm was wonderful to her. There were sand dollars, bright coral, and shells of all different colors. She loved the way the waves were just a little bit taller than usual, and the way the gulls dipped and soared with a little more gusto than on usual days. 

Aurelia happily sang as she leisurely traipsed along the shore. Her heart seemed about to burst with joy as she greeted the day, and all it's lovely colors, jubilant as the seagulls delivered their good mornings. She had earlier awakened from a lovely dream that had her in the best of moods. 

She dreamt that a prince would come to her by sea and that he would be good and handsome and she wanted to be there to see the ship come in.... if it could be true that it would happen. She didn't care if it did or not because it was just too lovely a dream to disregard, so she let her imagination run away with it and take her to the most wonderful places as she leisurely strolled along. This prince, her prince, came in a huge, golden ship, and she could hear the trumpets as the ship approached. Her prince was at the helm dressed in a red cape with his riding boots on-site watching the show for her. When he saw her he exclaimed for joy and got on his black steed as the ramp was quickly lowered for him. He rode to her and swept her up as he came to her, needing no introduction because his heart knew hers and she knew his. All of a sudden her daydream was shattered as she saw a man in tattered clothes lying on the beach some distance away. She ran to him, he looked like he was dead, he didn't move. She nudged him gently hoping for response. Luck was on her side as the man moved slightly and groaned. Well, now that she knew he was alive and breathing she could take a moment to assess him. He was tall, with dark hair that glistened even as it matted in the sand. He had a beautiful face with full lips, and dark feathery eyelashes. Yes, he was very handsome. She hummed a little tune to give him something to focus on as she surveyed him quickly for any major damage. He stirred a bit and opened his eyes. He groaned again and covered his eyes with his arm. She smiled to herself and tenderly asked him if he was hurt. He was surprised by the sweet, gentle voice next to him. He peered out through squinty eyes at her he saw that she was very lovely; she had big blue eyes and long tendrils of deep auburn hair that fluttered softly in the morning breeze. He tried to quickly sit and compose himself, but could not. He was sore all over, and his head was throbbing. She looked at him with such a sweet gaze that he was immediately disarmed to the propriety that he'd always had. She helped him to stand... being of only little use to him in it except for giving him the strength to muster all of his. They walked back slowly along the seaside until an old man in a buggy came to them. She told him what had happened and that she wanted to have her physicians see him, and could she please beg a ride back to the palace. The old man knew who she was and was very pleased with the meekness and humility in her request. He made the shipwrecked man a nice bed in his straw and carried them both back to the palace. As the little buggy came through the palace gates it was surrounded by eager servants who fetched a carrying bed for the seaman and gently laid him on it. The princess told of what had happened and the man was carried off to one of the many spare rooms in the palace to await the arrival of the physician. As the servants made his stay as comfortable as they could with thick fur blankets and candles to shed a warm light around the room, the princess went to pretty herself up a bit and as she did she pondered on her dream, and the abrupt end of her daydream. Her mind wandered over the events of the morning and she wondered who this handsome stranger could be. After putting some ribbons in her hair and pinching her cheeks, she went into the room where the stranger lay resting. As she came in he smiled at her and thanked her for her hospitality and generosity. She smiled warmly back at him and sat next to him on the edge of the bed as she clasped his hand in hers and told him that he could stay as long as he desired. She asked him how he came to be on the beach that morning. He thought for a moment and replied that he did not know. She asked him if he was sailing in the tumultuous storm the night before and he said he must have been but wasn't sure. She asked him what his name was... he said that he could not think of it just then, but his head was throbbing something terribly. Just then the physician came in. The princess related to him the circumstances of her finding him, his apparent injuries and that he had no memory of who he was. The physician thanked her and asked her to wait outside the room so that he could do a thorough examination of the patient in case there were any more injuries. After some time, the physician came out of the room. She asked him if he was ok.

He replied, telling her that he had sustained no lasting injuries, just some bumps and bruises and that with all but one exception he would be completely healed in about a week. The princess inquired as to what might take longer to heal. The physician hesitated, and then told her that he had sustained a blow to the head which knocked his memory right out of him and that it would take it some time to find him again.

It depended on where he was when the blow occurred, and how far away he was from that point

The princess was saddened a bit, for she wanted to know who he was and how he came to be washed up on her shore. The physician told her that if he was not so far away when it happened, and factoring in his move from the beach to the palace, it would take maybe a few weeks, but if it was further it could take months... if his memory did not give up on the search altogether. Well, the princess decided that they would go walking along the beach every morning as soon as he felt better just in case his memory tarried there awhile in its search. In the next few days she was by his side constantly. She wanted to be very involved with him and make sure that he was doing well. It was as the doctor said, only about a week before he was able to be up and about, doing everything he normally could do. Aurelia had decided after speaking to the physician that she couldn't just call him Seaman, so she decided to give him a name. She would call him Danion. She and Danion spent every morning strolling along the seaside. He asked her all about herself and she told him all about when she was a little child, the games she would play, the books she read high up in the trees, the animals she saw as she frolicked on the mountainside meadow. He asked her about her dreams and her thoughts.

She told him of the things she loved and her passions and her desires. She asked him what he thought of this place, and what he wanted to do if he decided to stay. He told her that he loved this place, but that he hadn't noticed much of it at all outside of the wonderful girl who stood before him. She smiled and blushed, not sure what it was that she felt inside, just pleased that he was so obviously smitten with her. She was smitten with him as well. Neither quite knew what to do with it, but they saw that they were falling greatly into like with each other. As the days passed that like became joy at seeing the other, and that joy turned to friendship, then deep friendship, then to love.

At this point months had passed and still he did not know who he was or what had happened to him but he didn't mind because the entirety of his life as he knew it, he was with her. All this time passed, and Dannion he decided to ask Aurelia's father if he could marry her. He went to King Benedick and told him of his love for her and of her love for him. The king became irate saying that his daughter would not marry a man who had no history, no blood, no pedigree, and no name even!!!! He told Dannion that because of his insolence and ingratitude for letting him stay in his palace, eat at his table, use his things as though they were his own. How dare he presume that those kindnesses were somehow likened to lenity in taking his daughter's hand! King Benedick called for the guards and told them Dannion was to be escorted out of the palace and off the grounds immediately! He was never to set foot near the palace again, and if he was sighted, he was to be immediately put to death! Danion pleaded with him to give him just a moment to say goodbye to Aurelia, but the king refused.

Dannion was roughly taken from the room, out the palace gates, and hurled on the ground with a gruff reminder to never show his face there again. All at once Danion went from being a regular guest at the king's table to a penniless beggar who was not allowed near the palace, and certainly not near the princess he loved. 

The king ordered Aurelia not to leave the palace unescorted by guards, under any circumstances. Her father had never treated her with such restriction, and coldness. With her love gone from her, and no way to fill her days with any kind of joy, she confined herself to her room in her misery only occasionally going out to the garden to feign some sort of happiness in life. 

It was a facade everyone saw through. She was but an empty shell of the joyful girl she had always been. Her father saw this, but had more to think of than her broken heart, so nothing changed. Danion found a corner just outside the church where beggars could get food. He found that people going in and out were more generous there. 

He stayed there and went greatly unnoticed because he didn't want anyone to see the sadness in his eyes, and those who did see it wept for him. He begged there for weeks and weeks until one day he happened to be there when the king came and when he saw him he placed guards to keep him away because the princess was not to find him Then he begged from the beggars, who gave to him only because they felt so for the terrible lot life had so carelessly tossed him. Months went by and as time passed he became more and more unrecognizable to behold. His hair grew long on his face and his clothes became tattered and torn. One night he had a dream that changed his course. He dreamt that he was in his father's house, and it was a palace! He dreamt that he was telling his father of a journey he was going on that would change his life, a journey for love. He set off on this journey with mountains of provisions and servants and hope in his heart. He awoke with that hope still in his heart. He sat under a shrub bush pondering the meaning of that dream and he thought that it must mean that he was to forget the squalor in which he now found himself, and he must find the woman he loved, the princess. He went straight to the beach. He walked up and down every day spending all his time in search of her. She was never there. He persisted day after day after day, but she never came. One day, a ship came into the harbor there. Danion had found that he could get enough money for food if he helped ships unload their vessels so he went over to see what he could do. As he was speaking with the man in charge of unloading, he saw a man he recognized and called out to him. “Asher! Friend! It has been so long since I have seen you!” The man turned to him with a perplexed look on his face and called back to him "Who are you? What is your name? How do you know me?" he asked. Danion was taken aback. He didn't know who he was, what his name was, or how he knew this man, but he recognized him and remembered his name! Of that he was sure! He ran to him and said, "Is not your name Asher?" Asher looked confused for a moment and said, “My name is indeed Asher" Danion was overjoyed! Finally, a piece! He knew this man, now this man must figure out who he is! Danion told him that he was washed ashore just there many months ago and that he did not remember who he was, but had been taken in by the princess and had fallen in love with her and then had been living as a beggar after displeasing the king! Asher thought for a moment, and said, "So, they call you Danion? You were washed up on shore here with no recollection of who you are? How long ago? Danion thought for a moment and said that it had been nine months earlier. Asher squinted at him a moment and then opened his eyes wide and said "I have been here nine months as well! Were you on a ship that was destroyed on its way to bring the prince to claim his bride? Danion did not know, but it was possible, he was certainly lying on the sand when he was found. Asher took him to his home and on the way, told him what had happened to him.

He related to Danion the story of the journey they had taken with the prince. He spoke as he fixed some pottage for them to eat. He spoke of a terrible storm and of robbers and of the waves and lightning that ripped open the very belly of the huge ship. He said that many were lost at sea that day and that his small boat alone held the only survivors. He told of the next morning when the waves stopped pounding and they were left to see nothing around them and no hope of rescue. They were on that tiny boat for days. They were hungry and tired and hopeless. On the fourth day they were drifting where the wind took them as they had no way to move with the one oar they had. The boat was alone in the sea, until, all of a sudden it wasn't! There was another boat out off in the distance! They yelled and yelled until the boat crew heard them and came to rescue them. This boat was a fairly small fishing vessel and when they were rescued they were so grateful that they told the fisherman that they would work for a year and give him all their wages to show their gratitude for saving their lives. The fisherman took them to land and employed many with him as fishers. Asher and two of the others became sailors on the big ships that were always coming and going. They made more money that way, but it was still three more months until they had paid of their debt of gratitude. When he had finished his story he asked Danion if he wouldn't like to get cleaned up. He looked very weather worn and ragged. Danion gratefully accepted, went, and bathed and cut his hair the way it was when he had first been found, hoping that Asher would recognize him.

When he was dressed and ready he came back out to the room where Asher was. Asher turned and saw him, gasped, and knelt to the floor in a bow. Your Majesty, it is you, you are alive! Danion bowed slightly, as he was unaware that he was trained to do and asked Asher what he meant by that. Asher stayed bowed and told him that he was indeed, without a question the prince who had been lost at sea that fateful night. Danion asked him to rise and speak to him, to please explain this to him. Asher did and related that the prince had been lost in all the chaos of the night and in the morning it was found that he was not among the survivors of the only boat left. Danion still doubted if it could be true. Asher asked him to please wait here and he ran down the street bringing back with him two men who had also been survivors. He brought back with him Itzel and Simon. Both bowed low when they saw him, and confirmed that, yes, it is he, the lost prince they had journeyed with those long months, so many months ago. Danion rejoiced, for his world had completely changed in an instant! He was found, he knew who he was, and he was a prince. He longed to see his father and to go home, though he knew he would be back to claim the love that now had to be accepted. He told this to Asher, and as he said it Itzel exclaimed that it was yet impossible for him to travel home because of the very humble means that were afforded to them. Simon suggested that they could speak with the fisherman who had been receiving the money from each of the saved men and if they explained the situation he would surely provide means whereby they could return the prince to his father. The next morning the four men went to see the fisherman. They related to him the tale and begged for his mercy in releasing back to them some of the money they had paid him. The old fisherman was elated to find that another man had been found and that it was yet a prince! He immediately agreed to fund the trip and went to fetch them money they would need. As they counted it out they found that there would be just enough money for one man to make the journey back to Danion's kingdom.

Danion was elated until Itzel told him that under no circumstances would he be making that trip alone. As a prince, the rest of them would be tortured and hanged at best if they allowed him to make the long and dangerous journey alone. Itzel was a strong and able man, and he volunteered to make the journey. He only asked that Danion write a letter to the king telling what he knew and explaining the situation. Danion agreed, realizing that he did not even know what his kingdom was called, much less where to find it. He spent the next several days in preparation for Itzel's travels and in that time he asked them to tell him all about who he is and what his life had been like and all that they knew of him. They did, and he discovered who he was, what kind of man he was, the things he liked, somewhat of his childhood, and his real name. He was overjoyed to hear his real name… Tryston. Well, now that Tryston knew so much about himself he felt he had to tell his love the princess. One night he went to the palace disguised as a peasant with some vegetables to sell. There were many vendors that would regularly sell their fruits, vegetables, and meats to the palace wait staff, for there were many mouths to feed there so he knew he would not be noticed. As he pretended to aimlessly wander the grounds, he was in fact searching for sight of his love. He came day after day until finally one day he saw her.

She was alone and walking sullenly toward the garden. He tried to be casual as he quickly rushed to her side. He asked her if she would like to have some free mint leaves and she replied that she didn't and kept walking. "Then," he said "would you like to meet Danion in the same place you saw him first?" She looked at him and her mouth dropped “Oh, my Danion, I have missed you and loved you so!" and she went to throw her arms around him. He drew back quickly and said "They cannot find me here... Come to me tomorrow in the morning"

She smiled and eyes twinkled as she said she would be there with the sun rise. The rest of the day, everyone marveled to each other that the spring had come back into her step and the smile could not be contained by her lips. The next morning Tryston was there before the sun arose. She came quickly and quietly to the place. They were finally together, finally alone, away from the disapproving gaze of her father and from all the bustling of the world. They held each other tightly for a long time before either of them felt it right to speak. When the silence could be broken the prince said, "My dearest love, I know who I am and I am yours" The princess looked at him as tears gathered in her eyes and she said to him "Danion, my Danion, I cannot be yours, for my father... "Your father cannot stop us now or ever again. I am yours and I know my name" She gasped and hugged him as she said, "your memory has found you?" No, he replied, but I found some men who know me.

He then related to her the events that had transpired since they had been taken from each other. He told her all that he had been told about himself, and told her that Itzel was going to tell his father the king so that he could go home to them. He told her that once it was verified by his father, he would come back for her. She listened with wide-eyed wonder to all that he said, and they rejoiced in the hope of all their dreams coming true. Soon though, the beach was full of people and it was time for her to go back. But she was leaving the beach a different woman than she had come. She was in love with Tryston, a prince, a man of whom her father would approve, a man she knew loved her more than anything, and whom she loved the same. She would rejoice the rest of her life for the events of that morning. Tryston had explained to her that he must be verified by his father before he could come for her, so in the meantime he waited, taking Itzel's place in the fisherman's crew and living modestly but happily.

Months and months passed until one day a grand ship, bigger than any of the normal ships came to the shore. The town had all heard of it by the time it made it to shore and many people were waiting to see who it might be that had come in such grandeur to call on them. The king was there with his queen and daughter. Only one man knew who it was. It was the King this man knew as Father. He was on the beach waiting as the thing-that-let's-you-off'-the-boat was lowered and blended in with the sailors tying it to the shore. As the servants came off the boat he saw Itzel, and went to him. Itzel said that the king had been so worried and so distraught for the loss of his only son that he had been inconsolable and had nearly died. Tryston could wait no longer after hearing those words. He ran to the ship and as he did his father appeared. He cried out to him, "My Father, my King!" and ran to him wrapping him up in a hug that only a son could give to his father. The king hugged him tightly and as he released him and gazed upon his son's face Tryston's memory came flooding back to him and not a day was lost from him. They spent a few moments before realizing that they were not alone in the world and then realized that the entire kingdom was there to watch this joyous reunion. The princess' father came to greet