Short story:

Princess of Snows

Once upon a time, there was a rich King named Olaf who ruled the kingdom of Navarre. He was a fortunate man: his kingdom was prosperous; his subjects were content; no enemies were looking to attack his kingdom.

The King had three daughters. The eldest was named 'Princess of Apples.' She was so called because she loved apples very much. The other was called 'Rose White' because she loved white roses. The youngest was called 'Princess of Snows.' She was the most beautiful princess in the whole kingdom: she was as beautiful as snow. She was also kind-hearted and was loved by everyone.

One day, Princess of Snows fell ill. Day by day, she became weaker and paler, until it became clear to everyone that she was fading away. The King sent out for all the wisest doctors in the region, but none could cure the princess.

Though not known to anyone, the Princess had fallen sick due to a spell cast by a wicked wizard. The wizard had felt jealous about the princess because she was kind-hearted, good, beautiful and loved by all.

Now, she was on her death bed. The King, who couldn't bear it any longer, called all the people of the kingdom and told them that the person who cures the princess would marry her.

There was this young man called Carlos, who worked as a shepherd. Everyday, he took his goats to graze on the mountains and in the evening, brought them back.

One evening, when Carlos was shutting the goats away for the night, he realised that one was missing. So, despite the falling darkness, he went back to the mountains to search for the missing animal.

To his surprise, he saw a strange glowing light coming from a little way off the mountains. This certainly was not moonlight, and he had seen no signs of gypsies camping.

Suddenly, he saw the source of this bright light; it was coming from a flaming throne on which was seated the wizard. In front of the wizard, some witches were standing. "I am still keeping the Princess of Snows ill," said the wizard to the witches.

Carlos' blood ran cold, as he listened to them, hidden among the bushes. "But the best part of the story is that the cure for her illness is right there at the palace. There is a tortoise in a pond at the palace. If the princess sipped tortoise soup for three consecutive days, she would be cured," said the wizard.

The next morning, Carlos told his younger brother to tend to the goats and set out for the royal palace. Finally, he was ushered in to speak to the king.

"Give the princess tortoise soup for three days," Carlos said.

At the end of the three days, Princess of Snows was cured. She was up and about, with her cheeks glistening as snow and her eyes sparkling. Her father, sisters and everyone in the kingdom were happy, all except the wizard.

The king sent for Carlos and thanked him profusely. He was also invited to live at the palace. Eventually, he married the princess whose life he had saved, and lived happily ever after.

Sent by Anuththara Mandawala,
Grade 8B,Vidura College,
Nawala.