When Prince Redinoldo beheld the Forest of Fortune, he fell to his knees and cried aloud: "The wealth of the universe is in my possession."
A river of gold undulated beyond his feet into an endless horizon. The branches on the trees were pregnant with prized jewels in ruby, emerald, and sapphire. Even the insects and winged creatures appeared bejeweled with an enchanting stone.
The hare had already planned her exit and bowed before the prince in reverence:
"I shall leave thee to thy new kingdom, your highness." The prince did not reply but found his heart was lost in a revelry of greed and lust.
"The days of my father's mourning have ended," he declared. "I shall bestow greater honor and wealth to my land. All shall bow to me!"
But as he returned home, the forest became submerged in darkness. It grew so dim and foggy that he could no longer see what was in front of him, and he stumbled over his feet several times.
"Hare, I command thee to be my eyes and guide me from this wretched forest." But the hare had slipped away beyond the darkness. And his cry and pleas were so loud that creatures of the wood encircled him to see the spectacle.
Now many from the rural villages heard the cries of the prince. Some believed it was a man and others were convinced it was a ghost. The king grew sore afraid by the rumors and feared his son's death.
And a witness came forward and testified Amielle lingered near the forest on the day of the prince's disappearance. The king grew wroth for he suspected Aman's daughters of evil, and he threw Gabriella and Amielle in prison. Both sisters were threatened with starvation until they revealed the prince's location. Only Milliana, the youngest, could roam freely and feel sunlight.
And a witness came forward and testified Amielle lingered near the forest on the day of the prince's disappearance. The king grew wroth for he suspected Aman's daughters of evil, and he threw Gabriella and Amielle in prison. Both sisters were threatened with starvation until they revealed the prince's location. Only Milliana, the youngest, could roam freely and feel sunlight.
"Oh great king," she pleaded, "my heart feels great sorrow for my family's fortune."
"I have lost two of my heirs on account of thy family. I possess no sorrow nor pity for thee." And the king banished her from returning to the palace walls. But before Milliana departed, she cried:
"A great bird shall visit thee at midnight. Do not fear the bird but whatever it asks thee, be obedient to its voice."
To Be Continued...
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