Kapitel Femton
(Chapter Fifteen)

The stallion the King had provided for Karl, moved swiftly through the dense forest. Karl knew where he was going, but not what he was to do once he arrived there. He only knew he must get there quickly, and without delay.

The air was crisp and smelled of woodland flowers and mosses. Rays of the early morning sun peaked through the leaves and branches of the tall towering trees. Dew lay on the ground, kissing the earth, and a light mist hovered above the tops of the bluebells, creating a ghostly effect. This was a beautiful place. Karl deeply breathing in the cool air, rode steadily toward his destination. He was not far now. His strength and his courage mounted with every stride his muscular stallion took. There was such an overwhelming force within him, driving him on. Stride by stride he began understanding more and more of the purpose of his mission. Soon, the barren face of the mountain came before him. He hastily dismounted his steed and stood before the great stone face. It was quiet....so very quiet.

"Call her!"

Karl alerted himself. He looked. There was no one. He was positive that he had heard a voice.

"Call her. It will be hard for her to hear you. Call her loudly. The trolls will try to distract her, so she cannot hear."

"What do I say to her?", Karl questioned

"Tell her to come to you. Tell her you will take her home, home to her Father and Mother. Now call her. The trolls know you are here, and they are angry. Call her! Now!"

"Sophia! Sophia, can you hear me? Sophia, come to me. I am outside and I'm waiting for you."

Karl stopped calling and listened quietly. He heard nothing

"Sophia. Answer me, Sophia. Can you hear me? I'm here to take you home. Home to your Father and Mother. So-phi-a!"

Karl stood silent.

"Hello", Karl heard, ever so faintly. "Where are you? I want to go home!"

"Sophia! I hear you. Walk to me. Walk to the front of the cave. You must believe....resist the trolls. They will have no power over you. Believe you will go home....believe in me."

"Yes, I believe...and I believe in you, Karl. I WILL go home! I'm coming!"

"Come on Sophia", Karl called with some astonishment. How did Sophia know his name? Only on a few short occasions, had he ever been in the presence of Princess Sophia. But, he was just the apprentice of the blacksmith...a Princess would never pay any attention to him. But, somehow,....although he did not understand, he knew he loved Sophia....he knew she loved him

"Karl, I'm here. I can't get out. Karl, I can't get out and the trolls, they're coming! They're coming!"

Karl felt helpless. What was he to do? Suddenly, there was a force....some kind of power that seemed to take grip on the sword. An ominous force that he could not control. Karl tightened the grip on the handle of his sword, as the energy contained within it, drew his arms upwards. The emerald, drawn to the face of the great stone mountain, began to glow. Brighter and brighter it became, till a beam of light began to stream from the center of the dark green stone. The beam began to intensify, focusing it's ray on the center of the bluff. Karl heard a deep rumble. The ground began to shake, and the wind blew, as the mountain face, slowly began to crumble before him.

Karl was a very powerful man. Built with the strength of a lumberman, yet quite handsome to look at. But the power and the force from the sword, was so great, that it took all of his strength to hold it.

The mountain was crumbling to pieces. Large and small boulders alike, lay on the ground before him. Soon the mouth of the cave, slowly began to open up. Dust filled the air and the noise was deafening. When the dust had cleared, before him stood the Princess Sophia. Although dirty and ragged, she was beautiful in Karl's eyes. She ran to him quickly, embracing him.

"Take me away from here, Karl. Away, forever."

"I will.", Karl whispered softly, as he gently caressed her cheeks with his strong hands. "I love you, Sophia."

"And I you...", she smiled.

Karl helped Sophia to the back of his stallion. He mounted in back of her and they made their way back toward the castle. They spoke of many things on their return. It seemed as if they had known each other all along.

"Look, Sophia, a stream. Why don't we stop here and rest ourselves. You can bathe yourself in the stream, and wash your dirty clothes. You will feel much better after wards. I will see if I can catch us some supper. I imagine that you're quite hungry."

"Yes...I do feel Horribly dirty, and I am terribly hungry." Sophia walked slowly toward the stream, while Karl made his way in the opposite direction. She stood by the edge of the clear water. It looked so nice and she began to anxiously anticipate it's welcoming coolness. She hurriedly began to undress and made her way into the crystal clear stream. She cupped her hands full of water, gently splashing it on her dirt smeared face. It felt so refreshing. She was glad Karl had been thoughtful enough to think of her. It did feel so good. She washed the rest of the dirt from her body, then walked toward the bank to get her clothes. The she could, she washed the dirt and grime from her garments.

"Karl. Are you back?"

"Yes, Sophia, I am here."

"Bring me a blanket, or something I can wrap myself in while my clothes are drying."

Karl walked toward the stream. Standing on the bank, he was somewhat embarrassed, Sophia before him in the stream, and not clothed.

"Just lay it on the bank, Karl. I will get it."

"I have caught us a rabbit and the fire is started. You can warm yourself and dry your clothing."

Karl sat by the fire awaiting Sophia. The sun was starting to set and the sky was full of pink and yellow tinted clouds. Looking up, Karl saw Sophia coming through the trees. The dirt, gone from her face. She was so beautiful. It was hard for Karl to think of her as only a child. yet, in a way, she was. Only fifteen. Almost ten years his younger. Her hair was as golden as the sun set that filled the sky. The suns dying rays and the flicker of the firelight, made it glisten. Sophia sat nest to Karl watching the flickering of the flames. Taking hold of her cheek, he turned her face towards his.

"The fire...it makes your eyes sparkle. You are so beautiful."

"i do not know why I feel the way I do about you, Karl. I don't understand why I could feel this way about a man that before today, I had never even met. I only know that I love you, with all my heart. But,..." Sophia paused. "But, what will Father say. you are but a simple blacksmith, although that matters not to me."

"Your Father will not mind, Sophia. After all, he himself married the daughter of a simple blacksmith. Besides, I am no longer a simple blacksmith. Upon finding you, I have received half your Father's Kingdom. He has given us his blessing, and also, your hand in marriage."

"Oh Karl!" Sophia threw her arms around him. "I do love you so."

Karl held her close. "Rest now. We must start early tomorrow morning. Your Mother and Father anxiously await our return."

The night grew dark. The sounds of the forest were all around, it was so peaceful. Sleep came quickly to Karl and Sophia. Tomorrow would be a whole new beginning to their lives.

*****

"Wake up Sophia, Wake up my dear. We must leave for the castle."

"I cannot wait to get home.", Sophia said, with much enthusiasm.

"Things will not quite be as you left them. Before we leave, Sophia, I fear I have some distressing news for you."

"What Karl?"

"Your Grandfather, Sophia...he is dead."

"Oh no, Grandfather." Sophia lowered her head. "My poor Mother, she must be overcome with grief. And Grandmother...."

"Your Mother has been looking after Ingrid. She is very sorrowful over the loss of her Father, but she has remained a strong woman and been of great comfort to your Grandmother."

"Let's go quickly Karl. I must be with them."

Mounting the horse they started quickly toward the castle. It was not far to the palace now, and they would arrive before mid-day. Before them they could see the edge of the forest. Beyond on the forest was the valley. In the distance, the hills. Over those hills and the castle would lie before them. Karl ran the horse much faster than he probably should have. But, they were anxious to get back to the palace. The hills became closer and closer. Soon, they had reached the hills and began to make their way over their rises.

Kirsten had brought Ingrid outside to the balcony. The morning air was delightful and Kirsten through the fresh air would do her some good. Standing to her feet to overlook the meadow, she suddenly gasped with astonishment.

"Mam ma, it's Karl and he has found Sophia! My beloved Sophia is home!"

"Take me to her, Kirsten. I want to see her."

"Come, Mamma."

Kirsten helped Ingrid to her feet and they left the chambers. Johan's guards had also spotted Karl, and the Princess and had reported it to the King. The gates to the castle were hurled open and the sound of the horns pierced the morning sky. This was a time of rejoicing. The Princess had returned! Through the gates of the castle, rode Karl and the Princess. Shouts of joy arose from the gathering crowds. There was a magnificent joy that filled the kingdom, unlike the joy that filled the hearts of Johan, Kirsten, and Ingrid, as they waited with open arms. Their beloved Sophia had been returned to them.



Kapitel Sexton
(Capital Sixteen)

There was a festive celebration given that evening for Sophia's return. The throne room was full of Lords and Ladies. There was fabulous food with drinking and dancing. The entertaining of the court jesters gave way to laughter that echoed off the throne room walls. Never had there been such celebration.

Sophia turned to Karl. "I am so happy!", she said smiling.

"I do not understand everything that has happened in the last few hours.", Karl said, "How I instantly grew to love you, I do not know. But, I do love you, my Darling Sophia."

Kirsten and Johan, looking at their children, turned to look at each other.

"She loves him deeply.", Kirsten said with a smile.

"And how, pray tell, can you know that, My Dear?"

"Her eyes, Johan. Look at her eyes. How they sparkle!"

"Ah, yes, I remember.", nodded Johan.

"You remember?", questioned Kirsten.

"I remember. For her mother's eyes sparkled in the same way, the first time she looked at me."

Johan leaned over and tenderly kissed Kirsten on the lips.

"My eyes will always sparkle for you, My King. You will always be my Prince."

"I am glad to see your Mother in such good spirits.", Johan said, as he turned to look at Ingrid.

"Perhaps her Granddaughter's return has helped to replace some of the sadness that has recently filled her heart."

Anna, the Queen Mother, turned to her son. "You remember, Johan, as I once spoke to you upon your Father's passing. It is the joyous moments, as well as the sad that must be remembered. Ingrid's heart is still full of sorrow, but no more or no less that it is full of joy for the return of her granddaughter. She still rejoices, as Sven would rejoice, and Gustavus, your father, if they were still here with us."

Johan kissed his mother's cheek.

"You're right and your words are words of wisdom. Life must be lived, the good and the bad, joy and sorrow. A wise lesson it is. I hope I can leave that with my children."

"You will, my son. You will."

The gaiety continued into the wee hours of the morning. Anna and Ingrid had retired early. The celebration and festivities of the day had crept upon them, nigh unto midnight.

The crowds slowly dispersed and Johan and Kirsten slowly made their way back to their chambers. Kirsten stood on the balcony. The sky, just scarcely beginning to brighten with the early morning sun.

"Look Johan.", Kirsten turned smiling.

"What is it my Dear?", Johan said somewhat puzzled, as he walked to the balcony. "Look.", Kirsten motioned with a tilt of her head.

Johan looked. Below, in the meadow... Karl and Sophia. Sitting under the same group of trees that Kirsten and Johan had once sat under.

"It seems like only yesterday, that we sat under those same trees. So much in love."

Kirsten smiled..."Yes. It does seem like only yesterday. but my love still burns just as strong for you now, as it did the day that we sat in the meadow."

Time seemed to pass quickly. Sophia soon reached her sixteenth birthday, and the time was quickly arriving when her and Karl would be married. The entire kingdom rejoiced over this happy occasion.

Johan and Kirsten seemed happier than they had ever been before. Their lives had been so full and rich. They had been blessed, beyond their dreams. Especially Kirsten. Her life as a child had always been full of warmth and love, but to one day be reigning as Queen of all Sweden, this was more than she had ever imagined. She stood on her balcony, overlooking her kingdom, when she turned to the sound of footstep. "Johan?"

"Has the day been a long and tiring one, My Dear?", Johan remarked, as he crossed the chamber floor.

"Yes, it's been rather a lengthy day. I was considering going to the garden for a walk. It is such a beautiful evening."

"That's such a delightful thought.", Johan remarked. "May I join my lovely Queen in a stroll through our garden?""

"I would love your company, my King."

Johan reached for her hand and they made their way from the palace to the garden.

The evening was warm and a gentle breeze was blowing. Kirsten and Johan strolled though the garden, stopping by a beautiful fountain, filled with crystal clear water, that reflected the light of the moon and starts, that adorned the evening sky.

"I have something for you, Kirsten."

"Oh? Is this some special occasion?"

"No special occasion. Just something to show my love for you. Is it not proper for a King to give his Queen a token of his love, a husband to give to his wife?"

Johan took Kirsten's hand as he slipped on her finger, a most beautiful ring, adorned with diamonds and emeralds.

"Oh, Johan, it is beautiful! I shall wear it always. Never will it leave my finger."

"Promise you will never leave me Kirsten, for I love you, with all my heart."

"I shall never leave you. However far I may be from you, or you from me, I shall always be with you."

They held hands as they made their way back through the garden toward the castle. Suddenly, Kirsten stopped.

"What is it dear?", Johan questioned

"I don't know, Johan. I feel.....I feel strange. I can't explain it. I feel like I'm going to faint. Like I'm losing my strength. I don't understand."

"Come, sit down Kirsten, perhaps the day has just been to much for you."

Johan and Kirsten say on a bench in their beautiful garden. Johan held her in his arms till she fell into a deep slumber. Johan picked her up in his arms, and carried her to their chambers. Laying her in bed, he sat by her side and stroked her beautiful golden hair. She was so lovely, and he loved her so. She would be rested tomorrow. A good nights sleep is what she needs. Johan prepared himself for bed. He retired from the rest of the world and for awhile, from his Kingdom. For now, it was just he, and his beautiful wife. Tomorrow will be a new day.

*****

I slowly opened my eyes. Still in a daze. How long had I been sleeping? My eyes seemed so heavy. I laid very still, awaiting the sound of Johan's voice. It was so quiet.

"I will never leave you my Darling."

"Johan?"

"And I will never leave you. I love you, Peter."

Peter? Who was Peter?

Quickly sitting up, I found myself staring at the TV. Looking at some man and woman embracing.

But....I don't understand. Johan, Pappa, Momma, Sophia.

My god...it was only a dream. But it all seemed so real. I remember now, laying here thinking what it would be like, living in Sweden. I picked up the letter that I had received from Sweden, that very day, thinking about the dream that was still floating around in my head.

It was so beautiful! Why did it have to end? Johan, ...he seemed so real. I can still feel his touch. But....it was only a dream.

I looked at the clock. It was getting late in the afternoon and soon it would be time to start some supper. I must look a fright. Maybe running a brush through my hair, and freshening my make-up, will help me feel a little better. I got up from the couch , heading down the hall towards the bathroom. I opened the drawer and took out my brush. Bending over, my hair dangling, I began to brush. The blood, rushing to my head, began to make me dizzy. Throwing my head back, I stood looking in the mirror. I became frozen from the reflection that I saw.

My hair, once dark brown, was now as golden as the sun. My face, a different kind of glow. Even it seemed to be different in a way I couldn't even explain. I raised my hand to stoke the side of my face, and as I did, tears started to roll down my cheeks. For on my finger, I saw it. The beautiful diamond and emerald ring, that I said I would wear, always.

***And I Always Will***



"I shall never leave you. However far I may be from you, or you from me, I shall always be with you."

Et Anda
(The End)