Through The Storm

The Princess Stopped...she felt like she had been in a horrible storm that left her defeated and worn...she took a deep breath, turned around and looked back at the Dragons and the wolf...
Dragons...she pleaded...you can not help me...but you can protect and help my loved ones for me...if you would please...
The dragons nodded...who and where my lady...
Well, let's see she pondered...first, tell me your names...and the princess sat down on a rock...
The first dragon came close and crouched down beside her...gentle eyes looked into the princess's...
My name is Pearl...because of my gleaming pearl armor...I can be gentle and loving, but also a fierce defender....
You would be perfect for a family I know and cherish...far from here...they live in an arid land....a man and woman and three typical little boys...do you think you could handle the boys pranks...
Pearl smiled...they might glimpse me once or twice..but for the most part I will watch over them silently..they will stay safe in my care...I will go at once...and off she flew to the family...
I have another dear family in that area said the princess...this one with their own two princesses...
The small green dragon popped up...I am Mr. Wrinkles...I may be small...but I can grow to different sizes as the need arises...become a large and fierce protector...or I can be just little ol me and play and laugh...I would love to have two princesses to watch over...and off he went...
Blade is my name said the next dragon...I love adventure...he was medium size and a bright shiny red...
I know just where you should go the princess decided...a couple I know...they love to hike and explore...always busy...they are not far from the families and visit often...so Blade went to oversee the couple and keep them safe...
One last Dragon...he was glossy...bluish black..shimmered in the faint light...I am Sir Sneed he growled...I am not much for families...I will do as you wish though my lady...
Hmmm....the princess thought...you don't really fit with anyone I can think of...there is the prince....but I am not sure you would be right for him...
I know...three men friends I have...would you like to travel and look after them...they don't live too far apart...but...
Three gentlemen would be perfect Sir Sneed replied...I'm sure I will not be bored with so many and off he went in search of them...
So, now the Princess and the wolf were alone...I really need to finish this journey of mine...don't I wolf...
Yes, it is in your best interest that you do...
The princess sighed...I am afraid dear wolf....but I must go on alone...you have been such a comfort to me...and have become a dear friend...I can't thank you enough for all you've done...but I must go on alone...
I know dear Princess...I've known all along we must part here...it is your destiny that awaits...do not fear the Wizard for you have much to learn from him...and he from you...you feel like a prisoner for now...but you are stronger than him and he knows it....his power over you is weak...after your journey...return to him...take it day by day...the future will unfold as it should...trust me...trust yourself...
Thank you again wolf...I'm not sure you are right about the Wizard...but I have no choice but to return to him...for now, he is my jailer...he will gain control again as soon as I leave here...but I will survive...and the princess smiled and hugged the wolf goodbye...
The wolf turned and ran out into the night...and the princess was left all alone...

She sat still and looked around her...the rocks and walls still glowed...but she was alone...frightened and exhausted...if only there was a safe place to sleep she thought and decided to get up and explore the cave...she wandered deeper into the cave...the cave walls turned into glowing crystals...changing shades of color...never quite the same from one moment to the next...so tired...the princess leaned against a wall and closed her eyes...wishing for a soft...warm bed...sighing she opened her eyes only to see...right in front of her...a big...beautiful...bed...she almost laughed...but too tired, the princess crawled under the covers and fell fast asleep...
The princess slept soundly for hours...finally she stretched and opened her eyes...she was still in the cave...the walls were still crystal...but somehow it all seemed different to her...it felt warm and comforting now...she wasn't afraid anymore...the cave had accepted her...she had come through the storm...

and although the sun wasn't shining here in the cave...she could feel its warmth...

The princess arose from the bed...if only I had something to eat she thought... I haven't eaten in forever...she was awake now...rested...suddenly she wondered aloud...

Where did this bed come from...I know it wasn't here when I closed my eyes for awhile last night...it just appeared out of nowhere...and she turned back around to look at the bed again...maybe figure out its secret...and there in front of her...instead of the bed...was a table...spread with food...

Laughingly the princess grabbed a peach...taking a bite...its juice ran down her chin..nothing had ever tasted so good to her...

this cave must be magic itself...I'll eat and then explore more...see what wonders this cave has in store for me...

The princess ate her fill...thanking the spirits that must live here...

No longer afraid...rested and fed...the Princess was eager to continue her journey...

if only the prince was with her...her life would have been perfect right now...but alas...he has his own quest...and I must stay on mine...I should have sent one of the dragons to watch over him...a dragon? no, something more would have fit the prince...a golden lion with wings...now that would have suited her prince...just then she heard a great roar...