The Princess and the Deer
Once upon an autumn evening, a beautiful young princess set out on a walk.
She took with her a basket of potato peelings and old, stale bread, which she intended to scatter about along the wooded trails of her kingdom.
It was warm outside and the sunset lit everything up in a pink and orange glow.
As she tossed the peelings and hung the bread from twigs for all of the creatures and birds who might feast on this treat, she never noticed how far from her castle she’d roamed.
Then, seemingly all at once, the sunset was gone and it was getting very dark.
The princess’ heart began to beat rapidly and the palms of her hands became damp. She was very frightened.
Then, she remembered what her mother had always taught her: “If ever you find yourself frightened and alone, say a prayer.”
So, as she walked on in the dark of that late evening, she prayed: “Dear God, please help me to return home safely, soundly and quickly.”
Before the Princess even said “Amen”, heavy grey clouds parted to reveal a bright moon that was nearly full.
But, in the light, she now could see that she had wandered far off her trails and deep into the woods.
Just then, she heard a soft rustle behind her. Startled, she turned to find a young white-tail deer standing only a few feet away.
Relieved, she said: “Well, hello lovely one. I am sorry to intrude on your home, but I am lost.”
Then, like a whisper on the wind, she heard the deer say: “Follow me.”
So, she placed her hand upon his back and side-by-side they walked until the princess saw the glow of lanterns from her castle windows.
As she and the deer arrived to her door, the princess turned to thank the deer for showing her the way. The deer tucked his head and extended his front leg as if in a bow.
The princess gently kissed his forehead and they became friends.
Each time thereafter that the princess took a basket of peelings and bread out to the trails, her secret friend of the forest always walked her home.
The End.
© 2007
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