Once upon a time pt. 3

"SIRE! SIRE!" shouted the messenger as he ran into the court. "Our patrols have spotted scouts from the kingdom to the north in the woods at our northern border! We also have word that a young girl living in the staff housing nearby has igone missing!"

Prince Jesse lept from his seat. "What girl?" he insisted "What is her name?"

"I don't know yet Sire, all I know is her and her mother work here in the castle kitchens, her mother is frantic, and she had to be forcibly held back from heading into the woods by herself this morning!"

The Prince was already out into the grand hall leading out from the court. He was headed for the stables as fast as his feet would carry him.

"I've only just learned her name! Please let me not be too late to actually hear her speak!" he worried to himself.

Pixie's mom was about ready to start screaming when she saw the large horse galloping toward the small group of royal guards surrounding her.

She bent to a knee as she realized it was the Prince! New tears streamed from her cheeks as she begged, "please Sire, don't take me to the prisons, I only need to find my daughter! I told her to stay away from the woods, but she didn't listen!"

"Madam, worry yourself no longer. You need not fear prison. I came to collect you, and the two of us will find her." Jesse told her.

"Oh thank you Sire! Thank you!" and she ran to the horse and rider.

"Listen up soldiers!" he ordered "grab whatever men you can find nearby, and start searching the northern woods. Anything you find, or any information, give to one rider who will bring it to the court. He will head back and gather more from you then. Continue this until I tell you to stop, or you find the girl. Do you understand?"

"Yes Sir!" they shouted, and began running off.

Jesse made a clicking noise with his tongue, and spurred the horse towards where Pixie's mother had found the empty and abandoned berry basket. And as sudden as he had appeared before her, Pixie's mother and the young Prince disappeared into the woods.

Their ride was quick, but thorough. They could not gallop through the thick woods, and though panicked, they both knew they needed to keep a keen eye out for any sign of the young girl.

Suddenly, glinting in the morning sun they spotted it. A large pile of armor and Pixie's white shawl, it had a large spot of crimson on its collar.

Pixie's mother wept, and prayed they would find her unharmed.