The Tale of the Runaway Prince
Once upon a time- two kingdoms, Elistia and Maridia, stood as robust pillars of strength and prosperity. Both were blessed with esteemed rulers and an able prince each; Prince Edmund of Elistia, known for his intellectual prowess, and Prince Ivan of Maridia, recognized for his matchless courage.
Prince Edmund was not your usual princely figure, flamboyantly charging into battles. He was a prince of finesse, with the passion for learning, serving a kingdom passionate about education, technology, and peace. Prince Ivan, on the other hand, was a princely archetype, often charging into battles, leading his army to numerous victories, making Maridia a kingdom of courage, bravery, and strength.
Despite their different worlds, both princes maintained a cordial relationship, often visiting each other’s kingdom, cherishing their friendship amidst the buzzing feud between their kingdoms. A feud that began with a difference of opinion among the rulers about governance and had intensified to a battle of supremacy, threatening to disrupt the peace.
As the tension escalated between the two kingdoms, Prince Edmund decided to meet Prince Ivan, seeking a peaceful resolution. His journey was not for the faint-hearted, it meant crossing treacherous mountains and gloomy forests. However, Prince Edmund, powered by his determination, embarked on this journey alone.
As Prince Edmund treaded cautiously through the last stretch of the gloomy forest, he was attacked by a group of bandits. Having only studied about warfare and lived a life devoid of physical battles, his defeat was inevitable. However, his defeat did not result in his demise. Instead, he was saved by an unexpected entity - a gigantic, fire-spitting dragon named Egnor.
Egnor, often feared by humans, was indeed a peaceful creature, observing the human world from a distance. Saving Prince Edmund moved this observer to an active participant of the impending war. Egnor offered to take the prince to Maridia, flying high above the clouds, crossing the path in a fraction of the usual time.
Prince Ivan, spotting his friend coming with a dragon, prepared for a battle, assuming it to be an act of war. However, when he recognised Prince Edmund, his fear converted into confusion, then quickly turned into relief. Listening to Prince Edmund's dangerous journey, Ivan regretted the growing animosity that had made them forget their once cherished bond.
Acknowledging the impending threat, Prince Ivan agreed to meet halfway for peace talks, suggesting the 'Valley of The United', a neutral territory. Riding Egnor, they quickly informed the kings about their decision, inviting them there.
With the valley filled with murmurs and anxious whispers, both kings arrived. That's when Egnor emerged from the shadows, landing heavily near the peace table. He narrated the tale of Prince Edmund's journey and his observations of the increasing animosity among the humans.
His words seemed to echo through the valley. The crowd fell silent; their faces filled with shame, guilt, and awareness. Through the voice of an external observer, they realised the path they were treading.
The peace talk turned into an arena of apology, acceptance, and agreement. Both kings, recognising their errors, apologised not only to their sons but also to their subjects. They accepted their obsession for supremacy and agreed to lay down their arms, choosing peace over pride.
The dragon Egnor disappeared into the clouds, leaving behind a world that was already changing, ready to embrace peace. The fire of animosity was replaced with the light of amity, the sobs of fear with the laughter of joy, the clouds of suppression with the spectrums of liberty.
The two kingdoms stood once more as pillars, not of supremacy, but of unity and peace. Their princes were known not just for their intellectual prowess or courage, but for their character, strength, and the wisdom to choose peace.
The journey of Prince Edmund, the ordeal of the two kingdoms, and the intervention by a dragon is sung in ballads till date, reminding kings and queens the importance of peace. The tale of the Runaway Prince is a story of courage, wisdom, friendship, and above all, peace.