Frog Prince

Ceara, Merric and Rufus quickly descended the stairway and as they stepped outside the door closed behind them without a trace. When they were once again on the path, Ceara turned to look back at the tower and could see the young prince making his way slowly up the side of the tower as a smiling, golden haired maiden looked down at him.

The trio resumed their journey through the lush green valley. Flowers bloomed while butterflies fluttered about and birds sang from the trees or soared above in the bright blue sky. They soon reached a small wooded glade near a waterfall and stopped for a rest.   Rufus curled up for a nap and Ceara sat back to enjoy the beauty that was all round them  Merric went off to explore the nearby stream. He sat at the edge of the water and watched as fish swam lazily about in the clear water.  Looking out across the pond, he thought that he spied a frog wearing a crown but knew that could not be so he stretched out further for a better look.

Rufus mumbled in his sleep and Ceara smiled as she wondered about the dreams that ran through his mind.   Suddenly Ceara heard a loud splash and saw Merric tumble into the pond. With a quick snap of her fingers, she had him back up on the bank looking only a little the worse for his misadventure. “I think that you need to sit over here in the sunshine and dry off before we continue our journey.” Merric shook himself, sending water flying about and waking up Rufus. On a nearby lily pad, a frog wearing a small, golden crown jumped away.