The Days that Passed

Prologue

It was a dark and stormy night. Thunder boomed outside and lightning flashed. Heavy raindrops pelted the ground. 

A young man was sitting in his cottage, listening to his father tell him a story. 

"There was a myth, son," the father said, "Long long ago, there was a beautiful princess of this land. She was kind, beautiful, and rich. She helped the villagers and soldiers, and everyone loved her. 

"However, one day, an evil witch came to her castle, and kidnapped the princess. She locked the princess in a cottage deep into the woods. She told the princess that if there was a young man who managed to surpass all the challenges she would put outside on the path that leads to the cottage, she would allow the princess to go free, and marry the young man.

"Many men have tried, and none have succeeded. As years passed, the princess was forgotten, and her story with it. Only a few generations and only a few people remember her story, and believe it is true. No one knows if the princess is still alive, and many believe that the story is just a legend, and there was no princess and no witch ever."

"Do you believe this, Father?" the young man asked.

"Yes, Jacob, I do," the father said, "My grandmother was one of the former queen's advisors, and therefore had a very close connection with the long-lost princess. The former queen is Queen Rose's great-great-great-great-grandmother, so it has been years since the princess was lost."

"But if the princess was lost so many years ago, is she still so young? How is she still alive, if she is alive?" Jacob asked.

"According to the story," the Father said, "The witch had a youth potion, and fed it to the princess every year, making her seem young and beautiful."

"Wasn't there another path out of the cottage?" Jacob inquired.

"All paths were blocked with evil monsters and spirits that the witch had recruited," the Father explained.

"Father," Jacob said, "I want to try and rescue the princess."

"That would be very good, son," the father said, "But....we don't know if she is really alive."

"I want to try, Father," Jacob said, "You believe that she is alive, so I believe it too. I want to try my luck."

"Son, you could die!" the father said, "Do you know how many men have tried to rescue her?"

"I understand your concern, Father," Jacob said, "But I want to try my luck. I believe if I try hard enough, I would eventually find her."

"You have good spirit, son," the father said, "Very well. But you are my only son, so please, promise me you will be careful. If you cannot find a way forward, please, come home."

"I promise, Father," Jacob said, "You can trust me."

That night, Jacob packed a bag full of food and weapons and clothing. He hugged his father goodbye, and headed out into the raging storm.

He wasn't sure if he would succeed, but he sure wanted to try.