Princess Warrior [ON HOLD]

05

"Imagination is everything.
It is the preview of life's
coming attractions."
-Albert Einstein.

I noticed him.

An old man bent over walking with the aid of a stick with a large bundle slung over his shoulders. He was walking my way. If I was fast enough I could just turn around and pretend not to see him and get to the palace. But no! I couldn't! Because courtesy and our culture demanded that I help him.

Argh! I would have loved to just walk away but nah! I just had to be a princess who must obey all the customs and traditions and be an exemplary citizen. I took a deep breath and walked towards the man. Might as well just get on with it.

I walked towards him and stopped just a few feet away from him. I said, "Good day sir, can I help you with your bundle sir?"

The old man stared at me. Seizing me up. For someone with so much white hair, his chestnut eyes were unusually alert and intelligent. They spoke of secrets and strength. Like, they had a story of their own to tell.

He smiled and said, "The sun, moon, stars and other planets are at your feet."

I stared at him quizzically, not understanding what he said. What did he mean by that? I said, "What are you talking about? Sir."

He smiled mischievously and said,"What I'm talking about? Oh! That would be you helping me with this large bundle." Then in the twinkling of an eye and in fast motions, he stood upright and tossed the bundle my way.

Surprisingly, I caught it but not without wobbling since I almost lost my balance.

The old man stared at me with a weird gaze. It was like he was reading me and seeing inside my thoughts. He said,"We have our work cut out for us."

I stared at him quizzically once again. What's with this old man who keeps on talking about things I absolutely didn't understand. The man started walking and he said, "My house is just up the hill over there." He pointed at a direction. I just nodded because I very well would like to just get this chore done with.

We walked in silence, each lost in thoughts. When we got to what he indicated as his house. I was marvelled at its location. His house was exactly on the hill standing isolated from other forms of settlement. It was surrounded by vegetation and it painted a wonderful picture.

The house was built out of wood. The wood was thoroughly painted. It was painted a dark shade of red. Adding to the unearthly beauty of the place.

Just behind the house, the sun was setting. It created a golden halo around the house and made it look so beautiful.

I stood transfixed by this view. It was breath takingly beautiful. I immediately had the urge to grab my pencil and sketch pad to just capture this wonderful view.

The old man said quietly, "It's absolutely beautiful. Right princess?"

I wiped my head around. Completely shocked. The questions on my mind being, how in did he know who I am? What was with people I'm meeting for the first time already knowing my tittle?

The old man chuckled at my startled gaze. I said, "How do you know who I am?"

The old man chuckled once again and sighed. Then he said, "Your aura. It's different. Your gait and carriage also spoke of fine bred which points to royalty."

The old man remained quiet. I examined what he had just told me. I was truly impressed with his display of intelligence.

The old man sighed and said," Would you like to learn martial arts princess? I could teach you."