“That was a lovely story,” complimented Princess Jeneth.
“Thank you,” said Viveka. “Do you now understand why you need to learn your letters and numbers?”
“Yes,” began Jeneth, “I need to know my numbers so that I can count things like castles. Are there really more castles?”
“Yes, I've been to six castles.”
“Six? Wow,” marvelled Jeneth. “ I need to know my letters so that I can read words on signs and in books. They can tell me things that I need to know that may help me find my way.”
“Exactly. What else?”
“I need to learn about directions and the names of the villages so that if I get lost then I can find my way home.”
“Good.”
“I need to learn my colours so that I know which dress to wear,” Jeneth smiled, her eyes twinkling.
Viveka laughed.
“I need to know about animals. I already know that a doe will run away if I smack my hands, but a buck may turn to fight. I need to know about plants so I know where to get fruits and vegetables and medicines. I'm only supposed to see an adult if I need medicine because I might get even more sick if I take the medicine by myself.”
“Very good. You have learned much already. Shall we get started with today's lesson?”
“Yes, but I have a question. Where did that story come from? You didn't use a book.”
“I made it up. When I need a story to illustrate something that isn't in a book, I will invent and tell my own story. That makes me a 'storyteller',” explained Viveka.
“Can I be a storyteller, too?”
Viveka smiled and said, “Yes, you may. But first, we must learn our letters.” She opened a book, “Once upon a time...”
Together they worked at teaching Princess Jeneth her letters and numbers and words. Jeneth practised printing and drawing and reading.
A couple of months later, Jeneth came to the tree, her face beaming with pride.
“I wrote my first story!” she exclaimed, full of nervous excitement.
“Wonderful!” replied Viveka, “Let's hear it.”
Princess Jeneth began...
YOU ARE READING
The Once Upon A Time Princess
RandomThis is a story about a Princess who discovers a passion for storytelling and how she shares that passion with others. It is also a story about my heroes: - Dr Albert Schweitzer and MSF - the mythical Chinese inventor of the printing press, the inve...
