The Beast

Suitors came from far away kingdoms come for the hand of Princess Kali. A noble and
courageous move, until they came in contact with The Beast. His existence and infamous acts
spread far and wide to many kingdoms who wanted a marriage-alliance with Zeltor. Many
backed down once messengers or the princes themselves returned with the legend of his
monster. In due time, the beast became a symbol of a quest to be conquered in order to unite
kingdoms, and free a captive royals.
No princes have never laid eyes on this beast without going missing, let alone locate its
natural habitat. Even the imperial family of Zeltor remains in the dark about the mythical
creature preventing Kali to wed. Some say it was a symbol of the late queen waiting for the right
suitor. Many villagers claim to have seen the beast roam up to the castle during stormy nights
when its fur is soaking wet, seeking shelter and to tend Her Royal Highness.
Commoners within the Zeltorian Empire have gone on hunts in search for the foul
mannered mammal for a chance to wed the princess. But Alexander, the Crowned Prince, gave
warning to every peasant in his eloquent, diplomatic manner.
My good men, it isnt yet time to slay this beast. In due time, when the snow falls and
hibernation has taken effect, along with the correct suitor for my sister appears will this beast be
exposed and slain.
Months pass, and snow falls and melts, disappointing many. Villagers rebel against royal
decrees of poaching on imperial land for the animal. As peasants are sentenced to prison, Prince
Alex steps forward as a willing whipping boy for his subjects. He walked into the courts with the
King and Lords on the behalf of lawbreakers. Following court, trumpets sound claiming the
arrival of yet another suitor. Prince Theodore of Gau enters on a beautiful white stallion, waving
his sword. His golden locks are grazed by the wind as he removes his helmet.
Princess Kali ordered a guard to assist Prince Theodore as she remained awestruck by his
entrance. The King welcomed the unexpected guest into the throne room, accompanied by the
Crowned Prince. Delighted to join these famous royals, Prince Theodores escorted by his foot
stool guard without delay as if a prisoner.
Dj vu settles in as Prince Theo asked for Kalis hand in marriage, just like the others. A
chuckle escapes her brothers lips, as if the visitor cracked a joke. Obviously he hasnt heard of
our recent pest problem. If a dragon slayer couldnt settle this beast, a prince from Gau will be
skinned and eaten by midday meal.
Your Highness, it isnt that simple. Theres a beast plaguing our land, sworn to protect
the fair princess. Kalis hand cant be claimed by anyone until this beast is vanquished and its
race extinct. Alexander says in a booming voice, rattling the rafters.
Then you havent met Prince Theodore of Gau! The blond royal visitor exclaimed.
Ive had extensive training and have killed as many as ten different monsters that attacked Gau
in the past five years.
You, good sir, have just described every prince in the twelve realms, Alex shot back
defensively. But if the Crowned Prince and a mob of angry villagers cant terminate this animal,

its near impossible for a simple dragon slayer. Be my guest to vanquish the beast, you will be
the first.
Defense was a trait no one has seen from Zeltors Prince, including his worst enemies in
the barracks. The feeling tears through him, freezing all emotions solid. Might as well let him
attempt this act chivalry, success is bound to happen eventually.
Days die and were resurrected, accompanied by a flourishing relationship between Theo
and Kali. Theos ego remains stable, if not increases much to Alexs dismay. During meals, the
royal couple holds hands as Theo illustrates how he might conquer this beast, similar to his
dragon quests. Alexander sneers as his sisters drawn in by his creativity. Late one night, Theo
was awoken by a squeak of a door. The foreign royal grabs his sword, silently retreating from his
chambers to confront the source of unwanted noises. Did someone break into the treasury? Theo
paces forward, following a shadowy figure.

The culprit of witching hour noises wasnt an intruder, but a court member escaping. As a
bulky human shape looks out the ink black horizon from the open window, a horse beckoned its
expected rider to jump a few stories to begin the adventure. Theo quickly retreated to the royal
stables for his flawlessly white steed, to follow Zeltors crowned prince into the forest of
unknown dangers.
Growls of hunger come from the thick wilderness. Mysterious creatures of the dark
scavenge for live prey and dead carcasses to feed offspring or their own empty stomachs.
Animals camouflaged into their surroundings and nip at Gilgahs legs for bits of warm flesh.
Theos boots dig into the horses side to increase speed. He clicks his tongue for effect.
Two miles into carnivore country became the site of Prince Theos mount from his trusty
steed. He retrieved his sword for extra protection as twigs snapped beneath his feet, startling the
prince and summoning forest monsters. Out of the bushes springs a lion in attack mode, starving

for fresh meat. Theodore got cornered by the odd looking animal against a stone wall, teeth
barring inches from his pale face.
The Crowned Prince of Gau reached for his dropped sword, only being able to touch its
hilt with his fingertips. In this process his garments rip against razor sharp claws of his assailant
along with a loss of a layer of light colored skin. Just as the spotted lion bites into its prey, a
hooded traveler wrestles the lion to the ground. Sweat fills Theos face, a common reaction when
facing unknown dangers in this forest. Theos mysterious rescuer takes the princes sword,
slightly injuring the two of a kind animal, sending her on her way.
Thank you my good man, you will be richly rewarded for your bravery.
No need, The traveler lifted his head enough to see only his eyes. Money means
nothing.
A small campfires built as the stranger tells his story. He claimed to be a savior to all
living creatures in the forest, including the most ruthless. The injured princes jaw dropped as his
mysterious savior removed his hood illuminating the face of Prince Alexander of Zeltor.
How? Why?
The beast is in this cave at the moment, about to be awakened thanks to hibernation.
Truth be told, hes unlike anything youve ever seen.
Youre protecting it, Theo stoods, turning his back against the fire and the heir to the
Zeltorian throne. I thought you wanted to get rid of this plague on your kingdom.
Alex was forced to explain his train of thought after clarifying they were technically not
in the kingdom, just the forest. For years, Alex disarmed traps and scared off animals in harms
way of being hunted by the privileged in Zeltor. Thanks to his fathers seventy percent tax on all
food products, the castle is filled with all sorts of meat. On the other hand, many villagers go
without sustenance to obey this law. As an alternative, Prince Alexander escorted villagers in a
few at a time to claim as much meat as they could, tax free. The only condition being, killing
animal that easily multiply.
Shortly after the story the princes ride back to the castle in silence. Due to current
revelation, Theo has Gilgah trotted ahead to avoid any type of contact. By sunrise both regents
sleep in their beds past the roster, and into midday.
Before the midday meals prepared and ready for consumption, Alex woke to a series of
bickering voices. This had been going on for days; Kali and Theo had been arguing about certain
aspects of their life together after the beast is vanquished. Before long, the princess wore more
beauty products, covering up what the consequences were of her actions or opinions. That
explains why she spends so much time in her chambers. Alex thought walking down toward an
unlimited access of meats and other delicious foods.
As the meals being served so one could have predicted what happened next. Proving the
theory of a lone visitor was driving a wedge into a thriving kingdom, Theo mentioned the chat he
had with Alex last night. When the topic of the beast comes up everyone was shocked when the
Prince of Gau accuses Alexander of protecting a vicious, cruel mammal.
I should have let that spotted lion kill you when I had the chance. Prince Alexander
yelled across the table. Dad, Kali, its not what it looks like. Father, you tax this land with a

meat tax that leads many of our people into poverty, and I cant stand watching them suffer. For
the past few years, Ive been releasing your game and having the villagers come in and hunt tax
free. As far as the beast, I only know where it lives, but I will not stand for killing an animal,
particularly one in hibernation, its despicable.

Following much deliberation, its decided Prince Theodore would kill the beast at
sundown in its cave, whether in hibernation or not. All agree as Theo packs up for his big
hunting party and pens down ideas for the royal engagement and unification of Zeltor and Gau.
Gilgah on the other hand, didnt take to the idea of going back into the forest. Instead, Theo took
an old mare for the ride to the beasts cave. The mare, as stubborn as her rider, forces the ride
longer.
With sword in hand, Theodore of Gau enters the cave of the beast that overly protects the
princess. Trudging deeper into unfamiliar territory to a beast no one has seen, or lived to dictate
to anyone, enhances Theos sweat glands. When reaching the furthest cave wall, he heard
footsteps ponding the hard ground. Ready to face the beast, Theo repeats his actions from his last
visit to this cave and pulled out his sword.
Youve got to stop doing that, Theo ordered as Alex appeared from deeper in the cave,
creeping around in the shadows. Now get out of here you beast sympathizer. This is my quest
and if I have to, Ill kill you as well. Then my plan to receive the crown of Zeltor will be
complete!

Prince Theodore, have you learned nothing from your visit here? Alex asked closing in
on the swordsmans personal space. You cannot defeat the beast, many have tried and no one
will succeed, Ive made sure of that.
Different scenarios flood Theos head, ranging from logical to absolutely ridiculous.
Unable to choose just one to accuse the Crowned Prince of, he stared at Alexander in fear,
waiting for his pet to trot in behind him. When no other form comes into his midst, Theodore
stepped forward, sword remaining at the ready.
Obviously you havent put the pieces together, simpleton, Alex insulted the trembling
prince. I am the beast, the ultimate protector for my sister, Princess Kali. For months now
suitors have come to Zeltor in pursuit of her hand in marriage, but she is too young to wed. Then
one night I created this infamous monster known as the Beast to persuade others to believe our
land was cursed, specifically to those who are foreign. Like the other princes, I will have to
exterminate you.
Without hesitation, Prince Alexander of Zeltor withdrew his sword, slicing Theodores
throat. His heartbeat faints, getting slower and slower until no sound is heard for miles. In order
to keep this mystery alive, Alex started cutting into Theos body, making it look as though a bear
like creature attacked and murdered the noble prince.
Weeks later a weary traveler found him lying in different parts of this cave, informing the
imperial family of this misfortune. All three royals are horrified at the sight of his compiled body.
The King is most reluctant of all. It was he who has to tell the King of Gau of his sons
unfortunate perishing. But death didnt stop him from wanting vengeance on Prince Alexander.
To this day, members of the Royal family stay away from that forest bordering their land.
This isnt placed into effect to save the highly engendered animals like the spotted lion, but for
the good of the reigning family. Prince Theodores ghost still haunts that cave and the
surrounding area for the blood of the descendants of Prince Alexander, or my father himself.