The Wonder Tales Vol.One
All Ages Fairy Tales for all the Family
Once upon a time in a land far, far away lived a mighty King. It would be fair to say he was as greedy as he was mighty, as cruel as he was fickle, and he ruled his land with an iron fist. In the service of this King was an Archer, who was the best shot in all the land. He was brave as he was noble, as keen-eyed as he was lightning fast with his bow. The Archer was a kind and generous soul, but he had to wear a mask to cover the horrible burns to his face suffered while rescuing the royal horses from a stable fire. Disfigured, the Archer was alone in the world apart from his own beloved horse Keshi, who was as sharp-witted as he was fleet of foot. Unknown to the King or anyone else but the Archer, Keshi could talk and was his one loyal companion.
One day the Archer mounted Keshi and rode off into the forest to hunt. He rode along a wide road and caught the glint of gold in the corner of his eye. Dismounting, he found a golden feather on the ground, which shimmered in the light of the sun. In wonder, he held it up to his horse and proclaimed he would give this magnificent feather to his King, and the King would surely reward him for his prize.
“Nah,” said Keshi. “This is a feather of a Firebird, a Phoenix; leave it where it is, so it can reclaim it. A stolen Phoenix feather always brings the thief bad luck.”
The Archer listened to Keshi, for the Horse always gave him good advice. However, this feather was resplendent in its majesty and would carry great favor with his King, and who does not wish to win the favor of their Lord? He decided to take it, and carried it back from the forest and presented it to his King.
“Many thanks to you, Archer,” said the King. “This is a fine feather, but now I must have the Phoenix it belongs to, and you will bring it to me.”
“But your Majesty,” said the Archer. “I do not know where to find this Phoenix.”
His plea fell on deaf ears, for the King was enraptured by the golden glow of the feather.
“You will bring me the Bird, or I will have the Royal Executioner take off your head!”
The Archer bowed low, returned to his Horse and told him the King would have his head if he could not find this Phoenix. The Archer despaired, for even though he was a great hunter, he did not know how to find this creature and he feared for his life.
“I told you taking the feather would bring us bad luck,” said Keshi. “Still, do not despair; we are
not in great danger yet. From the other horses stabled here, I’ve heard a rumor of where this Phoenix nests. We must go the town lands, camp in the golden wheat fields and wait until dawn.”
On hearing this news the Archer was overjoyed and the next day he rode Keshi to the town lands. Together they camped under a tree in the middle of the golden wheat fields...
Once Upon a Time… What a magical phrase. The Wonder Tales Volume One is a collection of all ages fantastical fables that are set in a fantasy world of Once Upon a Time, in a Land Far, Far Away. It is a world of magic, of wonder, of vain Kings, noble Heroes, beautiful Princesses, evil Witches and scary Monsters…
The Wonder Tales Volume One, The Archer, the Horse and Other Tales contains the first six stories of The Wonder Tales series.
The Archer, the Horse and the Princess
The Archer, the Horse and the Golden Braid
The Daughter of Frost
The Archer and the Flying Pirate Ship
The Girl and the Troll
The Archer, the Horse and the Forgotten Quest
Bonus story – I Am Wolf
Read these tales to your children, or you can let them explore the wonder of reading for themselves with these magical yarns of pure imagination.
The Wonder Tales Volume One available on the Nook at
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The.../2940012385123
The Wonder Tales Volume One available on the Kindle at
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004W8D8QO
Or in the eReader format of your choice, or traditional print form here
http://thewondertales.alt-world.com/?page_id=158
Arigato,
Nick Davis