I had a dream last night...
The man sat up. “What in–”
I saw the Fox, leading the Prince through tall grass at dusk, making their way along a fence of crisscrossed logs.
“There is the stable.” explained the Fox. “The instructions are the same as before; Wait until nightfall, and you will be able to sneak into the estate, where all the guards and groomers will be fast asleep.”
“I will not fail you this time.” the boy assured.
“That is not all. When you go to lead the horse out of his stall, you will see a common leather saddle, and a shiny gold one. Take heed this time. You must take the leather saddle. Do not be tempted, or it may go badly for you.”
“I will do exactly as you say. Once the stars appear, I will sneak in, and only use the leather saddle to take the horse.”
“Good.” replied the Fox. “Now I must tend to business of my own.” and he hopped off through the grass, sprinting into a run along the fence.
As the surrounding area continued to grow darker, the Fox headed for the stables. And as he got closer, I began to hear the sound of someone whistling, getting louder and clearer, until I realized that it was the Fox himself who was whistling!
The Fox continued his haunting melody, trotting past the guards as they fell asleep, and even walking into the Golden Horse’s stall itself.
“Be still, majestic one.” The Fox told him. “You will soon be in the proper hands.”
Turning around, the Fox left the stables, and trotted along the side of the manor, sniffing up at the windows as he passed them.
Finally, he found one that seemed to catch his interest, hopping up on the ledge, and looking through the cool glass at what was inside.
Scratching at the window, he managed to get it open enough to slip inside, dropping down onto the wooden floor.
It was a bedroom, where a man lay, quietly sleeping.
The Fox sprinted over toward the man, and leaped up onto the end of the bed, where he began to growl.
“Stay away from her!” demanded the Fox. “Leave the Golden Princess alone. She does not fancy you, and you only fancy her for her father, the king, and what that would bring you alone. So stay away, or I shall return and ensure that you do!”
It was the arrogant Rider he was speaking to, who looked just as confused as he was scared. “Who are you?! Is this some kind of trick?!”
“Sleep!” shouted the canine, whistling once more, until the Rider slumped back to his pillow. “Now if only the Prince comes through.”
–Charles M Warren
