The Pearl Box and the Seahorse by Ann Wilson (books to read for 13 year olds .TXT) 📕

Dinner was announced as Rosemary entered the Castle, but she went straight into her room.  She anxiously opened the chest in which she had kept the Pearl Box, took it with much care with her pretty hands, dropped it into her cloak pocket, and walked towards the door.

She stopped suddenly, turned back and kneeled down to pray before the beautiful cross in her room.  She prayed earnestly to God that this should not be a trap and that He should protect her with His wings.  She pleaded with God to stop her if this is not His will, but to help her if it is really for the good of the people of the Island of Peace.  She then walked out.

  The governess stopped her and asked if there was a problem to which Rosemary assured there was none and promised to return soon.

  “May I know where my daughter is flying to,” inquired Gerald.

  “To the Rock Castle father,” she said as she kept moving.

  “My sweet one,” he said, “you did not have any food from daybreak, and I was told all about the ride.”

  “Pardon father,” she said in her musical voice, “I will return for the ball.”  She stopped for a moment, gave him her usual affectionate smile, bowed gently, and walked out.

  He indeed did not want to pry further as he trusted her a lot.

  Her father’s men attempted to go with her, but she stopped them.  However, they tried to follow her but were not able to as she rode like lightening and disappeared down the road.

  There was confusion in the Castle about the difference in her, and it seemed to them that she was distressed. 

Sir Gerald was more troubled when his men returned being unable to follow her. 

He never expected Rosemary to travel such a long distance on a horse, for he thought she went in a coach.  Hence, he sent them to the Rock Castle and ordered them to accompany her on her return.

“Ah, my rival!” cried the witch looking into her globe, as she saw Rosemary riding alone on a beautiful white horse with the pearl box shining from inside her cloak.

“My prey!” she said sarcastically, “Thou art to suffer for my goodness, for I shalt make thee run madly betwixt your castles, whilst Winkle would search for you in vain.”

She turned around and roared, “When the box is mine, I will be the Queen of the Island, its subjects…my slaves, and its beasts…my feast.”  She added, “It is my fortune to plunder a spellbound island.”

  She laughed like thunder that it shook the wood and all the life in it.

  She then peered anxiously into the globe to enjoy her wicked plan; looking at Rosemary, her rival, with much wrath and contempt like a worm under her feet, ready to be crushed.

Rosemary rode fast towards the Rock Castle, a few miles away from the sea.  She was familiar with the road amidst the woods that led to the Castle.  On her way, she admired the awesome beauty of the woods as usual, but was more excited for it was more pleasurable than looking out from the coach.

She totally forgot about the instructions as she spotted a beautiful hare running alongside.  She forcefully stopped the horse and ran after the hare, for according to her, she was a free bird with no royal restrictions. 

Poor Rosemary did not know that it was a part of the witch’s plan to prevent her from going to the Rock Castle.  She also had planned to snatch the box from Rosemary by threatening her with a pack of hounds.

Rosemary followed the hare for a while and stopped as it ran into a bush.  She then walked towards the road, but it was quite confusing.  Finally, when she made it, she was startled to see the horse missing.  She then remembered the words of the melodious voice that warned her not to get down from the horse.  Now she was in the middle of her journey.  She realized that she can neither go to the Rock Castle nor return to the Sea Castle before sunset.  She wept bitterly in despair and prayed earnestly for help.

  Suddenly, she heard deep-throated sounds of hounds approaching the place, and was scared that they might attack her.  Finally, she saw them when they were about a few yards away.  Screaming in horror, she cried for help.

  The hounds advanced ferociously towards her, and she closed her eyes in fright.  She opened her eyes on hearing the voice of a man, and there stood a young man, who was fighting bravely with the hounds with his sword.

  “Damn!” bellowed the witch, helpless and disappointed, as she knew that in his presence she cannot harm Rosemary.

  Rosemary thanked God for sending this brave young man for her rescue.  Between them was a little lamb, which she picked up as she watched the fight standing behind.  The hounds ran away beaten by his sword, for he seemed to have no intentions to kill them but tried to scare them away.

  She thanked him from the depth of her heart as he turned to her.  She was inspired on looking at him, for she has never seen such a handsome young man before. 

He was tall with broad shoulders and a handsome face.  He looked like a King on his erect posture that she couldn’t resist admiring him.

“I am Ferdinand,” he said, “I came after my lamb that drew me here and I heard your cry and hence rushed in.  I hope it is God’s plan that brought me here to save you.  I wonder, young lady, what brought you into the deep woods.”

  “I am Rosemary,” she said as she gave a sigh of relief and continued, “I missed my horse as I ran after a hare and was helpless as the hounds advanced towards me, but God had sent you for the rescue.”  Tears rolled down her eyes as she spoke and the bravo had great pity for this charming young lady.

  He promised to take her out of the woods and restore her safe home.  They admired each other, and felt like they were well acquainted before, though they really were not.  They walked towards the village in much silence speaking seldom.

On their way, Rosemary found a little pond with spectacular water lilies and other weeds.  She went to pick some lilies that were very close, and it seemed to her that she can get them without making herself wet.  Ferdinand let his lamb down and hurried after her crying, “Nay, young lady, I will get them for you.”

Rosemary’s foot slipped as she stepped a little into the water and she glided inside to her horror.  Ferdinand sprang up and caught her hands whilst only her hands and head were seen above.  He pulled her out in a moment and said, “I would have got them for you, but you would not listen.”

  Ferdinand was in panic and went pale and Rosemary discovered how much he cared for her.  She thanked him once again for saving her.

Ferdinand suddenly caught something and was taken aback as he said,

“I don’t believe my eyes….you are not wet!”

  They were horror-struck when they turned to look at the pond, as it was no more.  They only saw pastures and shrubs all over.

  “I trust you,” he said, looking into her eyes, “but things are quite unearthly, and I wonder who seeks pleasure in taking the life of a benevolent and charming young lady.”

  She told who she was and narrated everything and Ferdinand was quite surprised that he said, “Sir Gerald Evans is well-known for his kindness.  It is my pleasure to save his daughter.  I will help and protect you throughout your mission if you permit.”

  “It is my pleasure,” she said as if she was in a dream.

Ferdinand was happy with the answer.  It was all like a dream, for they were spellbound to love each other for a purpose without their knowledge.

  They quickly moved out of the woods for fear of another trouble befalling her. 

Ferdinand made a spectacular garland and a floral crown with the most beautiful flowers of the valley and presented to his love, which she happily accepted.  He also gave her the edible and delicious fruits of the valley. 

On their way, they met shepherds who were leading their flocks into the village.  They were happy to see Ferdinand with a beautiful young lady, who obviously seemed to be his ladylove. 

They sang sweet songs in praise of the lovers and accompanied them into the village.  The songs of the shepherds cherished hope and happiness in the hearts of the lovers.  Rosemary was much delighted that in her misfortunes, she found her love.

As they reached the farmhouse, two little children ran towards Ferdinand. 

They were Edward and Annie, Ferdinand’s nephew and niece.  Ferdinand told his brother Oswald and his wife all about the rescue and who the honorable lady was, and the family was delighted to have her at their humble abode.  Leaving her safe in the hands of his family, he started to the Sea Castle to inform the Evans of her well-being and convey her message.