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

  The men started narrating the legend of the island.

  The first one said, “Three hundred years ago, our island was ruled by King Goodwill, a benevolent and mighty ruler.  The island was wealthy in every aspect that our predecessors had great difficulty protecting it from invaders, for King Goodwill did not have a successor to the throne. 

Amidst wars and difficulties, King Goodwill had great desire for voyages, and he brought something strange to the island, every time on his return.  He was a peace lover and a brave man.  On one such voyage, the ship was violently tossed, but there was no sign of a storm or big waves.  He and his men heard voices screaming ‘save our souls,’ amongst wild roars. 

Suddenly a giant octopus showed up that was hunting oysters in great clusters.  The Oyster Queen was crying out for help saying that there would be no pearls in the world, because the giant Octopus was hunting Oysters and Pearl Mollusks with the help of Winkles that are already destructive to the Pearl Oysters and Clams. 

The King decided to help the Oysters, and he and his men fought bravely against the giant Octopus and finally killed it, but the King was stung.”

Now the second man continued, “The Oyster Queen came up and spoke to the King thus saying, ‘Great King, I thank you for fighting for the sake of the Pearl Oysters of the ocean.  You have saved our species, for we are the last kingdom left for producing pearls in all the oceans of the world.  God bless your island. 

From now on, there won’t be any bloodshed in your country.  The lions and the wild beasts will eat grass and will live among the people.  The human beings of your island will be honest that they will not even steal milk from the cattle. 

Your island will not be ruled by anyone for 300 years, and will be protected from invaders by winds and ocean currents. Your Queen and your bloodline would be safe and the Seahorse will bring the chosen Prince and the Princess who will render a pearl box as a token of my promise that would bring wealth and happiness to the island. They will marry and rule over the island and your island Frideswide will be called as the Island of Peace, and it would be the world’s most peaceful and wealthiest kingdom because of the richest pearls we would give you in abundance that you will not have enough room to store.”

The third man continued, “King Goodwill returned injured with his men and narrated all that happened at the sea.  He was ill for four months and five more days and finally died of the poisonous sting.  We were waiting eagerly for generations for the Seahorse that would bring the Prince and the Princess, who would marry and rule over us in peace and prosperity.”

Ferdinand and Rosemary consented to their request, but wanted to invite their family for the wedding to which the priest and the representatives of the people happily agreed.

Early at dawn, a ship sailed for the first time out of the island’s harbor after 300 years.  Seven of the men came to the shore in a boat carrying the scrolls that were for Sir Gerald and Oswald.  They were happy to find the Sea Castle so near to the shore.

  The guards ran into the Castle to inform Sir Gerald Evans that Miss Evans had sent men with a scroll for him.  Sir Gerald invited them with much hospitality, and read the scroll in which Rosemary had written all about their fortune.  She also requested him to allow her to marry Ferdinand and be the Queen of the island.

  The Evans and the messengers started to the farmhouse in two splendid carriages.  Oswald and his wife were overjoyed to see the Evans.At first they were disappointed as Ferdinand had not returned, but were delighted when they read the scroll the men gave them.  The men also said that their ship is waiting at the sea for them.

  Sir Gerald and Oswald decided to leave for the island that evening with their families to solemnize the marriage and coronation.  Two other boats were sent for them and they boarded the ship safe.

Ferdinand, Rosemary, and the people of the island cordially received their first guests after 300 long years as the ship was anchored at the harbor.  They reached the palace in two magnificent coaches.  Sir Gerald and Lady Evans were glad to see the Seahorse and were awe-struck as it spoke, thanking them for all their kindness.

  The priest asked the guests if Ferdinand and Rosemary can be married the next day to which they happily consented.  The guests were given the luxurious and the most beautiful chambers of the palace.

  Further arrangements were made for the royal marriage, and the people of the island were happy that the promises of the Oyster Queen are being fulfilled.

  The people of the island gathered in the church to witness the royal marriage.  Children sang merrily welcoming the bride as the coach arrived.

  Rosemary was like a fairy in her wedding attire and the long train of her veil was carried by children. 

Her bright face was visible through the tulle veil like the bright moon behind a light cloud. 

The bride was led up the aisle by Sir Gerald Evans, her beloved father, accompanied by soft music and chiming bells while everyone’s attention was on her. 

The bridegroom was waiting at the altar for his bride.  He was extraordinarily handsome as he stood erect with his tall stature and broad shoulders.  He was looking like a chivalrous knight. 

The people were amazed on seeing what an ideal couple they made.

  The marriage was solemnized by the priest of the island, and a great banquet was arranged after 300 years, at the banquet hall of the palace.  It contained portraits of King Goodwill and his predecessors.  It was the most beautiful banquet hall Sir Gerald Evans had ever seen.  He was proud that his daughter’s portraits would also occupy its grand walls soon.

  The priest once again narrated the legend of the Island of Peace to the new guests, and they were quite surprised and filled with awe on hearing the bravery of King Goodwill, and the reward the island had for his chivalry. Sir Gerald Evans was proud of being in a country where there was no bloodshed at all. He blessed the newly-weds that they live long and reign over the island in peace and prosperity.

The court was filled with people once again after 300 long years, waiting for the coronation of the chosen, newly-married who helped to fulfill the promises of the Oyster Queen despite trials and tribulations.

  Ferdinand and Rosemary walked up the aisle courteously and sat on their thrones. The priest crowned them with formal vows, and Ferdinand was given a glistening staff.

  “Long live King Ferdinand,” said the priest, which the people religiously repeated.

  Likewise he said, “Long live Queen Rosemary,” which was also repeated by the people and the guests as well.

  Everything seemed like a dream to Ferdinand and Rosemary, now, the King and the Queen of the Island of Peace.

The treasuries of the palace were filled with pearls. Also, the people had so much of pearls that there wasn’t enough room for them to store.

  As a first thing after the coronation, King Ferdinand requested Sir Gerald and Oswald to be ambassadors. He gave a scroll signed by him that was an invitation to Her Royal Highness, The Queen of England, to visit the island, which would be produced to her by Sir Gerald and Oswald. He also gave three boxes full of pearl jewels for The Queen from the treasury on behalf of the people.

  He also graciously presented another six boxes, three for each to The Evans and The Oswalds, which they gladly accepted.

It was time for the Seahorse to leave, as the mission was well accomplished.  It started to the sea after blessing the King and the Queen of the Island of Peace. Rosemary was in tears whilst the horse went into the waters and everyone was amazed to see it turn into a small Seahorse once again and swim into the deep waters.

Sir Gerald Evans and his Lady were astonished to see the transformation.

“Rosemary must be lucky to ride a Seahorse,” they thought.

Rosemary requested the governess to stay with her and got her consent.

Finally, the guests boarded the ship to return to England and were safe on shore through well equipped boats. The men of the island who rowed the boats for them carried the gift boxes full of pearl ornaments