“There it is, Despereaux,” Majestic Man said once he and Despereaux exited the Maglin Woods. “Maglin Town.” He and Despereaux stood on a grassy hill. Wildflowers swayed due to a zephyr.
Down below, Maglin Town was a cute little town, although it appeared to be more of a village than a town. There were dirt roads that led to the village, and carriages headed toward Town Square, Majestic Man’s destination. There were no cars, even though the year was 1954, just carriages. Maglin Town was on the Pintaloon Ocean, a vast ocean that surrounded both Pinta and Loonier Country, Pinta Country’s next-door neighbor.
A crisp sea breeze blasted Majestic Man’s masked face, and he took in the whiff of oysters.
Dismounting Despereaux, he examined the Maglin Woods, ensuring he and Despereaux hadn’t been followed. He then returned to his horse and said, “Let’s go, Despereaux. We need to return the chest.” He remounted the four-legged giant and tied the Ax’s Chest to the side of his saddle. Majestic Man clasped the horse, and he nickered, starting to trot.
They trotted down the hill. While they trotted, Majestic Man leaned back in the saddle. When they reached the bottom, he sat up straight again and pulled back on the reins.
Despereaux stopped and lowered his head.
Momentarily, Majestic Man stared at Maglin Town. Finally, he nodded and yelled, “Vamos, Despereaux!” flicking the reins. He and Despereaux soared across a meadow, and Maglin Town drew closer. Finally, they reached it, and a crowd of cheering civilians immediately greeted the hero and his horse.
“Majestic Man! Majestic Man!” they chanted.
Now trotting, Majestic Man smiled and held the Ax’s Chest over him.
In the heart of Town Square was a statue of Majestic Man sitting on his horse. It was also where he met up with Mayor Felix. He was a short, slightly plump man with a gray beard who wore a hat.
He stood before the statue of Majestic Man.
The crowd continued to cheer behind the young hero.
He stopped before Felix and nodded, offering him the Ax’s Chest. His necklace dangled before his chest, and Felix admired it as he took the chest.
Peering into the youth’s eyes, he said, “Thank you, Majestic Man! Thank you!”
“Ah, it was easy,” Majestic Man admitted. “But sir...”
Felix listened carefully.
“Make sure it is well hidden,” Majestic Man continued. “Clayton, the leader of the platoon, warned me that one day, Team Pinta would come back for it. You have to make sure it doesn’t fall into their hands again.”
“I will, son,” Felix answered. “Thank you again.”
Majestic Man smiled and gave another nod. Sitting like a king on Despereaux, he watched as Felix approached the crowd and quieted them down.
“Attention, citizens of Maglin Town!” he announced. “Thanks to this youth”—he pointed at Majestic Man, lifting the Ax’s Chest over his own head—“the Ax’s Chest, our prince, is safe once again!”
The people cheered even louder, and hats were thrown into the air. Confetti flew on top of Majestic Man and his horse.
He smiled at the citizens, but then his smile died, and he examined his injured arm. He placed his hand in the tear and mumbled, “Pity, Despereaux, I really liked this shirt.”
Despereaux huffed and again lowered his head.
Majestic Man removed his hand and patted his horse’s neck. “So, are you ready to return home, partner?”
Seeming to smile, Despereaux vigorously nodded.
“Very well, then,” finished Majestic Man. He turned Despereaux and urged him to a canter. He cantered down the aisle, the cheering people had opened for them, and waved goodbye.
They continued to chant, “Majestic Man! Majestic Man!”
Felix watched Majestic Man leave, grinning with all his white teeth. Their prince was safe... for now.
Soon after the two vanished, Felix’s smile died, and he turned to one of his men. “Take this chest and put it in the deepest chamber of the tomb.” He handed the man the Ax’s Chest. “Make sure it is never found again.”
The man nodded and spoke, “Yes, sir. I’ll put it in the tomb right away.” He turned on his heel and approached the famous statue of Majestic Man.
Felix stared at the statue and sighed. Under his breath, the last thing he told the man hiding the chest was, “And don’t fail me. The Royal Family will need it in the future. We need to ensure we’re prepared when that day comes.”
And pray that they still had Majestic Man when it did.
94Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6aJjKq1Jv
Final Word Count: 3,400
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and then Add to home screen.