The enchanted horse

She was already tired of that mission. The most courageous horsewoman in the kingdom had been on a dangerous journey for 3 years. Countless warriors tried to find the enchanted horse, but never returned.

Always at the request of the queen, with an enchanted map in their luggage, many men and women went to the ends of the world and later disappeared. And somehow, as if it were a fluke of fate, the map returned to the queen’s hands, bringing the proof of her champion’s failure. No one had ever brought the enchanted horse. But with Valka it would be different. She was different.

No one had ever beaten Valka even in sports competitions. Not even when she was hungover after a long night at the tavern. She was certainly the best at riding horses, the best swordswoman and the best hand-to-hand fighter in the entire kingdom. Why hadn’t she accepted the mission before? She just was had more fun things to do.

When she turned 27, she thought that maybe it was time to have more maturity and accept the greatest of royal challenges. Valka thought it might even be easy. Because thinking of all the useless people who tried to find the enchanted horse, it was no surprise that they failed. The problem now was that she was already on this mission for 3 years. Still alive, but she couldn’t take it anymore.

It was the first time she had traveled so far. Valka never imagined that in the world there could be so many dragons, demons, ogres, trolls, ghosts, wizards and other odious creatures. She remembered the story of Hercules and the 12 labors. In the past month alone, she had done more than that and was unable to get any kind of reward.

It was not uncommon for her body to stink with the blood of her enemies. This was a very unpleasant journey, without rest. Her only motivation was that, according to the map, she was now close, very close to her destination. All she had to do was to go through that forest and find the enchanted clearing. Usually, the closer to the goal, the greater the dangers. But everything was quiet over there.

Valka entered the clearing with the enchanted map. When she reached the centre, where the sunlight was strongest, the magic happened: the map turned into a beautiful horse, the most beautiful and strong she had ever seen. The horse said:

- Thanks, Valka for freeing me from the spell. I couldn’t stand the moths.

Thrilled, Valka did not know how to react. Finally, she reached her peak as a warrior and completed the most difficult of missions. Then, she realized everything that was happening and asked the horse:

- So, you speak. That must be why they call you an enchanted horse, right?

- Actually, I think it’s not just because of that. It’s a long story. Get a seat and I’m going to tell you.

- No sitting. We are returning to the kingdom right now for me to take my reward.

Then, somewhat annoyed, the enchanted horse had to succumb to Valka’s extreme strength and follow with her, pulled by the reins out of the clearing. And when the horse took his first step into the shade, he turned back into an enchanted map.