The Prince, The Stag, and the Wisest Man

by J Franklin Evans



Once upon a time, in a land far away, the Prince rode on a quest through the vast forest.

The Prince wore a simple cloak, covering his fine armor and weapons. His horse's bridle was unadorned but well-made and expensive. At first glance he appeared to be a simple traveler, perhaps a merchant, using the forest as a shortcut.

His purpose, however, was more than it seemed. He was on a quest from his father, the King.

It was the third day of his quest when he encountered a stag.

This stag was magnificent, fully grown and in the prime of his life, with an impressive rack atop his head. This rack was entangled in a thorn bush a few feet from the trail.

When the Prince saw the stag he stopped his horse and climbed down, drawing his sword and approaching the animal carefully. The stag, he reasoned, had been so trapped for a few days, and was weak from trying to free himself. He could feel the fear from the beast radiating from it towards him as he approached.

He slashed with his sword, once, twice, thrice, and freed the beast.

As the Prince turned back towards his horse, intending to remount and continue on his way, he discovered that the stag had not run away as expected. He turned to see the animal standing still, watching him.

"Why did you do that?" the stag asked.

Astonished at the thought of a talking stag, but only for a moment, the Prince considered the question. "Do what?" he asked. "Free you?"

"Yes. Why did you not simply continue on your way, leaving me in my predicament? Or slay me?"

"I saw no need for your suffering, especially since it was only a matter of a moment for me to free you." the Prince replied. "Also, I do not kill for sport and as you are weak from hunger and thirst, it would not be sporting to hunt you in any case. I also do not require your meat, as I am amply provisioned. Letting you live means another who is less fortunate  may kill you, where your meat would feed a family for some time, and your skin would provide clothes and protection from the elements. If this does not happen you will certainly sire others who will in turn provide their meat and skins to the people of the Kingdom, or sire still more in their own time."

"Indeed." said the stag. "You are wise."

"Some may say that. I am, however, quite simple and oblivious to the most obvious facts."

"Modest, too." the stag said, and snorted, as if amused. "I see you wear the cloak of a simple tradesman, but your armor is fair and well-maintained. Your sword is sharp, free of rust, and you are skilled in its use. Your mount is healthy, well cared for, and strong. I suspect there is more to you, simple traveler, than meets the eye."

The Prince bowed. "You know me?" he asked, becoming amused himself.

"I believe you are the King's son, the Prince and heir to the throne. Am I not correct?"

"You are." The Prince said, smiling.

"And why do you travel in my forest, alone? Are you not afraid of bandits and cut-throats?"

"I can handle simple riff raff." the Prince said. "There are no outlaws in this land who can harm me. I travel under orders from my father, the King, who has sent me on a quest."

"Really?" the stag said. "What do you seek?"

"He has asked me to find the wisest man in the Kingdom. It is said he lives in this forest. I have searched three days so far, though, and have not found him."

"How will you know this man when you find him?"

"Father only told me that I would know him."

"I see." the stag said, nodding. "How came you to be sent on this quest?"

"Of that I'm not sure." the Prince said, his brow wrinkling in thought. "One of father's guards told me he heard father muttering in his bedroom four nights ago. He was supposed to be alone so the guard burst in, fearing an assassin had slipped in. Instead he found father standing at the window. The window was open and the room was freezing cold. There was a bird on the window sill, a crow, and father seemed to be talking with it."

"Ah." the stag said.

"You say that as if this answers a question."

"In a way. Many crows can speak your tongue, though they know not what they are saying."

"I thought of that as well. However, the guard told me father was weeping, and sent him away. The next day he sent for me and gave me this quest."

"I see." the stag said. "Well, I must tell you that I am a spirit of this forest, old and powerful. Since you have saved me from my predicament I am empowered to grant you a wish."

"Really?" The Prince said.

"And you were correct earlier when you mentioned that I was weak from hunger and thirst, so please be about it quickly so I may eat something and drink."

"May I have just a moment to consider?" The Prince asked.

The stag said nothing, simply bowing his antlered head, acceding to the Prince's request. The Prince stroked his chin as he thought.

"My father," he finally said, "Is a wise and powerful man, beloved by his subjects, respected by his peers. He has no enemies; something I'm sure you would agree is remarkable for one as powerful as he. It is no secret that when his life ends I will inherit his throne. While I am beloved in my own right, if I may say so, I know I would not be nearly as good at ruling this land as he. I love this land, my dear stag, and wish to serve it and her people well when the time comes. My wish is this--that I serve the people and this land even better than my father when I become king."

"So be it." the stag said. He lowered his head again and raised it and for a brief moment his dark eyes flashed red. "Your wish is granted."

There was a startled bellow from behind, and when the Prince turned he saw his horse lying on the ground, unmoving. He rushed and knelt beside his mount, touching him. "My horse is dead." he said, standing, turning back to face the stag.

The stag was gone.

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