The Most Valuable Treasure

Once, in the faraway land of Balingard lived an old widow and her poor daughter. It had been seventeen years since the father’s death and they were left penniless. Iduna, their precious child worked hard day and night in the fields, sowing crop after crop, such that they might have enough to eat. Since they were living in a thatched, shabby-looking hut deep in the forest, Iduna had no company except for a chocolate brown horse, by the name of Agnes, which her father had gifted on her eighth birthday. Agnes helped her daily in her work. 

 

Iduna loved nature from a young age and she would even pretend to talk to the tall trees; the beautiful butterflies, melodious chirping of the birds all fascinated her. One night as she was riding on Agnes for her routine nature stroll, she noticed a strange sight: one of the branches of a tree was slowly bending down. She, however, didn’t mind it and just passed by. However once again, she noticed a bush beginning to shake as if something lay behind it. Immediately she got off Agnes, who was quite frightened and peered into the bush. To her surprise, the bush jumped out and began dancing. Iduna felt she was only dreaming, and pinched her hand to double-check. Nothing happened, however, and then a few other bushes gathered near her, all curiously looking at her. She turned her glance over to a single bush, who she felt was the leader, and asked: “Hello there, may I know who you all are and how you are alive and dancing?” The leader bush came upfront and said “We are the bushes of the moors, a mysterious, magical and beautiful place. We are blessed by the empress who created the moors, to have human abilities such as to talk and dance. However, it lasts only till early morning and begins at night”. Iduna was delighted. She wanted to ask them if they would take her to the moors with them and boldly did so. “No human has ever crossed the bridge to the moors. But if you promise no trouble or harm, we shall gladly take you there”, said the leader bush. Iduna agreed and told Agnes to go home and tell the mother where she was going. She then followed them all the way to the bridge. 

 

Finally, having arrived at the huge, magical bridge, she felt as if she was in another world; a world of wonder. Her love for nature could be seen, and the bushes all became friendly to her. She crossed the bridge and first saw a multi-coloured waterfall which fell downwards from a cliff. She saw many new and exciting things such as golden Apple trees, real fairies, pixies and all other species of creatures. A winged-humongous creature glid past her and offered her a ride. She looked at the bushes, who requested her to get on the creature. Just as she got on, it took off going at jet speed in all directions. It was like a roller coaster, but even better and she was enjoying for sure. Abruptly, it began taking her down the waterfall. “Ahhh”, she screamed in shock. It took her through the fall, through the trees to a wonderful palace and pushed her inside. “She is waiting”. That was all the creature said to her. She had a feeling that the “she” must have been the empress the bush had spoken of. 

 

She starting walking and headed towards a spiral staircase, made entirely out of glass. Carefully walking up she heard a voice saying “Come up”. Thinking the empress was calling to her, she quickly went up and entered the first room to her right and saw a beautiful, blonde-haired, fair, blue-eyed woman wearing a pretty gown, sitting on a glass throne. Around her were two hand-maidens and two guards, one on either side. “I am so glad you came, my dear Iduna”, she said. Iduna had been wondering how she came to know her uncommon name. “Miss, if you do not mind me asking, who are you and why have you been waiting for me?” she asked curiously. The empress smiled and said: “I am the creator and protector of the enchanted forest. For years I have ruled this wonderful place, and have not yet aged. But just yesterday as I was combing my hair, I noticed a white strand. I knew it was my time, and If I was not there, who would protect the moors? I thought. So, I sought out many young people, none who satisfied me”. 

 

Iduna understood that she wanted her to rule, but wondered why her, why a poor girl when so many people were out there. “I chose you because you have a quality, you know not of now, but that is very special and powerful. We both are gifted, you and me, Iduna and that is why I want you to lead my people”, the empress told her. Iduna had wondered what the empress meant by “special” powers and before she could ask, the empress told her a long story about her own childhood. It seemed that when Iduna was a baby, a fairy from the magic moor had come to steal her, as she had desired for a child and failing to do so, had poured some magic dust onto her. Iduna had extraordinary abilities, such as to fly and control things. She just did not know about it yet. “If you do not mind me asking you empress, could you show me how to use my power?” Iduna asked meekly. “Aerwyna”, she replied. “My name is Aerwyna, and you may call me so”. Aerwyna the empress suddenly grabbed hold of Iduna’s hand and Iduna could feel the power right down her spine. It was powerful, and she was frightened. “You must remember one thing, child, magic is not a toy, to be played with”, the empress somberly told her. With those words, she left the room and left Iduna alone. 

 

Iduna went out and entered the adjacent room, which appeared to be a bedroom. It had all the necessities of a queen’s bedroom- a large vanity, a wardrobe, a beautiful bed and lots more. She slept well that night, dreaming as if she had truly become the ruler that day. Next morning, she got up with a shock, and noticed all the furniture floating! She realized that she had used her magic. She started testing out her magic, by first waving her hands round. Nothing happened. She then took a stick from the flower pot, in the bedside table and waved it. But this time, the furniture settled back to their places. She tried many tricks and soon got used to magic.

One night, as she was practising her magic in the royal courtyard, the empress told her, “Iduna, I think you are ready to become queen. If I arrange for the coronation tomorrow, will you be ready?” Iduna was perplexed and did not know what to say. Of course, she wanted to protect the moors, but what about her mother and Agnes? Who would look after them when she was not there? Thinking this, she told Aerwyna, “emp…I mean Aerwyna, I really do want to protect the moors, but what about my mother? I don’t know what she would do without me. I am really sorry, but I can’t rule the moors”. The empress seemed surprisingly delighted with her answer. “Not one person I have met has ever bothered about family. They are all selfish, do not think of a soul but themselves. I am very happy with your choice, Iduna. This was only a test to check your character”. Iduna was pretty amazed. She did not think that the empress would be happy with her choice. The empress then rewarded her with silk robes, jewels and a huge pile of gold. But even better than this, she invited her to visit the wonderful moors any time she wished. All she had to do was clap thrice and a carriage would arrive at her place. Aerwyna made arrangements for a carriage, for Iduna to go safely back to her small thatched hut, at Balingard. Just as she was getting into the carriage, Iduna thanked the empress for inviting her to the moors. Aerwyna waved goodbye and watched Iduna as she left for home. 

 

Finally, after a long ride, she reached and saw her mother struggling to bend and sow the crops. She immediately got off the carriage and went to help her mother. As Iduna began to tell the story of the moors, and the rewards the empress gave her, her mother stopped her and said, “my child, you are the greatest reward I have ever got. I am very happy that we have you”. Within the next few weeks, they became rich and led a comfortable, well-settled life. The empress had truly helped her, for she had a heart of gold, not desire and that is what is most valuable and worthy in life.