The door opened straightway. An enormous black bear stood in the doorway. Varen wanted to run. He was frightened. But Destiny had whispered to him that he mustn't show any fear. And so he stood. As bold as he had ever been.

The bear looked him in the eye. "Are you certain you can hold it?" he asked in his deep, gravely, growly voice.

"I can, and I will," recited Varen.

The bear nodded slowly. It went down on all fours and lumbered across the clearing. In the middle of the clearing, Varen noticed the largest black oak tree he had ever seen in his life. The bear stood before the tree and bowed deeply. Words were exchanged. After a few moments, two of the branches swung around and thrust themselves into the middle of the trunk. Quickly they pulled and tugged. As they came out of the trunk, they held a thin black sword. It shone with a dangerous light.

The bear beckoned to Varen. "Come and take what is yours," he called to Varen.

Varen walked over to the tree. He too bowed. And then he outstretched his right hand and grasped the Black Oak Sword. As he grasped it, he was filled with a rush of knowledge. He knew all about the land. He knew where crops would grow the best.

He knew what enemies of the land sought to destroy it. And he knew how to best serve the land.

As he stood there, filled with wonder, the bear bowed to him. As it raised its head again, Varen saw that it had changed into a small man.

"What is it?" Varen asked the man.

"It is the heart of the land. Given freely to you, by command of Destiny. You are to use it to protect the land from all enemies. You are to use it in the service of the land. And after you, your children and theirs. It is your destiny now, and your duty."

Varen was filled with wonder. As he stood there marveling at all he had seen and heard, the small man entered his cottage and returned with a pendant. It was a flat, red ruby on a thin golden chain. He handed it to Varen.

"What is this?" Varen asked.

"It is the Heart of the Oak. With it, any may wield the Black Oak Sword. Without it, only those of your blood may lift the Sword. Give it to he who is most honorable, most dependable, and most upright. He who wears it, shall be always known as the Defender of the Realm."

And with that, Varen began to build. After many generations, the greatest kingdom the world had ever known grew mighty and strong. The world bowed to the King with the Black Oak Sword. After many generations. Perhaps hundreds, the Sword was one day lost. Since that day, it has not been found."

The Princess sighed. It was her favorite story. "You said it would be different, Bradford. This was the same as always."
Bradford pointed out the window. The princess looked out the window and saw the two hawks still danccing in the wind. And when she turned back, the largest bear she had ever seen in her life sat in the chair across from her.

The Princess shrieked. She stumbled backwards out of her chair.

The bear waved the small wand and changed back into Bradford.

"What just happened?" the Veriana asked.

"The story is true. I am the bear. I was the one who spoke to the Great Oak on behalf of your ancestor Veren." Bradford said. "And now, little princess, remember your promise of no questions?" he asked.

She nodded.

"Good. Then I shall tell you the rest of the story. Over the years, as each of your ancestors died, the Black Oak Sword was passed to the next generation. Kings and Queens, through hundreds of years wielded the Sword in defense of the land and its people. Until your grandfather. He was unworthy. He didn't believe the story. He failed to protect the land. He had forgotten. When your father was given the sword, he was not taught by your grandfather what he needed to know in order to keep it. Your father, because of ignorance, lost the sword. The last Defender was sent to recover the sword. He was captured by the Ice Demon of the North who seeks to subjugate all the land in his cold, dead claws. You must recover the sword and appoint a new defender. If not, all shall be lost."

A knock sounded at the door.

Bradford swore.

Veriana giggled. "That isn't proper, Bradford."

He grimaced and then waved his rod at Nanny and then the door. She continued to snore. "Enter," called the Princess at a nod from Bradford.

A Royal Page opened the door. He bowed deeply. "Princess, your Father the King wishes to see you immediately in the throne room."

The princess nodded absently. Her mind was full of bears and swords and demons.

"She will be right along," Bradford told the page.

The page turned and ran down the hall. Bradford looked at the Princess. "Not a word of this to anyone. Promise?" he asked.

"I promise."

With that, Bradford waved his short rod at Nanny.

Nanny woke with a snort. She looked over blearily at the Princess. "How goes the lesson," she asked, trying to pretend she hadn't slept.

Veriana smiled. "A messenger has come, I must go and see Father," she said to Nanny.

"Then run along. We shall continue this lesson later," said Bradford.

Veriana went over and helped Nanny stand. They left the room.

Bradford absently began to gather his books. "It is the only way," he muttered as he picked them all up and left.

This is Part 3 of a 3 Part Short Story

Read Part 1 Here

Read Part 2 Here

© 2017, Stone Golem Publishing

**All pictures used are labeled for reuse. They come from Max Pixel

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