The Creation of the North Star — A Folk Tale

There was once a great kingdom called Kinaleaue, where a wise king ruled, and across the island and to the East was a lesser kingdom named Krusivich. They were friendly rivals and frequently competed with one another.

Of these two kingdoms was a prophecy foretelling a terrible war; One where both kingdoms would fall and only the light of a man pure of heart could save them.

Once a year the kingdoms would come together and commemorate their peace during the Winter Solstice.

This time marked an event in Kinaleaue, a boat race where the kingdoms would venture out into the sea and sail as far as possible before dusk. If the ships failed to return before the day was done the crew would be forced to survive the relentless ocean without light in the black starless night sky.

It just so happened that during this year’s Winter Solstice celebration each of the king’s wives gave birth, and by fate, both mothers bared a single son.

As the boys grew older the kings realized their sons did not look like their fathers but instead displayed the physical characteristics of the opposite kings.

This discovery made the kings very angry and it filled their hearts with hate and jealousy.

The once-kind leaders disowned their sons and blamed their wives.

“Why must you betray me?” Spat the kings.

“There has been no affair!” The Queens Cried.

“You speak lies! I will never forgive you for what you’ve done!” Howled the kings.

“ Please!” Begged the Queens. “I love only you!”

Soon months of bickering turned to years and as the princes grew into adults; they eventually became tired of their parent’s constant bickering, hidden behind the castle walls.

Prince David of Kinaleaue and Daniel of Krusivich sought an answer yet none appeared until the anniversary of their birth.

When the day of the Solstice arrived the civilians rejoiced and threw gay parties, blissfully unaware of the increasing anger of their monarchs.

During this gleeful event, Prince David sat alone by a castle window staring hopelessly at the morning’s newly fallen snow.

Then suddenly darkness like the depths of death crept into the room and quickly filled the halls with smog. Frightened, David cried out for help.

“Guards! Guards!” He yelled before remembering he had sent the men away to enjoy the festivities earlier that day. He was alone.

With his sword ready and teeth bared David prepared for an attack.

A shrill bark of laughter rang out into the empty room, echoing off the castle walls.

“Oh, a warrior are you?” Mocked the darkness. “Does that stick help you quiet your parents quarreling?”

David spun his head around seeking out the owner of the voice before answering.

“What does that matter, you can’t change the past.” The prince responded bitterly.

“Then, it’s a wonder that I’m here!” remarked the darkness.

David hesitated and the intruder spoke again.

“It is the future you truly wish to change is it not?” asked the voice.

“I can help,” It continued. “You-”

David swung his sword into the ground with a deafening clank interrupting the speaker.

“I am David the Strong!” He declared. “Whatever challenge you have I can complete it!”

The darkness chucked at his answer.

“You must travel to the furthest reaches of this land and retrieve the quill of light from the ruins of The Lost World.” Informed the smog.

And with that, David started on his journey North, determined to change the future.

Little did he know that back at the festival Prince Daniel was being confronted by the very same dark visitor.