The Swan Girl
Long, long ago, deep, very deep in the forest glade, a lake lay glistening in the sun. From the blue sky above there suddenly descended three swans. They were unusually beautiful, with beaks of mustard yellow, snow-white feathers and ruby red eyes. And above all, they talked in sweet human language. "At last, we've found a quiet place," said one with a sigh of relief. "Yes, well secluded and unwatched," joined the second. "Then let us change and enjoy a pleasant swim in these crystal waters," quipped the other. But alas, The three innocent creatures did not know that someone was spying on them. For high up in the tall tree, hidden by the thick foliage, perched a young man. A peasant though, occasionally he revelled in hunting. He had, in fact, dozed off, waiting for a prey, when whispering voices woke him up. He sat with bated breath. For below on the sandy bank, he saw a strange sight.
The swans cast aside their feathery robes and turned into three lovely damsels, one lovelier than the other, clad in beautiful costumes. Holding each other's hands, they romped into the placid water. They swam, they sang and they frolicked. "What if I steal one of these soft white robes?" thought the peasant. Descending from the tree he stealthily picked up the one belonging to the prettiest of the three and returned to his hiding. After a while, the maidens came to look for their feathery robes and found one missing. Frightened the first two put on theirs and at once turned into swans and flew away. But the third and the youngest searched for her magic robe under every bush and shrub and thicket, but in vain. Then remembering the advice of her fairy godmother, if ever she confronts such a situation, she said in a clear loud tone: "Whosoever has stolen my swan coat, Hearken and with attention note. If your age is two summers less than a score, Come, come soon and tarry no more. 'Ere the stars twinkle in the sky, make me your wife, Crown and happiness I shall bring to your life." The handsome young man pondered over his age and then climbed down faster than the most agile creature. For it was already nearing dusk and the first star might shine any moment. He knelt before the fairy maiden, took her hand in his and kissing her frail fingers said: "O beautiful maiden, with sweet fragrance laden, Two springs hence I shall reach my score, Come, let me lead you to my door." Soon they got married and dined together under the starry sky.
News of the beauty of the peasant's wife spread far and wide. For no one in the land had ever seen a girl so comely and modest. The king too heard of her. He gathered his nobles and courtiers around him and said, "The fitting place for such a charming maiden is beside me and not a poor man's hut. I wish to make her my queen. But before doing so I should get rid of this Youngman forever." So, Larry, the peasant was at once summoned to the castle. "I hear you're a clear and brave young man," said the king. "I would like you to proceed to the land of Nowhere and fetch me the no one. Remember, if you fail, you'll lose your head." Puzzled and bewildered, Larry sadly wended his way home. "Fetch the Noone from Nowhere! What does this mean?" he wondered. "Don't you worry," said his good wife Devonia, after learning the cause of the anxiety. "Be calm and go to bed. You'll surely wake up to a brighter and wiser morning." Larry indeed did get up with the solution in his mind. For during the night, in a flash he had found how to tackle the problem. He hurried to the king. The entire court waited in pin-drop silence. For they were surprised how this simple man could so soon accomplish such a bizarre task. "Your Majesty, according to your wish I visited last night the enchanting land of Nowhere. Here I bring you the Noone," said the peasant in a matter of fact manner, spreading out his empty palms.