The horrid tales of the witch Morgana were fresh in my mind as I rode towards the cottage of the infamous witch.
Normally I would not risk my life for someone of higher birth, ones who are content to sit in their castles while good and decent die to keep them on their thrones. But Princess Sara was a kind soul, she cared for the people of her kingdom, and one day I'm sure that she will become a magnificent queen...if she's smart enough not to marry, that is.
I dismounted off my horse several metres from the witches house, gently petting my small black mare as I drew my flimsy willow wand from my pocket.
I had no delusions of grandeur, my magic could never best Morgana's, but it would at least give me a small edge over the last blade slinging fool that had surely come before me.
My name was Klaus, a young man who has been studying as a wizard for two years under the tutelage of my Master Orthic. I was still amazed I was here, when my Master told me of a royal kidnapping, I was actually kind of happy. All too often those of royal birth are snobby and ignorant. But after I had heard it was Princess Sara, I knew I must save her.
What was I to gain from this you may ask? Some had sad I was doing this to ask her hand in marriage, but while this offer may seem tantalising, I knew I could never marry one of royal birth. So I had convinced myself this was for my kingdom alone.
Mud squelched underfoot as I slowly made my way towards the cottage, I wrinkled my nose in distaste as the strong smell of pig faeces hit me. There was a large pigsty beside the cottage, where I noticed a large boar overpowering a sow that was almost as large as it, both of them squealing and grunting in bestial pleasure.
"She has a fondness for bacon it seems." I muttered bitterly, all too well knowing that at least one of those pigs were one of the witches former victims. I frowned and crouched low as I came upon the house. I could hear no noise from inside but the gentle bubble of what must have been a cauldron, my heart beat faster as I wondered what had become of Princess Sara. But I knew I mustn't lose my head and charge in there.
My hand gently closed over the door handle, and I gripped my wand tighter with my other, as I slowly inched open the door.