Disney Books - Meridas Wish

M y name is Merida. Im the Princess of DunBroch, a kingdom in the Highlands of Scotland.

DunBroch is an ancient land of mist and clouds. Its a fierce, proud land, filled with stories, and magic, and danger. My story begins when the world was right. Back when everything was normal and all was fine with the kingdom.

Except it wasnt.

My father, King Fergus, was known as the Bear King because of the the gruesome way he had lost his leg to Mordu, the evil bear. But my mother, Queen Elinor, was the real power in the kingdomshe was the lawmaker and the diplomat. And my triplet brothers, Harris, Hubert, and Hamish, were redheaded rascals disguised as princes.

Mum let those boys get away with murder. I could never get away with anything. Mum expected me to follow in her footsteps, and she was in charge of every single day of my life. A princess is perfect! she was always telling me. And A princess does not chortle. And A princess never gloatseven when I beat my own father in a sword fight!

Mum never wanted me to eat anything tasty, do anything fun, or go anywhere interesting. It was only when I got away from her that I felt I could truly be myself. I was happiest riding my horse, Angus, in the woods, shooting arrows at targets, and doing as I pleased. But even on those days of freedom, Mum sometimes found a way to spoil things.

One day I came home from a beautiful adventure. Id climbed the jagged rock known as the Crones Tooth and drunk from the great waterfall called the Fire Falls. So when I returned to the castle, naturally, I was hungry. Nothing builds up an appetite like adventure.

I put a fewjust a fewdesserts on my plate and went to the table, where the rest of my family was already enjoying their dinner.

Well, they were enjoying it as much as they could, with Dad telling his gory story.

Then, out of nowhere, the biggest bear youve ever seen! Dad was saying as I walked in. His hide littered with the weapons of fallen warriors, his face scarred, with one dead eye! I drew me sword and

Whoosh! I cried, leaning close to my wide-eyed brothers. One swipe, his sword shattered. Then chomp! Dads leg was clean off! Down the monsters throat it went. Mordu has never been seen since. And he is roaming the wilds, awaiting his chance for revenge. Argh!

My little brothers werent afraid. Wed all heard the story a hundred times before.

I sat down to my meal. Mum was busy reading scrolls. She didnt even look up before telling me, A princess does not place her weapons on the table.

Mum! Its just my bow.

She pursed her lips. A princess should not have weapons, in my opinion, she said.

Leave her be, Dad said, to my relief. Learning to fight is essential. Even for a princess.

He gave me a smile, and I felt a wee bit better. I climbed the Crones Tooth, I told my family, and drank from the Fire Falls.

My father and brothers were impressed. Fire Falls? Dad repeated. They say only the ancient kings were brave enough to drink the fire. He chuckled and gave me a wink. We both knew that it was only legend, but I could see that he was proud of me.

What did you do, dear? Mum asked, finally putting aside her scroll.

Nothing, Mum.

That was when she noticed my food. Youll get dreadful collywobbles, she scolded. Fergus, will you look at your daughters plate?

He looked at my plate, then at his own, which was piled just as high. So what? he said.

Then she started in on my brothers, who hadnt touched their haggis. Boys, how do you know you dont like it if you wont eat it?

I took pity on my brothers. I waited until a servant came in to deliver some letters. While Mum was busy reading them, I sneaked the boys some of my sweets beneath the table.

Fergus? Mum said suddenly in an excited voice. Theyve all accepted!

I had a foul feeling that anything that could make my mum look so happy was sure to make me miserable. She excused my brothers, and I got the collywobbles then for sure.

Your father has something to discuss with you, Mum announced.

Well, this was clearly news to Dad. He spit out his drink. Merida he began.

Mum was too wound up to let him finish. The clan lords are presenting their sons as suitors for your betrothal! she gushed. This year, each clan will present a suitor to compete for your hand in the Games.

It took a moment before I understood what she meant: nearby clans were coming to take part in the Highland Games, as they did every year. Except this year, I was going to have to marry whichever son of a numpty won! And Mum thought Id be happy about it?

I looked to Dad for help, but he just looked at Mum.

I suppose a princess just does what shes told! I exclaimed.

A princess does not raise her voice! Mum replied. Merida, this is what youve been preparing for your whole life.

No, its what youve been preparing me for my whole life! I wont go through with it! You cant make me! I shouted, and stormed away.

I heard Dad calling my name, but I didnt turn back. I ran up to my room to practice my sword fighting. I wished I could practice on those suitors.

But Mum couldnt just leave me be. She followed me.

Suitors? I asked as she stepped into my room. I hoped she would understand that I wasnt ready. Marriage?

Mum started in with one of her lectures. Once, there was an ancient kingdom

I sighed. Oh, Mum

its name now long forgotten, ruled by a wise and fair king who was much beloved. Mum took the four knights from my chessboard and set them in a square on the table. And when he grew old, he divided the kingdom among his four sons, that they should be the pillars on which the peace of the land rested. Mum picked up the chessboardpieces and alland set it on top of the knights. But the oldest prince wanted to rule the land for himself. He followed his own path, and the kingdom fell. To war, and chaos, and ruin. Mum pulled one of the knights away, and the whole board fell, spilling pawns and bishops, kings and queens across the floor.

Thats a nice story, I said.

Its not just a story, Merida, Mum told me. Legends are lessons; they ring with truths.

I turned my back on her then. I wasnt the least bit interested in her boring story.

Merida! Its marriage, Mum said, annoyed. Its not the end of the world.

I knew she thought I was being selfish, but I didnt care one bit about that. I wouldnt be married off to whichever clansman won some game. I wouldnt.

Princess or not.