Of Myth and Mirth: For Young and Old, Four Stories

By Ulysses Pineiro

Four wholesome stories to share across generations. Grandparent or parent, uncle or aunt, even older siblings will enjoy these tales, too. There is Oslo, the capricious, whimsical ostrich. One can only guess what his next stunt will be. And for a cold, wintry night, snuggle by the fire to hear how the hero, Boris, was able to save a village from a curse---well, those who listened to him. Then there is the lovely Marlinga. Who would dare harm this lovely princess? You'd never guess. But she is strong. And lastly, a story about a strange curtain and the awesome scientist behind it, Mkshai, and the young man she meets when she travels back in time. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hillcrest Media Group
• Release date: Aug 17, 2016
• ISBN: 9781634132893

Book preview

Curtain

Oslo the Dancing Ostrich

Iman was a sheepherder who lived on the outskirts of a small town. Every night, Iman and his pet ostrich, Oslo, would dance. Oslo loved to mimic his friend’s movements. Whatever Iman danced, Oslo would dance too. Oslo jumped big jumps and little jumps, ran around in circles, flapped his wings, and kicked his feet, just like Iman.

All of Iman’s neighbors would come by to watch Oslo, and Iman always welcomed them with food and drink.

Because Iman was known for his hospitality and kindness, the entire town loved him. So, when Iman turned thirty-nine, the villagers surprised him with a party and a pair of tap shoes created by the prince’s own shoemaker. Every single man and woman in the village had donated a few silver coins to buy Iman’s present. Iman smiled a wide and happy smile when he saw the shoes.

Today, Iman announced, my friends have made me very happy. There is music playing, and it is a good time to try out my shoes.

Iman put the left shoe on first, as the band of musicians began to play a Turkish folk song. But when Iman reached for the other tap shoe, Oslo jumped over by Iman to dance and accidentally slipped a toe into the shoe. Oslo was surprised to see the shiny new shoe on his big toe. Iman reached over to grab his pet ostrich by the leg, but Oslo was too fast.

Help! Iman yelled out. My beautiful pair of shoes will be ruined!

The villagers gasped when Oslo began to prance about with one shoe. They started to chase the ostrich. Oslo panicked to see so many people run toward him. Zoom! Oslo took off and left everyone far behind on his trail. Ostriches run much faster than people. Oslo was also six and a half feet tall and weighed two hundred pounds. Not even the muscular guard at the palace nearby could stop Oslo, as the big bird ran into the beautiful building of tall, marbled columns. When the guard reached out to hold Oslo by the neck, Oslo turned around and pecked the guard hard on the chest. The blow took away the guard’s breath, and he fell on the seat of his pants. Iman felt faint when he saw what his pet ostrich had done. He wondered what the prince would do about Oslo.

The pet bird ran from room to room. The prince noticed that a large creature with wings had just run past his door. He called for his guard, who by then had Iman by the collar.

Forgive me, my prince, pleaded Iman, and he began to explain what happened.

The prince motioned to the guard to release Iman.

Nonsense! said the prince. I will catch the bird myself. What a strong and fast bird he is, but there are many rooms here and not enough servants. I shall invite the villagers to help me trap this ostrich.

Iman was delighted that the prince understood. He was even happier when the prince also offered to post a reward for Oslo’s safe return.

I will pay you back the reward, Iman said.

Absolutely not, insisted the prince. I am having too much fun.

Soon everyone, even the prince, ran from room to room, hallway through hallway, upstairs to downstairs, this way then that way, back and forth, and round and round again.

Every now and then, someone would get close enough to lunge at Oslo and catch him by the leg, but before they could pull the shoe off, Oslo would pull up on his powerful leg and leap off into another room.

The prince stopped to catch his breath while his advisor gave him account of the things that had so far been smashed or broken in the chaos: . . . six lamps, four chairs, two prized pottery vases . . .

I have a new plan, the prince called out, with little attention to his advisor. I will send four or five people to every room in the palace. Then, no matter where the ostrich goes, there will be at least enough of us to grab hold of him.

Everyone began to scatter as planned. Oslo hid at the very end of a long and narrow hallway, but he was soon spotted by four burly men. The men ran toward Oslo, but Oslo turned and leaped into the air and out of a large open window.

The reward still stands, said the prince, and I shall increase the sum.

Everyone raced outside to find the bird. The palace was now empty except for the prince and Iman, who stood side by side. Both were tired but still about to rejoin the chase when they heard the footsteps of a young child echoing off the stone walls.

Your highness, the little boy called.

Who are you? asked the prince.

I am Eli, a poor boy from the village. I have come here to ask for a fair chance to earn the reward.

But my offer is open to everyone, the prince reminded the lad.

Eli replied, Not to such a young boy like me. I cannot run as fast as the others, and I am not as strong. But I do have an idea.

Then a fair chance you shall have, said the prince. Tell me what you are thinking.

Yes, what is this idea? Iman asked. Iman and the prince were eager to know.

The boy whispered