Skat and the Princess Brat

By CHRISTYNA JENSEN

Growing up isnt easy.
Skat is a young light-elf of cheery good will. Too bad he doesnt have good sense as well. His first day out from under his mothers watchful eye, he falls in love with every girl he meets. Skat then vows to win Odins pardon for light-elves he had wrongly banished from Asgard. Skat infuriates Princess Violet by giving her roses to another girl. The brat whips up a whirlwind of bad fortune to punish him. In just one day every living creature on Rose Island is sucked into their controversy. Gerd loves Skat in spite of his fickle ways. This elfin girl displays loyalty tempered with common sense, presenting a dependable role model for girls. Skat effectively stands up for himself, overcomes adversity with good will, and succeeds in his quest. Animals, light-elves, a troll, Vikings, and gods respond to Skats message that all living creatures should be treated nicely. Only a few completely selfish creatures remain untouched by his charm.Growing up isnt easy.

Skatrosenknup the Darling RosebudSkat to his friendsis a young light-elf of cheery good will. Its just too bad that he doesnt have good sense, as well. If there is mischief to be had, hell find it. Failing that, hell create it!

From his first day out from under his mothers watchful eye, he finds each girl he meets to be irresistibleand he falls head over little heels in love with every one of them.

problem is, the girls arent so forgiving of his fickle heart.

Then he sets his sights on bigger and bolder goals. Annoyed by what he feels is the unfair banishment of all light-elves from Asgard, young Skat vows to convince Odin to let his people back into paradise.

but the Norse gods are not exactly amused by his antics either.

Skat is a scamp; no doubt, but his message that all living creatures should be treated nicely is one that everyone can get behind. His charisma and courage are his best defenses against the many scrapes he finds himself in. And in the end, only a few completely selfish creatures can resist his many charms.

or can they?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Nov 22, 2011
• ISBN: 9781426963087

CHRISTYNA JENSEN

Christyna Jensen has been a speaker at storytelling festivals around the country, and she holds a master of education degree from East Tennessee State University. She was a contributing editor for The Art of Living magazine and completed the writing program at the Institute of Children’s Literature in West Redding, Connecticut.

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Copyright 2011 Christyna Jensen.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

ISBN: 978-1-4269-6306-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4269-6307-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4269-6308-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011905734

Trafford rev. 10/26/2012

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CONTENTS

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Characters

Foreword   THE SEASHELL’S SECRET

Chapter One   WHAT’S HIS NAME?

Chapter Two   THEIR TRUE COLORS

Chapter Three   SKAT CUTS LOOSE

Chapter Four   THAT FIRST STEP

Chapter Five   CARRIED AWAY

Chapter Six   THE CHIEFTAIN’S DREAM

Chapter Seven   ARREST HIM

Chapter Eight   KIDNAP HIM

Chapter Nine   MODI MEASURES UP

Chapter Ten   FOR LOVE OR GOLD

Chapter Eleven   MEET THE TROLL

Chapter Twelve   A TRIPPED TRAP

Chapter Thirteen   ROSES

Chapter Fourteen   TORVALD TAKES OVER

Chapter Fifteen   LOVE CONQUERS ALL

Chapter Sixteen   ODIN’S OATH

Chapter Seventeen   GOLDEN TEARS

Chapter Eighteen   TAKE ME HOME

Chapter Nineteen   SWEPT AWAY

Chapter Twenty   LOOK UP! LOOK UP!

Chapter Twenty One   THIS IS HAPPILY EVER AFTER?

Chapter Twenty Two   SKAT’S BACK

Chapter Twenty Three   ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL

Afterward   THE SEASHELL’S SILENCE

DEDICATION

To all young people who are taking their first step out into the world.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This work could not have been finished without the help of my son in law, Eric Almlie. I have encountered technical difficulties and life situations that are too numerous to relate. Many times I did not have equipment or stamina enough to continue. Through it all Eric stood by me.

He provided every tool and all the loving support that I needed.

Eric, I want to thank you for helping me with this manuscript.

Also, Skat the Darling Rosebud could not have fully grown into the little fellow everyone loves without the information I received from my Danish friend Finn Bille.

My father’s people were Danish. I hungered to know their stories. I am a storyteller. All my writing has grown from the stories that I first invented to tell audiences. But I had only found Danish stories in books. I had not heard them. Then I met Finn. We have been together in Storytelling Guilds for many years. Finn shared his Danish stories. Finn also told me that my invented Rose Island resembled the island of MØn, where his father was born. I had done research, hoping to have Rose Island fit in Denmark. Imagine my excitement on discovering that I had hit my mark.

Finn is the one who told me of how he once found a seashell floating on the surface of the sea when he was kayaking. That strange event didn’t happen in Denmark, but in warm gulf waters. I used the unique circumstances to bring my story to everyone in a seashell with a secret.

Finn, I want to thank you for helping me with this story.

CHARACTERS

Be warned. This story has more creatures in it than are in any story you ever heard.

The Rose Island Light-elves:

Skatrosenknup the Darling Rosesbud: The elf called Skat for short.

Sko the Shoemaker: Skat’s father, who dreams of returning to Elf Home.

Nikke the Nodder: Skat’s mother, who hides her son from King Guld.

Nakke the Stiff Necked: Skat’s aunt.

Princess Violet: The violent Princess Brat.

King Guld: Princess Violet’s father, the light-elves gold-grabbing king.

Sort the Black: King Guld’s black-hearted councilor.

Vid the White: King Guld’s lily-livered councilor.

Dreven the Old One: Skat’s teacher, and keeper of the elfin king’s stables.

Brak the Old Salt: Skat’s fat protector, sails with the Vikings.

Kort the Short: Skat’s playmate, Dreven’s grandson.

Gerd the Glad: Skat’s true love, Dreven’s granddaughter.

Kraki the Skinny: Brak’s son, admires Princess Violet.

Grun the Green: King Guld’s thieving gatekeeper.

The Tall Girl: Kort’s unnamed girl friend.

Light-elves: Residents of Rose Island and Elf Home.

The Norse Gods and Monsters:

My Lady Freya: Protector of Rose Island, leader of the Valkyries.

Odin the All Father: Banished Rose Island light-elves from Asgard.

Thor the Thunderer: His hammer strikes lightning.

King Thrym: Frost-giant king, enemy of the gods.

Torvald the Troll: Accused of kidnapping Skat.

My Lord Frey: Freya’s brother, protector of Elf Home in Asgard.

Balder the Beloved, Blind Hoder, and Valli: Odin’s sons.

King Aegir: Ruler of the seas.

Queen Ran: Aegir’s wife.

The Three Waves: Aegir’s daughters.

Heimdall the Rainbow Bridge Guard

The Animals:

Fuzz the Cat: Skat’s companion.

Rak the Rat: Skat’s double, kidnapped by Sort and Vid.

Sigurd the Seagull: A starving scavenger.

Dag the Duck: Tells stories, brings fish to Skat’s mother.

Modi the Magpie: Carries the Ransom Note for Skat.

Bibi the Bee: Always tells the truth, gives her life for Skat.

Rats.

The Vikings:

The Viking Chieftain: The Brat burns his ship to call Odin to Rose Island.

Lisa the Chieftain’s Daughter: Carries Skat home in her pocket.

Aunt Elli: The Chieftain’s aunt.

Viking Warriors, The Chieftain’s Household, Roseby Villagers.

To pronounce their names, use the sounds in the following words

a = at, e = set, i = see, o = roll, u = up, ae = ate, ei = like,

In Thrym and Thor the th = top, and the y = up.

In Frey and Freya the ey = yes.

FOREWORD

THE SEASHELL’S SECRET

It was still dark when I got to the beach. Not even a glimmer of daylight touched the watery horizon. There was plenty of time to be out of Klintholm Harbor, and over to the foot of the cliffs in my kayak, before sunup. Getting around at sea is easy for me.

If mother saw me here, though, she’d say, Finn, my son, what do you think you’re doing? Sea kayaking is dangerous. If you’re alone, it’s worse. You’re too young to make the decision that you’re ready for this kind of trip.

I should’ve been born when we Danes were Vikings. Being a teenager really amounted to something then. I’d have already been a warrior. I’d be going on far more dangerous excursions.

As I hauled my kayak across the sand, it scraped out noises that a giant dragging his feet might make. At the same time, tiny shells crunched under my sandals. The two sounds mixed into a raggedy rhythm.

A brisk breeze made the sea choppy. When I shoved my kayak out into the water, the rap of waves on its hull set up a drum beat. I was moved and started to whistle. What weird music the sand and the water stirred up.

I wondered if Vikings ever noticed it.

I swung aboard, eager to move out. Then kicked at the delay when I had to stop and hook the spray skirt that was around my waist to the kayak. I like being dry, though, so I took the time to do it right. Finally, I slid my paddle from under the bungee cords on deck and got under way.

The feeling of pulling against the sea sent a charge through me. Energized, I paddled like mad. I only noticed how far I’d traveled when a wave gave me a salty slap in the face. Wow! I had already reached the cliffs. Time had gone by in a flash. Summer Spire pinnacle used to be near here. Father told me that it slid into the sea back in 1988. I wish I could have seen it.

A warm glow filled the air now. The sun’s rays reached out to brush the dull gray and dirty white of the chalk cliffs with color. Wild pinks, from the pale color of my little sister’s cheeks to the hearty blush of fresh salmon, transformed them into Technicolor beauties. This was the sight I had come so far to see.

One day, these rosy cliffs would be in the opening shot of the movie I’m going to make.

I was as happy as a Viking setting eyes on his first hoard of gold. I lazed back, my hands clasped behind my head, soaking it all in through half-closed eyes. My chest heaved. Imagine my disgust when I saw a hunk of Styrofoam floating nearby. How could anyone dare to litter here? I had to get rid of that eyesore. I snagged it with my paddle. It wasn’t Styrofoam. It was a seashell!

I didn’t think a shell could float. So I stowed it under my bungee cords, and headed for shore to look it over. After I beached on a narrow stretch of sand beneath the cliffs I grabbed the shell. I turned it over and saw it was huge inside. It might have been full of air so it could float. I don’t know. I couldn’t believe I had hauled it in off the top of the water.

Pictures I had seen of shells from far eastern waters looked like this one. But, they’re only found in warm waters, while we’re surrounded by icy waters. I never saw any other large shell here on Møn Island. Only small white shells, or narrow blue-black muscle shells, are on our beaches.

Folks say you can hear the sound of the sea in a big shell. Here was my chance to check that out. I put it up to my ear. Yes, I could hear waves washing back and forth inside. Hey! I heard something else. The whooshes seemed to form words.

"Come with me.

Come with me…

Where the sea sings

Its never-ending song,

Its ever-changing song.

I’ve got a secret for

One who will listen…"

Listen and listen well.

I was so startled I sat down right where I was and kept the shell close to my ear. I couldn’t believe it. It told me a story!

CHAPTER ONE

WHAT’S HIS NAME?

1%20What%27s%20His%20Name%20Darling%20Rosebud%20-%20Sko%20the%20Shoemaker.jpg

Darling Rosebud, Sko

It’s a boy! It’s a boy! They had a baby boy. An elfin woman came running out of Sko the Shoemaker’s home calling to all the neighbors. Get ready for his Name-fastening Feast!

Soon every light-elf on Elfin Meadow was getting ready for the celebration, and chanting,

"We’re going to have a Name-fastening Feast!

We’re going to have a Name-fastening Feast!

For Sko the Shoemaker’s son, today!

We’re going to have a Name-fastening Feast!"

Nearby, Sigurd the Seagull scratched among pea sized stones on Rose Island’s shore. He was searching for food. He had already eaten and was full; but the idea of getting hungry scared him, so he kept looking for more to eat. Sigurd nearly fainted when he heard the elves say they were going to have a feast. The bird took flight inland to see what they had to put on their tables.

Sigurd saw dozens of light-elves scurry into Sko the Shoemaker’s yard. Elfin men rolled in barrels of the honey-drink called mead. Elfin boys dragged in benches, along with planks and sawhorses to set up tables. Elfin ladies brought bowls of food, each covered with a linen cloth. Elfin girls carried baskets full of baked goodies. Everything smelled delicious.

Sigurd flapped and screeched, A really big feast. Then he thought to himself, I’ve got to find my friend, Dag. He’ll want something to eat, too. Diving over the duck’s home, he called, Dag, where are you? The duck wasn’t there. Sigurd, calling louder, shot back out to sea. There was no answer. Swinging into the harbor, the seagull flew around the Roseby Villager’s boats. He kept on looking, even though he hadn’t found Dag there the day before.

It was a good thing he did, because the duck bobbed up out of the water.

Here I am. What’s the matter? Dag asked.

Hurry, the light-elves are giving a party! Sigurd explained. You must come. There’ll be lots of scraps for us to eat. You missed a big one with the people yesterday. It was Midsummer’s Eve. Don’t miss this one.

Well, yesterday I flew out over the Baltic Sea. What kind of party is this one, Sigurd?

A Name-fastening Feast for Sko the Shoemaker’s new son, Sigurd screeched.

Wait, I’ll grab a gift for the baby, Dag called as he ducked back into the sea. He came up with a herring in his beak, and the young birds flew off as fast as two of Thor’s lightning bolts.

Soon they were over Elfin Meadow, where the light-elves’ miniature households dotted the lush green slopes.

Each elfin family had a house with storage bins and work sheds. Their buildings were laid out in a rectangle to enclose a yard just the way their neighbor, the Viking Chieftain, had laid out his household. However, the whole light-elf community could fit inside one of his small sheds.

Dag dropped down beside Sko’s twig-built, mud-daubed house.

The duck stowed his gift fish in a salt barrel that stood by the kitchen door.

I bring them a herring every day. One extra will make a nice present, Dag told Sigurd.

The birds settled down under a nearby rosebush to watch the elves lay out the feast. They thought they were out of sight, but their tails stuck out from under its leaves.

Modi the Magpie flew over the festivities. He saw Dag’s tail, and called, What’s going on here? When Dag told him it was a feast, he said, What do I care? I eat the elf-king’s food.

Dag quacked to Sigurd as the magpie flew away, So, mad Modi eats in the king’s kitchen. That king is so stingy. I’m surprised there’s food for anyone but His Majesty in that castle.

Sigurd agreed, With His Majesty around, I’m surprised that anyone has anything there.

Bibi the Bee, who was busy in a nearby rose, heard their remarks. She told them, They eat enough, Dag. Still, Sigurd, you’re right. He’s selfish. The elves give him everything. He wanted a castle like one he saw when he went sailing with the Vikings. So they carved him Winter Spire Castle in that chalk pinnacle near the cliffs. He liked Viking horses, so they got him a stable of mink mounts to match his size. It’s all sure to cause the elves trouble someday. Bibi buzzed off.

Can light-elves really get into trouble? Sigurd wondered out loud.

Don’t know. I do know, that everyone says Bibi always tells the truth, Dag answered.

Soon, the elfin men and boys had all the tables and benches set up. When the womenfolk had all the food laid out, everyone began to clap and chant, Old One, Old One, start the feast!

Dreven the Old One stepped up to Sko’s door and called, Come out Sko. Come out Nikke. Come to your new son’s Name-fastening Feast!

Sigurd squawked, Look, Dag, here they come. We’ll eat our fill in a minute!

Sko opened the door. As he stepped out he raised his red cap to salute his friends, revealing unruly hair that was as red as his cap. He held the door open for his wife, Nikke. His eyes sparkled as she stepped out, for he loved her so.

Now, having a baby is easy for light-elf mothers, so Nikke was ready to come to the feast. Nodding and smiling, she stepped out into her yard. Everyone called her Nikke the Nodder. Her long, honey-colored hair was covered with a white scarf in the front, and was tucked into her belt in the back. Tears welled up in her beautiful blue eyes.

The new mother held her baby up for all to see him.

The infant light-elf was soft and rosy. He had tiny, tightly curled fists that he thrust boldly upward. His golden curls looked like a handful of gold coins scattered across his head.

Nakke, Nikke’s look-alike sister, followed them carrying two bowls. She stood so straight, and held her head so high, that she was called Nakke the Stiff-necked. She never cried, of course.

The shoemaker pulled his scissors out from under the knot where he carried them in his belt. He cut a bud from the rosebush blooming near their door. The proud father handed it to Nikke and said, No wonder you call our son your darling rosebud. He looks just like a rose, since you spent so much time sitting beneath this bush with me before he was born.

Nikke chuckled at Sko for repeating that old wives’ tale.

What name will be fastened on your son, Sko? Dreven asked.

Skatrosenknup, Sko answered proudly in his loudest voice.

All the elves gasped when they heard the name. It meant Darling Rosebud.

Dag quacked out a raspy laugh till his voice cracked. He shouted, Why would you fasten that name on a boy? It’s bound to embarrass him.

Nikke answered, The name suits him. See, his darling curls look like a horde of gold coins. See, his tiny fists look like rosebuds.

How sweet, the lady and girl elves cooed.

How SWEEEET, the men and boy elves jeered.

An odd looking, fat, snub-nosed elf pushed his thumb right up against Sko’s very long nose. He asked, You mean we’ve got to say, Skat-ros-en-kuh-nup, when we call him? That name is longer than the baby. It’ll take all day to spit it out!

Well, Brak you Old Salt, you could say it faster, Sko suggested.

Dreven took a gold coin out of his belt-pack; then, with a shake of his head, he put it back. Sko, I don’t think I’ll give him a gift for a name that will hurt his feelings later, he said.

The old fellow’s grandson, Kort, ran up to him and tugged at his sleeve. Grandfather, Sko is your friend. You have to give his baby a gift, Kort scolded. He brought a gift for sister Gerd when she had her Name-fastening yesterday.

Dreven asked the elfin boy, Would you like to be called Darling Rosebud?

Kort swallowed a bitter taste that came up from his stomach.

After that he begged, Oh, Sko, don’t do it. If I have to call him that later when we play games; it’ll sicken my tongue. Kort stuck out his tongue to make his point.

Everyone laughed, for the boy’s tongue was so short that it barely passed his lips.

We don’t call him Kort the Short for nothing. His legs aren’t much longer, Dreven said.

Brak blurted out, I’ve got it! Name him Skatrosenknup if you want to, Sko. We’ll call him Skat for short, but not for darling!

Every creature there let out a roar of approval.

Dreven called for quiet. This was the moment for the ceremony to begin.

Sko escorted his wife and son into the middle of their yard. As he slid his arm around Nikke’s waist, her dimples deepened. The light-elves joined hands in a ring around them. The baby’s Aunt Nakke carried her two bowls into the circle; one was empty and one was filled with water.

Dreven took the baby and laid him on the ground in the center of the circle. Then he called out in a loud voice, Whose son is this?

Sko and Nikke answered together, He is our son.

Dreven said, Tell him the name you will fasten on him.

Sko took the bowl of water from Nakke, dipped his hand in it, sprinkled water on the baby’s face and said, Your name is Skatrosenknup the Darling Rosebud.

Brak added, The rest of us will call you Skat; and a rousing, Yes, filled the air.

Nikke knelt to gather her rosebud back into her arms. Nakke walked around the circle, accepting gifts of gold coins in her other empty bowl. Dreven even took out his coin and added it to the collection.

Kort ran to Dreven and said, I’m glad Brak found a way for you to give Skat a gift.

Kraki the Skinny, Brak’s son, sidled up to Kort and Dreven shouting, Hurray for Dreven the Old One! At the same time, his bony hand slid into the unsuspecting old man’s belt-pack.

Sko saw what he was doing, and spoke out, Watch it, Dreven. Kraki’s in your belt-pack.

Dreven grasped the boy’s wrist and called, Brak, come here! Stop your son. He’s grabbing gold coins. We don’t want him to get into that habit and be just like our gold-greedy king.

Brak hurried over, shook a finger at his son, and ordered, "Don’t! Stealing is shameful! Since you really are a nice fellow, I must warn you