The Making of Fabian--Chapter 1

I figure that every once in a while a person needs to quit thinking so hard and just enjoy a good story. You'll have to be the judge if this is a "good" one or not, but let me introduce to you for the first time, The Making of Fabian: A not-so-short story by yours truly.

CHAPTER ONE

Long, long ago in a land far away lived Fabian, the son of the blacksmith. Fabian was a lanky fellow who seemed taller every time you saw him. His friends called him "Bones" because no matter from what direction you looked at him, a bone was protruding from his fatless frame. And of friends, he had many for he was the kind of person who, although he had little to say, always made you feel like you and your opinion mattered.

Blond curls bounced and giggled around Fabian's head and ears like children on a playground. His deep blue eyes revealed an honesty that made one feel at ease. His nose and neck were as long as his body, but what people noticed most was his heart. Warmth and kindness followed him like a puppy on a summer day.

Fabian learned his father's trade at a young age, and by the time he was 16 he could handle a fire, hammer, anvil and metal as well as any blacksmith in the Kingdom. Like all blacksmiths of his day, hour after hour of working by the fire left him perpetually smelling like smoke. His hair and clothes, like a walking campfire, carried an aroma with him that he couldn't escape.

His first love, however, was not blacksmithing but breaking wild horses. Fabian had earned a reputation far and wide for being the wisest and most fearless horse tamer to be found. He seemed to have the perfect balance of kindness and control. He respected every horse and gained their respect in return.

One day the news went out through all the Kingdom that Princess Riana, the only daughter of the king, was celebrating her 16th birthday. For her birthday present the king was in search of the finest horse in the Kingdom. The top five entrants were to be awarded the honor of attending the princess' birthday party. The winning contestant would be awarded a generous amount of gold and the privilege of escorting the princess herself through the city streets on her fine new horse.

Fabian's heart leapt when he heard the news. He would tame the finest and fastest horse to be found and enter the contest. It didn't take him long to find just the one he wanted. He had learned that sometimes the wildest and most independent of horses can become the greatest, if properly trained. The horse he selected would be a challenge, but had potential of being an amazing steed.

When the day of the big event arrived, he rode into town on a beauty of an animal that had been so well-trained that just the slightest nudge from Fabian's leg, or whisper from his voice, brought an instant response of obedience. As he made his way to the palace, people who knew him waved and wished him good luck. People who didn't know him just stared at the sight of such a lanky fellow riding so tall on such a fine-looking horse.

Since the announcement of the event, Fabian had been so focused on training his chosen horse that he had failed to give any thought to what the competition itself might be like. He was unprepared for what he experienced next. As he approached the palace, the noise and commotion almost overwhelmed the country boy. Flags flapped in the wind, drums echoed off palace walls, crowds gawked and talked, street vendors tried to out-shout each other and suitors on horses seemed to be flowing in like the current of a river. As Fabian joined the flow, he was approached by a sentry who inquired if he were a registrant for the princess' party.

"Yes, indeed," Fabian eagerly declared.

"Take this number and fall into line over there," the sentry said pointing to a long line of men on horses.

Fabian dutifully obeyed, but his heart sank. Before him and soon following him were knights in full armor riding glorious steeds, lords in the finest attire on horses equally as well-dressed and even royalty from other kingdoms who saw this as an opportunity for a political alliance. Fabian slumped in his saddle. Who was he, the son of a lowly blacksmith—a country boy—to be in such a parade as this?

A trumpet sounded and a herald stepped onto a platform to declare the rules and procedures of the day. Fabian was so distracted by the wealth and grandeur displayed by the other riders around him, he could hardly take in the herald's words. The next six hours were a flurry of crowds, noise, instructions, competitions, demonstrations, evaluations and finally the decision from the king himself.

"And the winner is," the king in his royal robe declared, "Lord Elegante and his horse Fanfare."

Fabian felt no surprise. He knew he was of another class and belonged in a blacksmith shop, not a palace. He patted his horse gently and turned to leave when, to his great amazement, he heard his name being announced. Fabian turned to the rider next to him.

"Did the king just call for 'Fabian and his horse Noble?'" Fabian asked.

"Yes," came the quick reply.

"Why was his name announced?" Fabian inquired further.

"He is one of the few who didn't win first place but is invited to Princess Riana's party."

Fabian was simultaneously overjoyed and very nervous. He would be spending some time in the palace after all. Noble was led away by a servant to be cared for in a stable while Fabian found himself alone in the crowd of well-wishers. The party began the moment Lord Elegante returned from escorting Riana through the city on Fanfare. Music played, dancers danced and servants began bringing out food the likes of which he had never seen.

Fabian had a good view as he was a head taller than most everyone else. It was then that he got a good look at the princess for the first time. She had not been allowed to participate in the selection of her own present but was now the center of attention as the birthday party itself commenced. With the king at her side and a host of servants attending to her every need, Riana was seated at the elevated head table.

Riana was dressed as one would expect a princess to be dressed, but somehow seemed uncomfortable to Fabian. She was beautiful, but with more of a tomboy beauty than what one would typically think of a princess. He judged that she would rather climb a fence than sip tea. He studied her with the same observation skills he had learned with horses. He watched her eyes as she viewed the entertainment, studied her movements as she ate and observed her every facial expression as she talked.

"All right, enough gawking. You haven't moved in fifteen minutes." Fabian was startled by the voice. He turned to see none other than the winner, Lord Elegante.

"Pardon me?"

"I said, you've been standing here staring at the princess ever since this party started. You haven't moved an inch. It's not polite to stare so."

"Oh, I beg your pardon, sir. I was just…" Fabian stopped himself. It would do no good to try to explain. "Congratulations on your winnings. Fanfare is a beautiful horse."

"Yes, she is indeed. I hate to let her go. But I intend to get her back," the lord said with an air of smugness.

"What on earth do you mean? The king has paid you handsomely. Don't you want the princess to have the pleasure of such a fine animal?"

"Certainly I do. I intend to marry the princess. Then I get her and my horse back."

"Marry the princess!" The words came out of Fabian's mouth before he realized he had spoken. Such a thought had never occurred to him. "But the king has made no declaration that the princess' hand is ready to be taken in marriage."

"Not yet," Lord Elegante confidently responded. "But the day will come soon enough."

Lord Elegante excused himself to join the other noblemen and when Fabian re-gathered his senses, he looked back toward the princess. She was gone. The seat she had occupied at the head table was now vacant. For the first time, Fabian realized he was very hungry. It had been many hours since he had breakfast before leaving home this morning, and he made his way to one of the tables laden with food.

As he neared the table a young woman came up along side him.

"After you," Fabian instinctively said.

As she politely accepted his offer, he suddenly realized that this was Princess Riana herself. She had changed out of her royal birthday gown and now wore clothing fitting for a horseback ride in the country.

"Pardon me, but I can't help but notice that you've changed clothes" Fabian said, immediately feeling embarrassed that he had stated something so obvious.

"I decided it's my party, and I'll dress how I want and do what I want," she responded with a spunk that surprised Fabian.

"And it looks to me like you'd like to take a ride on your new present," Fabian responded, surprised by his own boldness.

She took a bite of food and looked Fabian up and down. "You look like one who could give me a tour of the countryside. What do you say?"

"Like now?"

"Why not?! I told you it's my party."

Instantly, Fabian knew his pangs of hunger could wait. "Let's go!"

When the servants saw Riana enter the stable, they jumped to attention. "Come to see your birthday present, have you?" an aging servant inquired.

"I've come to do more than look. I'm going for a ride!" the princess declared.

"But…" the servant began to object but then thought better of it. "I'll bring Fanfare out."

"Thank you," the princess said as she gave herself a little spin on her heels.

As Fabian rode up to join her, Riana asked, "Who is this?"

"Honorable Princess, meet Noble--the second-finest horse in the kingdom."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Riana said as she touched the horse gently, looking him right in the eye.

"You two might have a few things in common," Fabian commented, immediately regretting it. He was relieved as they were interrupted by the return of the servant with Fanfare.

What a majestic animal, Fabian thought. At least the winning horse was worthy of a princess. Fabian was not as impressed with Lord Elegante, the winning rider.

Riana interrupted his thoughts. "I won't be needing this. Would you like a souvenir?"

She removed a medallion from Fanfare's neck and tossed it to Fabian. To Fabian it looked to be pure silver. It carried a crisp and elegant insignia. Fabian studied it.

"Lord Elegante has his own insignia, I see."

"Maybe you can melt it down and make a present out of it for me," she said with a sly twinkle in her eye.

I think this girl is accustomed to getting what she wants, Fabian mused. But somehow she doesn't seem spoiled.

Again, her words interrupted his thoughts.

"Are you just going to sit there or are we going riding?"

The next hour flew by as fast as their horses ran. Fabian indeed did know the countryside and did not disappoint the princess with a ride through the best trails and most beautiful scenery the Kingdom had to offer.

"I can't believe I've lived so close but never seen all this beauty," the princess said as much to herself as to Fabian as they made their way back to the palace.

"There's plenty more to see," Fabian said as a matter of fact, not even considering that she would take it as an offer.

"Then we shall," she said with a flip of her hair. "One day soon, I'll send one of my servants to get you when I'm available, and we'll ride." Before Fabian had a chance to answer she laughed and said, "I commission you as Princess Riana's Personal Tour Guide and Riding Instructor. It is a royal commission. You cannot refuse it."

Fabian sat speechless. As she rode into the palace she turned over her shoulder and called out, "And I think the answer is 'quick, independent and unpredictable.'" Seeing Fabian's quizzical look, she turned Fanfare around, paused and explained, "You said we might have a few things in common." She glanced at Noble. "I was just starting your list." With that she rode away.

Fabian, in spite of his returned hunger, decided he had had enough of lords, princesses and palaces for one day and slowly guided Noble back to his quiet countryside home.

As promised, some days later a servant of the palace arrived at Fabian's blacksmith shop instructing him that he had an appointment with the princess. And so began a weekly ride with the princess and the blacksmith. Some days they rode fast through open fields of wild flowers. Other days they slowly climbed rugged hillsides to enjoy the best views of the Kingdom. They jumped fallen trees, crossed rivers, raced through coastal sand and paused to pick berries or enjoy a sunset. The seasons came and went, but the rides continued. Sometimes they spoke freely. Sometimes they spoke little. Always they enjoyed each other's company.

Finally the day came when Fabian knew he had to be straightforward with Riana. "My dear princess," Fabian said, "I must request that you decommission me from my assignment."

The princess was surprised, "But why? We've had wonderful rides. You’re the best. Have you not enjoyed yourself? I know you have. Enough of this nonsense. I'll see you next week."

"Riana," he gulped. This was the first time he had ever dared address her by just her first name. "I…I…"

"Go ahead," she urged.

Fabian drew a deep breath, "I have fallen in love with you. These rides have become more than my commission as Tour Guide and Riding Instructor. You have stolen my heart."

The princess flipped her hair and said, "What's so bad about that?"

Fabian blushed and then blurted out, "You know good and well that your father, the king, would never give his hand in marriage to the likes of me. I'm not of nobility or royalty. I have nothing to bring to the Kingdom. My clothes smell of smoke, my friends call me 'Bones'…"

Fabian had more to say but was interrupted by her laugh. "Bones, you never told me that before. That's funny. Bones."

Fabian spoke in frustration, "This is serious. I'm serious. I love you but can't have you."

Again she didn't flinch. "How do you know unless you try?"

She was right that first night we met, Fabian thought to himself. She is quick, independent and unpredictable.

Fabian finally spoke, "All right. How do I try? Do I just wander into the palace someday and say, 'Hey, king, I wanna marry your only daughter. What do ya say?'" Fabian's skepticism betrayed itself.

Fabian felt a little ashamed, but again Riana didn't flinch. "Let me let you in on a little secret," she said.

She went on to tell him about an announcement that was soon to be circulated throughout the Kingdom. The princess' hand was now ready to be taken in marriage to the most fitting suitor in the Kingdom.

"Exactly as I was saying," Fabian objected. "There is no way the king would see me as a 'fitting suitor.'"

"How do you know unless you try?" Riana repeated. She continued, "Or don't you really love me?"

Was she just playing with him? Did she really love him too, and want him to pursue her? Did she really think he had a chance? This woman could be so mysterious. The thoughts raced through Fabian's head at Noble speed. But before he could speak, she had saddled up beside him, kissed him on the cheek and with a whoop galloped off with Fanfare back to the palace.

Fabian sat motionless on Noble, watching her ride into the distance. He mumbled to himself, "Quick, independent and unpredictable indeed."

Then he added with a sigh, "And beautiful."