It is late afternoon. The last soft rays of the sun peaks through the thick forest growth to where Anthony is standing. It has been a long time since he has been in this part of the forest. A smile hovers on his face as he recalls some of his childhood memories in this very part of the forest. He used to escape from the castle, and spend glorious hours down by the lake. Just a little further then he will be at the lake, where no one will disturb him. Then he can be alone with his thoughts, and try to recollect his dreams, now shattered to the ground…
As he approaches the lake, the golden voice of an angel stops him in his tracks. There is something mysterious about the sad, sweet voice, almost inviting, yet he senses that he would be intruding if he were to step out of the cover of the shadowy trees. For a few moments he just listens to her mesmerising voice, but his curiosity gets the better of him. He has to know whom this sweet voice belongs to, and steps out into the open area surrounding the shimmering lake. Trying hard not to make any noise, he approaches the sound. And there, in front of his disbelieving eyes, is this ravishing beauty having a bathe in the lake. If only he can get a little closer to have a better look… Within a few feet from the water the snap of a twig under his foot reveals his presence…
Without getting up, she turns her head in the direction of the noise, and bewilderment replaces the gentle smile, as she becomes aware of the stranger close by. “How dare you!” There is a noticeable tremble in her voice, her green eyes filled with fire, complimenting the coppery glow of her locks. “Forgive me my lady, I was entranced by your beautiful voice. I had no ill intentions.” He turns around to face the other way, giving her time to reach for her clothes.
As he turns around to look at the beautiful maiden once again, he realises that she is a mere peasant girl. But somehow it does not matter to him. He has never
experienced such an intense desire to gather more about a person as he does with this beauty. “Forgive me for intruding my lady, allow me to introduce myself,” he takes her hand and bows, “the name is Anthony.” A warm blush creeps up her cheeks, as she lowers her eyes, “Me name is Maria-Magdalene”. The mere way that he introduced himself confirmed to her that he is not one of her fellow villagers. “Your name equals your beauty my lady…” “I am no lady like you know them, I am but a daughter of the Baker in the village north of the lake. I ought not to be speaking to a gentleman of your stature!” She pulls her hand from his and runs towards where her village must be…
“Wait!” It is almost a desperate cry. He runs after her, catching up before she enters the dense forest. “I cannot allow you to run away from me like this! I must know more about you! We have to meet again!” The fire is back in her eyes as she frantically tries to free herself from his iron grip around her wrists. “You have no right to treat me like this! Let go of me at once!” Her fire and pride fascinates him, and he just knows that he can not let go of her. There is just something about her that he has never seen in the ladies in his own class. Against his own nature he slips his arm around her slim waist and pulls her roughly against his chest. Her green eyes grow wider and her breath becomes faster as panic envelops her tiny body. But still he cannot let her go. “Calm down my lady, I will not hurt you. I just cannot let a gem like you slip through my fingers. Please stay a while.” Somehow she knows that he is trustworthy and allows her body to relax in his embrace. Not missing a single movement he lets go of her slowly, afraid that she might run again. But she doesn’t…
Anthony and Maria-Magdalene have been meeting every day, and have grown to deeply love one another in the short time that they have known each other. Anthony has learned what life on the other side is like. He has learned how important living close to nature is, and how valuable friendship and true love is, which is in total contrast to the ways of the world he has grown accustomed to. But how can he ever explain to his beloved Maria that she will never be accepted into his family? How can he ever explain to his family that the glitter of gold cannot measure up to the beauty of a new-born baby deer in the forest? That the love in the eyes of his darling means far more than all the diamonds in their kingdom?
And then came Rosa-lee. With her long dark hair she was the image of perfection, but her dark brown eyes were cold as ice. She was the chosen one, daughter of a neighbouring kingdom, selected to be his bride as the tradition predicts. She was radiant and charismatic, and wrapped many noble men around her little finger. Anthony was blinded by her beauty, and felt obliged to follow in the footsteps of tradition and take her as his bride. Suddenly Maria-Magdalene seemed dull and boring. What could she offer him that this beauty could not improve on?
As the days went by, he tried to soothe his longing for Maria’s simplicity by spending more time with Rosa-lee, while Maria waited by the lake every day, broken hearted, hoping, praying that her beloved Anthony will return.
It is the afternoon before the big ball in the Kingdom of Dendrada. Maria’s family has been approached to do the baking for the big event. It is a great honour to be asked to bake for the famous Dendrada family. The word is out that Prince Anthony will be wed soon, and tonight’s ball is to officially announce his engagement to princess Rosa-lee. The moment that Maria has been dreading has arrived. She has to take the prepared pastries to the ballroom. She has seen princess Rosa-lee only from a distance, and envies her beauty. Why could she not be the one to marry Anthony? They have shared so many moments of true love, how could he have forgotten her so easily?
As she enters the kitchen at the castle, there are no kitchen helpers around. Her curiosity gets the better of her, and she starts exploring her way to the ballroom. As she enters the huge room her mouth falls open in amazement. Never has she seen any place so beautiful! She walks from one table to the next, touching the lace, gold, crystal…
“Maria…” Her whole body starts shaking as she recognises the voice behind her. Slowly turning around, biting her lip to hold back the tears, she lifts her eyes to face her beloved Anthony. “It’s so good to see you again. I hoped that they would send you with the confectionery.” She knew it must have been him that requested for her family to do the baking, but never imagined that he would be so cruel to do it just to get her here, to rub in her face that she is not in his class. “What happened to the Anthony that I love? How can you be so cruel? You never even told me yourself! I had to hear it from the people in the village that you are getting wed! How could you, I thought you loved me, how could you?”
“Anthony, what’s going on here? Who is this pathetic peasant girl, and what is she blabbering about you loving her?” Rosa-lee’s eyes are as cold as ice, and her voice cuts through Maria-Magdalene’s trembling heart. Anthony is caught up between the devil and the deep blue sea. He is torn between his love for this simple, loving woman whom taught him the true meaning of life and love, and the radiant beauty that portrays his status and upbringing. What should he do, whom must he hurt…?
His choice is evident, when he turns to Rosa-lee and, sacrificing his own heart, answers with”I have never seen her in my life!”
In South Africa today security plays a vital part in any business or private home. This book and the volumes to follow, will guide you step by step through the essential precautionary measures to be taken in protecting your family and valuables. From employing security guards, evacuation of your site and security measures to burglar bars and alarms in your private home.
a Book compiled by me from experience gained after 10 years in the security industry as Industrial relations officer with Nosa qualifications, 1st Aid, fire protection and also S.O.B. grade A.
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