The cursed princess

In the celestial civilization that danced amidst the shimmering stars, as dusk faded and night descended, Rainard De Helton and Gerard traversed the winding path towards the magnificent abode of Count Olaf. Like two warriors exploring a newly unfolded world, they were adorned with an aura of courage and curiosity.

As the mansion door swung open, the two guests were greeted by an elegant commander named Helena. Her steps were gentle like the breeze sweeping through the hills, welcoming their arrival with warm hospitality. Their workspace was a room where fate intersected with bravery, under the imposing figure of Count Olaf, a man known for his wooden leg, a symbol of his life's journey filled with heroism and sacrifice.

With astonishing grace, Helena delivered the latest report to Count Olaf, akin to a poet composing beautiful verses about a hero's journey.

Count Olaf, standing tall before them, approached Rainard with steady strides.

"Thank you for your service, Rainard De Helton. The voices of the village and nobility unite upon the wind, lamenting the misdeeds of the troubling villains. What can I offer as a token of appreciation for your bravery?" Count Olaf inquired, his voice akin to a captivating melody.

"May I inquire about your daughter, who, according to rumors, is ailing?" replied Rainard softly, like the touch of dew on a tranquil morning.

Count Olaf was taken aback by the request. He knew that the secret of his daughter's condition had spread. Yet he did not anticipate that Rainard, a newly arrived guest, would be privy to it. His daughter, the light in the darkness of his heart, had departed from this world two days prior, leaving a profound sense of loss in Count Olaf's heart. He had concealed the mysterious illness consuming his daughter from the world, seeking an elusive cure behind the veil of darkness.

Count Olaf returned to his magnificent throne, observing Rainard standing before him in simple attire, with Gerard faithfully by his side.

"How did you come to know about my daughter's condition? I have never disclosed this secret to anyone," Count Olaf remarked with a sharp gaze.

"I received guidance from the Gods who directed my steps," Rainard answered calmly, letting the words flow gently.

Count Olaf smiled, though his heart was filled with doubt.

"Hahaha, you are truly a silver-tongued one. Nevertheless, I shall honor your courage and dedication. I bestow upon you a reward for your deeds and grant you permission to reside in this village," Count Olaf declared, rendering his decision wisely.

"Consider, can I showcase my prowess in healing the princess? Decide, is the life of the princess more precious to you than trust in me?" Rainard asked softly, his voice a melodious tune hinting at the possibility of miracles.

"Hey, mind your words. Count has bestowed a gift upon you, hasn't he?" Helena, the formidable female commander, shouted, her voice jolting, while her hand delicately grasped the sword hanging gracefully at her waist.

Witnessing her movement, Gerard swiftly touched his sword, ready to confront any potential attack from Helena. However, Count Olaf raised his hand gently, shaking his head at Helena.

"The ailment afflicting my daughter cannot be healed. Many healers have tried to no avail..."

"That's because your daughter isn't afflicted with an illness, but ensnared by a curse. Her body is constantly assailed by malevolent spirits that rule over her soul, leaving her lying weak in bed. Isn't that so?" Rainard interjected Count's speech sagaciously.

Count Olaf's face changed instantly. With measured steps, he approached Rainard. Standing before him,

"Here's the deal, go ahead if you can heal her. But if it turns out to be mere bluster, I won't hesitate to end your life. What say you?" Count Olaf asked sharply, his eyes conveying an undeniable threat.

"Very well, I accept your challenge," Rainard replied firmly.

Count Olaf glanced at Helena and nodded briefly. Helena then guided Rainard and Gerard to her beloved princess's chamber, filled with a poignant silence. As they stood before the chamber door,

"Proceed," Helena said sharply, her eyes glaring sharply at Rainard.

"Gerard, wait here. I will go in alone," Rainard said.

"Very well, Lord Rainard," Gerard replied.

Rainard De Helton burst into the room with confident strides, akin to lightning striking the night sky. There lay an undeniable picture of despair: a teenage girl, like a withered flower amidst the grass, hung on her plush bed. In creeping unconsciousness, she almost merged with the room's silence. Rainard approached her with a pounding heart, his eyes glancing towards her slender form, almost like a lost spirit, and her face akin to a skull, symbolizing an endless lack of vitality. As his sky-blue coat opened, the bright moonlight illuminated the gentle softness beneath the black hood around her neck.

"Ah, so here you hide. Lucky am I, who foresaw nature's will beforehand, knowing your hiding place, and concocted a lifesaving potion from rare ingredients I've kept from Fredonia," he whispered, his voice like wind dancing through autumn leaves.

"Who... who are you?" the princess hissed, her voice growing fainter, as if tethered by a thin thread between consciousness and dream.

"My name is Rainard De Helton, and I come bearing healing light. Trust in the power hidden behind my smile," Rainard answered, his lips curving into a moonlight-soft smile.

"If... if it is His will... then I surrender... do as you deem necessary..." the princess murmured, her blue eyes closed, embracing her frail body with trembling hands.

Rainard opened the mysterious chest emitting a scent of miracles, and from within, he grasped a crystal bottle containing a sparkling green elixir. Gently, he lifted the princess from her luxurious bed, like an angel touching the forehead of a wounded human. The liquid green flowed into the tightly shut mouth, tracing the paths of consciousness obstructed by the shadows of death. As the liquid touched her parched lips, the princess's body began to receive the blessings of life she had longed for. Yet, the black stain piercing her life's hole grew larger, swallowing any light that dared to challenge it.

With firm steps, Rainard placed his hands full of magic over the princess's chest, where darkness lurked greedily.

"Exorcism of Light," he whispered, his gentle voice sounding like a hidden sanctity mantra behind the morning mist.

Like a flash of lightning in the cloudy sky, Rainard's hand spread golden rays emanating from the deepest depths of his heart. The black shadows creeping within the princess's chest were flung away, struggling in their final battle against the invincible light. And finally, with its last strength, it was lifted out of hiding, accompanied by the tireless healing hand.

"Gyaaaaaah..."

The scream of the black shadow tore through the night's silence, before finally vanishing into the sky, leaving eternal signs of victory in the universe.

From behind the wide-open door, Helena and Gerard emerged with graceful steps, like angels descending from the heavens. They were amazed to see the princess, who now sat gracefully, her eyes open in newfound wonder, her once radiant skin now glowing with life again, and her body, solid and robust, replacing the fragile frame. Her face, as if carved by a god, with flowing blonde hair like a river, and her blue eyes shining like gems in the midst of midnight.