The Firebird Page 3

mountain.”

  At his words, his disguise fell away, and they all recognised him. Ilena smiled and her eyes filled with happiness. The stallion shook its neck, and the golden mane once more shimmered and shone in the light, and the firebird lifted its head in song. Carl and Alfred, however, stood dumbfounded, unable to believe their eyes and ears. The king recovered from his shock, and embraced his youngest son. Then he called for the guards to take the older brothers to prison for their lies and treachery. Peter and Ilena were married, to the joyous sound of the firebird. After the ceremony, they rode the stallion to the gate, where the white wolf waited. Peter dismounted and went to kneel before it.

  “You have truly saved me. I will do anything you ask of me in return.”

  The wolf again asked him to cut off its head and tail and reverse them, and although it pained Peter, he did as he was asked. But when the head and tail touched the body, it disappeared, and in its stead stood a handsome, young man. He smiled and said,

  “I thank you, Peter. I am Ilenas brother, Wynn, and I was enchanted by the same evil enchantress who put the spell on my sister. Your courage has saved me.”

  Peter and Ilenas wedding was celebrated for seven days straight, and they all lived happily ever after.