El Proyecto Internacional de Cuentos Allende Los Mares, Hungría
Translated by Erika Kertész
Amongst mountains reaching toward the sky there was the hidden Country of Blue Lakes. There was no happier or richer country in the world. On the lakes shining with turquoise snow- white swans swam proudly and people ploughed with happy smile on their faces on the shore on the fields. The swans were fighters protecting the empire with sharp beaks and enormous wings. Ever since there are words for storytelling there was no enemy to be able to cross the border, even though many wished to rule the beautiful wally. People prized and honoured the birds and provided them with all they needed during peacetime and prepared lightweight but impenetrable mails for them. The king ruling the country was very special: a human-in-swan, swan-in-human since he was a shape-shifter, a skin-changer. The ability of shape-shifting inherited from father to son became the symbol and surety of the fellowship between the two species.
His palace was built on a floating island, opened for both humans and swans. The king and his beautiful wife lived in the most gorgeous suit of his palace. They had only one son over the elf-age of childhood, he commanded the fights at the eastern edges. There was no braver than him in the country, beloved and respected by everyone for his pure soul and gentle heart similar to the mirroring lakes in calm. One day the king called for his son. Drishnavar flied back reluctantly from the country of mountain passes. He shook his feathers in front of his father’s throne, fuming.
– What is so important, my majestic father, that you summoned me – asked impatiently. – The fights have renewed, the army needs his leader.
– There are many leaders in the army – his father said – but there is only one crown prince. – More important tasks are waiting for you.
– Our time leaks away soon and you will make our place – added his mother tenderly. – Before your coronation you have to find a wife. You have to go far over the mountains to bring a wife from a foreign land, just like your father did and his father had done before.
– How will I know who has been ordered for me by the destiny -asked Drishnavar.
– Your will feel it in your heart – his mother calmed him.
– You have enough time – his father encouraged him. – You would wandering for three years from now to find your fianceé. You should be back till the midst of the third summer. But do not forget one thing! You cannot show up in the swan-shape. If your chosen one kissed your feathers before the wedding your feathers would have been lost forever.