Prince Bayaya and the Magic Horse
Once upon a time, in a faraway land, the queen of a peaceful kingdom gave birth to twins. It was a moment of celebration at court. The king was still away fighting wars. But the news spread quickly.
The boys grew up. The firstborn of the two was slightly more robust and played outside whenever he could. His brother, on the other hand, preferred playing indoors. He was mostly beside his mother and only went outside when he followed the queen into the garden. For this reason, the younger prince became the mother's favorite.
The King's Decision
— Which one is the eldest, my love?
The queen knew the king was asking because the eldest would be the successor to the throne.
— Very well then. When he comes of age, he will be the next king.
Will was upset hearing that his brother would be the next king and vented to his horse.
— I want to see the world, to have new adventures. I'm so tired of hearing that my brother will be the next king.
And to his astonishment, the horse spoke.
— If you're not happy at home, go out into the world.
The Talking Horse and the Prince's Departure
— The little horse spoke with a human voice. — How is it possible that you can speak? — Oh, don't ask me, I cannot tell you. I will be your friend and advisor as long as you obey me. But don't go without your father's permission. Take no one with you, and ride no horse but me.
— I promise! I promise!
The prince begged and insisted before the king, but the king didn't want to see his son leave. After the queen convinced him, the king relented.
But the king still wanted the prince to set off befitting his rank, with a large retinue of men and horses.
— Why would I need such an escort? Just give me some money and I'll leave with my horse.
Once again, the prince had to insist, until he finally got what he wanted.
— Please, promise me you'll return within a year or send word so I know where you are. — I will, Mother. Farewell everyone!
The Journey and the Disguise
The little horse set off at a surprising pace for an old horse. But this was no ordinary horse. The years hadn't touched him at all. His coat was soft, his legs strong. No matter how far they traveled, he was always as agile as a young deer.
— Let's go visit that city. — So we shall.
— You'll go into the city alone and pretend to be mute. — Ha! Mindless? Couldn't I just be a handsome stranger? — You mustn't reveal your identity. Present yourself before the king so that he takes you into his service. When you need something, come to this rock, knock three times, and it will open. — Alright. I'll disguise myself.
The prince presented himself before the king. He disguised himself by putting a patch over one eye and making his face pale and sallow. The king looked at the prince with pity. He felt sorry for this young man who couldn't speak and took him into his service.
The prince proved to be very capable. It wasn't long before the king entrusted him with managing the castle. He spoke with the servants and offered advice to the king. He made sure everything ran smoothly at the castle. Everyone liked him, and soon he came to be called Bayaya, because that was the only sound he could make.
— Bayaya!
The Princesses and the King's Secret
This king had three daughters, each more beautiful than the last: Zdobena, the eldest, Budinka, and Slavena, the youngest. The prince liked spending time with them. And since he was mute and ugly, the king had nothing against it. The girls liked him and always took him along wherever they went.
And the prince liked them too. But he liked Slavena, the youngest, the most. Whatever he did, it was done a little better than for the others. The garlands were richer and the patterns more beautiful. Zdobena and Budinka joked about their sister, but she wasn't bothered by the jokes or the attention she received from Bayaya.
One day, Bayaya saw the king looking sad. Using sign language, he asked what the problem was.
— Is it possible, my dear, that you don't know about the nightmare threatening us?
— Many years ago, three dragons came flying through the air and landed on a nearby rock. The first had nine heads, the second eight, and the third seven heads. They wreaked havoc in the land. They ate the cattle and killed people. The dragons attack the city and burn everything. To calm them, we put all the food we had outside the gates. But soon we starved. In desperation, I summoned a wise old woman to court and asked her if there was any way to drive the dragons from our land. But alas, in doing so we promised the monsters my three beautiful daughters when they came of age. At the time, my daughters were children. So, in exchange for the kingdom being spared, I promised the dragons my daughters. My dear queen has passed away. But my daughters have grown up not knowing anything about their fate. Once I made the bargain, the dragons left. And until yesterday I hadn't heard anything from them. Not at all. Until last night, when I learned the dragons are back on their rock, sending us terrifying roars. So tomorrow I must sacrifice my eldest daughter. The day after, the middle one, and then the youngest. And then I will be left a lonely old man with nothing.
The First Battle and Saving Zdobena
Bayaya told the horse the story of the dragons and the king's daughters.
— Yes, I know. That's exactly why I brought you here — to save the princesses. — But I don't understand. — It is your destiny. Tomorrow morning early, come back and I'll tell you what to do. — Oh, thank you, little horse!
Bayaya was so happy he had to hide his face to make sure his disguise wouldn't be given away.
— Lift the stone under the trough and take what you find there. All three costumes are for you. But today, put on the red one. — But I'm not a knight! — Have no fear. Pierce the monster with courage and trust your sword. Remember, don't dismount from me.
Bayaya rode toward the rock. The nine-headed dragon appeared. Bayaya attacked it with his sword, and after a brave fight, killed it.
— Goodness me! I must return to Father at once! To give him the great news! Tomorrow it's my turn. I wonder if the knight will appear for me too.
Though the prospect terrified them, hope was restored in their hearts. And Bayaya even managed to make them laugh. Bayaya danced with joy, assuring the girls that nothing bad would happen to them.
The Second Battle and Saving Budinka
— Look at him!
Bayaya appeared again, the unknown knight. This time in a white costume. He attacked the eight-headed dragon. After another brave attack, he killed it. Another battle, another surprisingly easy victory for Bayaya.
— It would be a shame not to speak with this knight before he leaves. Tomorrow, if he saves me, I will kneel before him and not rise until he agrees to return to the castle with me. — What is it, Bayaya?
— Yes, tomorrow we will all go to meet this mysterious knight.
The Third Battle and Saving Slavena
Bayaya couldn't refuse them, especially with Slavena kneeling before him, clinging to his tunic and looking at him so charmingly. His heart melted and he was ready to do anything she asked.
— Why did you do that? — She must never know who you are.
Slavena and the king were very disappointed by the knight's hasty retreat. But everything turned to joy, for she had returned safely to the castle. Right after, a powerful king declared war on them. The king sent word for all nobles in the land to gather.
Now many brave nobles stood before the king. And the king promised them his daughters' hands in exchange for their help. This was indeed a powerful incentive and all the young nobles pledged their loyalty and hurried home to gather men for battle. Soldiers began arriving from all sides, and soon the king was ready to march. The king led his army into battle. He left the castle's administration in Bayaya's hands and entrusted him with the safety of the three girls.
A New Battle and the Final Victory
Bayaya did his job conscientiously, caring for the castle and providing the girls entertainment to keep them happy and cheerful. One day he told them he wasn't feeling well, but instead of consulting a doctor, he said he was going to the field to pick medicinal herbs. The princesses laughed at him but let him go. The little horse wasted not a moment.
— The king's forces are weakening, and tomorrow their fate will be decided. Put on your white costume. Take the sword and let's go!
Bayaya struck left and right with his sword among the enemies, causing such damage that the king's soldiers were immediately encouraged. Rallying around the white knight, they fought so bravely that soon the enemy was routed and retreated, and the king won a glorious victory.
— Please, brave knight, come with me to my tent to celebrate our victory. — Thank you, Your Majesty, but I cannot.
When the princesses heard that the mysterious knight had appeared again and saved the day, they no longer wished to marry any noble, for they thought perhaps the knight would come to ask for one of them.
The Golden Apple Test and Bayaya's Truth
— My dear comrades in arms, I promised my daughters' hands to those who stood by me in battle. You have all shown great courage. Each of you deserves the hand of one of my daughters. But unfortunately, I have only three daughters. To decide which three of you my daughters will marry, I have a suggestion. All of you stand in the garden in a row, and each of my daughters will throw a golden apple from the balcony. Then each princess must marry the one toward whom the apple rolls.
Zdobena threw the apple, which rolled to a noble's feet. Budinka threw the apple, which rolled to another noble's feet. Slavena threw the apple, which rolled to Bayaya's feet.
That night there was a great party, but Slavena remained in her room, refusing to appear among the guests. The little horse took his master for the last time. When they arrived at the castle, Bayaya dismounted and bid farewell to his loyal friend, and the little horse vanished.
— Bayaya would like to speak with you, princess. — Are you so upset with your groom that you hide from him? — You are not my groom. Bayaya is my groom. — But I am Bayaya. I am the invalid who made your garlands, the knight who saved you and your father. See? Here is a piece of your father's cloak that he tied around my wounded leg.
When everything was explained, the king rejoiced. The guests marveled, and Zdobena and Budinka looked at each other with great envy.
The Happy Ending
After the wedding, Bayaya left with Slavena to see his parents. When he arrived in his homeland, everyone rejoiced at his return, for they had long believed him dead. After a time, Bayaya ascended the throne. He had a long and prosperous life and enjoyed undiminished happiness with his wife.
A person's true worth lies not in appearance or rank, but in the courage, kindness, and intelligence they display, and true love recognizes these qualities beyond any disguise.
