Merisana and the Heartless King (An Original Children's Story)

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In the old days, there was a wise witch who lived in the woods, just outside a great kingdom. Her name was Merisana. She was the old king's best friend from whom he seeked counsel every time. When the old king died, his eldest son took his place, and with the help of Merisana, he learned everything he needed to learn about being a leader. But he was never half as good as his father. He had a cold heart and was so selfish.

After King Markus won the war, he decided to banish the witch from the kingdom because he thought that she was old and useless. He didn't want anything to do with her anymore. The witch didn't argue and obeyed his wishes. She lived a simple life ever since.

For years, the kingdom prospered under the new king's leadership and everyone has forgotten all about the witch. But when a new war began, King Markus didn't know what to do. He knew that he was going to lose without Merisana's help. He went to the witch at once to seek her counsel. The witch's wisdom is known all-throughout the kingdom and the king didn't have any choice. 

"Your highness," Merisana bowed before the king once he had climbed down from his horse. "What do I owe you this honor?"

Now, King Markus was a proud man. He didn't want to admit that he needed the witch to win the war. So he came up with a different answer. "Well, I just thought you might want to live in the castle again. Gather all your things and come with us, you deserve a place in my father's house."

The witch tried to act flattered, but of course she knew that the king just needed her for now. She did just as what she was told and soon they were on their way to the castle. When they reached the castle, the king's younger brother, Prince Stefan rushed to greet their father's most trusted friend. Compared to his brother, Stefan was a kind-hearted young man and was always polite and generous. It would have been better if he was the king, Merisana thought. And as the prince embraced her, the witch thought of a plan.

Just as King Markus has intended, the witch shared her wisdom to him. And as she did, her other plan was also starting to brew. Months and years passed by, and the war was finally won, and just as Merisana has expected, King Markus told her to gather her belongings and leave the kingdom once more. This time, Prince Stefan argued with the king, but he was immovable.

"It's alright, my good lad," the witch said to the prince, "I'm old and useless, and I don't belong in this castle."

"No, that is not true! We owe you this kingdom, and the least we can do in return is to take care of you as you grow old. My brother is heartless."

"Now, now. We shall see," the witch smiled and went to see the king.

"My lord, I know I'm supposed to leave, but the sky is dark and the beasts will be roaming around the woods soon. Just one more night, that's all I ask, and I shall leave the castle by dawn," the witch pleaded, kneeling before King Markus.

But the king just laughed and shooed the old woman. "I want you to leave now. We don't need you here anymore. You're job is done."

"Alright, I understand. But will you at least help me finish these fine grapes? I can no longer hold another one," the witch offered him a bowl full of grapes and the king, in his desire to send the witch away at once, ate all of it in one big gulp.

"Now, can you g--" the king wasn't able to finish what he was saying for he fell onto the floor, gasping for breath.

The servants rushed to his aid, but it was too late to save him. He died of heart attack. He did have a heart, after all.

The next day, the new king was crowned with the witch by his side, and together, they led the kingdom to peace and prosperity. Merisana lived in the castle up until her final days. She faced her death with joy, knowing that the kingdom is finally in good hands.