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 Without hesitation the princess raced towards the river to help the outnumbered knight. Sir Diego knocked the heads of two bandits together, knocking them out, but he did not see the third man sneaking up behind him, knife drawn to strike.

The fairy shot towards the attacker like a glistening arrow, knowing she had not a moment to lose. The goon raised his weapon and then crumpled to the ground, howling in pain. Sir Diego turned around in time to see the knife fall out of his enemy's hand. There was no sign of the princess.

“Oh, be quiet,” he growled at the man on the ground, “You will be fine.” The howls turned into whimpers as the man put his red, throbbing thumb into his mouth. “Your highness?” the knight called out.

“Come on, sir knight!” Princess Esperanza was already on her way up the road towards the village. The billowing smoke was growing larger and darker by the minute.

The pair raced towards the village, unsure of what waited for them. Perhaps a band of brigands...or a mighty dragon...or a fire golem...or simply a wildfire that was sweeping across the buildings. They rounded the corner and came to a screeching halt, mouths agape.

“Suprise!!!”

The entire village was gathered together in the square, surrounding a large fire pit with a pig on the spit. It just so happened to be Sir Diego's birthday and the entire community had turned out to celebrate.

“What about the brigands that attacked us?” the baffled princess asked.

The mayor, in tears over his great joke, patted the knight on the back. “Visiting merchants who agreed to put on a show. I never thought it would work this well,” the three attackers were staggering into the village, nursing their wounds. “Looks like I owe these fine fellows an extra bonus after the thumping you gave them. Worth every penny,” he chuckled as he went to see his accomplices.

The knight shook his head in disbelief. “Allow me to show you my home, milady.” It was the best birthday he ever had.