~ ~ ~

The guinea pigs lived healthy enough lives despite these problems. There was only one thing wrong within their kingdom, and that was the wicked Prince Rumblestrut. Prince Rumblestrut lived in an abandoned burrow that was so old, no one could remember what originally dug it. He had sharp, overgrown claws and dingy fur, for he was too lazy to keep himself well groomed, and cruel, beady eyes. He was a tough and seasoned fighter, and if anyone tried to argue with him he’d nip them harshly. Worse punishments were thought up for pigs that defied his strict laws.

He was the worst ruler the guinea pigs could ever remember having. Not only did he make them do anything he said, but he didn’t take care of their needs like a leader should. They were rarely able to play or have fun, because most of them had to gather food for the prince or sweep the old dry grass from his burrow and collect new. At the end of the day the guinea pigs would socialize and play, but they had to take care that Rumblestrut didn’t see, because he disliked merriment. Sometimes he would make up tasks that had no real purpose, just so he could order his subjects around. He didn’t see too it that everyone was fed, or even warn against predators. He just scuffled about in his burrow and bossed the other pigs until they were weary and miserable. Then he laughed. He was not a nice pig at all.

Prince Rumblestrut had a slightly younger half-sister named Wildflower, and to her he was meaner than any three pigs in the kingdom put together. No one knows why, though some of the older pigs suspected it was because their mother had liked her better. Maybe it was because everyone loved the princess for her sweet and caring nature. But for whatever reason, Prince Rumblestrut was constantly taunting and bullying her. He often made her cry and very rarely called her by her name, because he was usually using mean substitutions like Ugly or Shrimp.

Night and day the prince would tease poor Wildflower about her looks. Her teeth were a bit prominent and she had Abbysinian fur (which was not in fashion in those days, the way it is now), but the pigs of the kingdom still adored her. Guinea pig society has always prized great hearts over great beauty. It was because of this that Wildflower was able to look beyond her brother’s cruelty. So even though his wicked ways made her sad, she was such a generous and optimistic soul that she could never be truly unhappy.

She was as sweet as a dandelion and cheerful and smart, as well. Many of the guinea pigs would come to her for advice. The royal lawn in front of Prince Rumblestrut’s burrow (where Wildflower was forced to spend much of her time) was usually full of pigs who had come to talk about their problems, to be with her in case the prince was in the mood to be particularly nasty to her, or just to enjoy her company. Young piggies that got separated from their mothers all knew to go to Wildflower, where they could be sure of protection, and more importantly some comforting, until their parents inevitably came to get them.

There was little comfort she could give them against Prince Rumblestrut, however. He had them all under his power. All the piggies in the kingdom were afraid of him, and very rarely would they stand up to him in the least. To do so meant immediate and terrible punishment. Times were truly bad for the kingdom.

A very old pig named Junebug would sometimes tell the younger pigs the sad tale of how he got so scarred, and lost his ear. Years before he had challenged the prince’s ability to rule. Although he was much older and larger than Rumblestrut, the prince’s ferocity in battle and willingness to use foul play had won him the fight. Junebug had been lucky to escape with his life, and for weeks afterward he was paraded before the other pigs as an example. Anyone caught being kind to him during this humiliation was put in a special dungeon, built just for that purpose, for two whole days. The prince began to really like the dungeon and sent pigs down there frequently.

The dungeon was not a very nice place to be, for it was a deep chamber close to the prince’s quarters where only the barest hint of light shone through. With the prince himself so near the entrance, there was neither hope of escape nor kind treatment. It was difficult even for Wildflower to sneak a morsel or two for the prisoners to eat.

Eventually she took a great risk and, with a few loyal friends, dug a tunnel to the dungeon. It took a great many days because it had to be done in secret, and needed to be long enough to keep any sunlight from giving them away. The tunnel’s great length was necessary for another reason: if Rumblestrut were to stumble upon the entrance hole, all would be lost. The only time they could dig was late at night, after they had finished their chores. But they persevered, and at long last it was finished, and from then on the princess would take food and messages from family and friends to the weary, frightened prisoners.

Wildflower and her friends discussed the idea of sneaking pigs out of the dungeon through the tunnel, but in the end the idea was rejected. If prisoners began to escape the prince would be sure to find out about the tunnel and there was no telling what awful things he’d do once he found out who dug it—he was certain to suspect Wildflower right away. Besides, denied his precious dungeon, Rumblestrut might well think up worse punishments. So the prisoners bore the wretched place as best they could until at last they were set free, often simply to make room for a new victim of the prince’s anger.

So you see how hard it was for the guinea pigs to live under his rule. Though all knew a change was desperately necessary, none could see a way around their predicament. To kill another pig was too terrible for any of them to contemplate, no matter how bad Rumblestrut was. They didn’t know what to do. So things simply carried on as they were, and the pigs existed as best they could.

~ ~ ~

One evening, Wildflower was snatching a few moments to sun herself in the fading light. Her brother hadn’t been grouchy that morning, for him anyway, still she kept near the entrance to the prince’s quarters, for she hadn’t seen him since then and he had had an entire day to work up a bad mood. She had plucked a nice salad from the surrounding plants and was preparing to eat it, when yet another wayward young one came panting up. It was little Willard, an energetic piggie from a large litter who had gotten himself lost no less than five times and had to seek out the princess.

“Got losted again,” he gasped, “mum was saying something to Lily and Avis and Tyler and I wanted I’d chase a bug, and then them were all... all... goned!” He looked up at her with wide eyes. “Maybe they was pignapped!”

Wildflower smiled and nuzzled him with her nose. “I think a better explanation would be that you just wandered too far to hear her calling... again!” She winked. “Your mum’s got four little ones to look after, I think you should try harder to stay close to her.”

“Oh, I tries,” he assured her with youthful earnestness, “I tries most hardest of ever, ‘specially since last time. I got yells at.”

Wildflower giggled and pushed some of her grass toward the youngster. He wheeped gratefully and started nibbling. Growing baby piggies are always hungry! Just as he was finishing his snack, his elder brother Jared came running up. Jared was about the same age as Wildflower and Prince Rumblestrut. He still lived with his mum and dad, however, to help them out with the little ones. Also to take the brunt of the work from his aging father, who could no longer carry out many of their leader’s tasks. The dashing brown pig was as plucky as his tiny brother.

“Wildflower!” he called as he approached. “So he’s found his way to you. Honestly, I don’t know what we’d do without you.” Jared had become close friends with the princess, especially since he had to fetch his brother so often!

“ ‘Bout time you gotted here,” Willard said. “I is sleepy.”

Jared gave the younger pig a nudge. “What do we say?”

Sighing, Willard recited dutifully, “thanks you, princess.”

“That’s better,” Jared admonished his feisty little sibling. “Now let’s go home.”

But just as they were about to leave, Rumblestrut bellowed from his chamber. “Wildflower! Get in here!” He did not sound happy.

“Uh-oh,” Jared said. “Wildflower, I better go in with you. Willard, you stay right here under this bush, and don’t you dare move a muscle until I get back. Understand?” Willard nodded. He was terrified of the prince.

The two companions entered the dark chamber. Jared stayed in the dingy entrance hall, so he wouldn’t arouse the prince’s anger further. But Wildflower felt better facing her nasty older brother just knowing she had a friend nearby for support.

“What took you so long?” Rumblestrut growled. “I was waiting in here for ages. When I call you I expect you front and center, on the double!”

“Yes, my lord,” Wildflower answered meekly.

“You undermined my authority today. Don’t think I don’t know exactly what goes on in my kingdom!” Angrily he circled her, ending his tirade inches from her face.

“Rumblestrut, wait, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She trembled a little. His pacing was not a good sign.

“Oh you don’t, don’t you? I sent a peasant up here to be punished today. You handled the punishment. Don’t try to back out of it, I know you did it! You know that all punishments are handled by me, personally!” No wonder he was so mad. He didn’t like to miss an opportunity to bully his subjects for breaking his rules.

“My prince, it was a very young pig. He only ate the wild carrot out of the south field because he didn’t know it was your majesty’s personal field. I didn’t want to trouble you with such a small matter. I didn’t think--”

“--Didn’t think!” he roared. “That’s exactly what you were doing, not thinking! When I give an order, I expect it to be carried out! You’ll pay for this. I am going to teach you once and for all to do as I say!”

With that the prince leaped at his sister. She squealed in abject terror as he pounced on her. He bit her in the ear, hard. A drop of blood showed. Letting go of that hold, Rumblestrut closed in on the princess, his claws at the ready. She sank trembling to the dirt floor of the chamber, certain her hour had come.

But she had forgotten Jared! Not the sort of pig to stand by and watch such atrocities, he burst into the room and gave the prince a hard cuff down his face. Rumblestrut backed off in sheer amazement.

The gallant little pig was furious. “You wretched bully!” he cried. “How dare you strike a lady, and your sister besides! You’re nothing but a coward! Watch how you treat her, or it’s me who’s going to teach you a lesson.” Looking at him, crouching with teeth bared and eyes blazing, the prince could not doubt his utter seriousness.

His temper hit an all-time high. Never had he faced so much opposition. It infuriated him. “You insignificant twerp! I’ll execute you right here!”

“No, Rumblestrut, no! Jared, run. Go!” Still crouching and trembling, the little princess had pushed her body between the boars.

Jared pushed back. “I won’t.” Now the two were shoulder to shoulder, Jared stone-faced and battle-ready, Wildflower wide-eyed and cowering.

Those two insufferable ingrates were facing him together, standing up to him! The nerve! The very cheek! Rumblestrut went quite insane.

“I’ll kill the both of you! I’ll rip you limb from limb! You, you... rotten little morons!”

“No talky that way! Your mum’ll spank you!” a tiny voice chirped.

Willard had heard the screams coming from the burrow. He was scared, but stronger than his terror was his belief that the hated and feared Rumblestrut was murdering both his brother and his friend. That no-good bad pig was hurting a girl, which his mum had always told him was wrong, especially all the times when Lily stuck her tongue out at him and he really wanted to nip her on the nose. And besides, he wanted to marry Wildflower one day, maybe.

This strengthened his conviction, and he mustered up his courage and plunged headfirst into the dark hole. It would have taken a deaf pig to not be able to find the way after that. The miniscule scrap of a guinea pig then lost his fear in the sort of righteous disgust that only the young and innocent can feel. Here was a grown boar, who should have way known better, cursing the baddest words that there were to curse!

“You better don’t say those things to my brother,” the little one declared, “Or me’ll hurt you really bad, a lot.” This should have been enough to strike terror into the bravest of hearts, as far as he was concerned. And indeed, everypig had stopped all that bad yelling and was staring at him in amaze. He puffed up his tiny chest and took his place beside his brother, rumbling his loudest challenge to the mean prince: “chiiirrrp!”

“It’s wholesale mutiny!” the prince shrilled. “I’ll not have it, I tell you! I want your entire family out of my kingdom by morning! You’re all banished! Get out, get out!”

Jared pushed Willard in front of him, out the door. Wildflower tried to follow. Rumblestrut halted her. “Not you. You’re going in the dungeon, and you’ll stay there until you can obey me!”

Jared was torn. He glanced behind him, watching helplessly as his friend was driven to the awful dungeon by that menace of a prince. But then he looked at his baby brother, who was away from their mother far past his bedtime, and he knew that his first duty must be to Willard. The poor, brave little mite was looking up at Jared, his face wavering between confusion and fear, counting on his big brother to tell him what they should do.
“Come on,” Jared told him, pushing him forward again. “We’ve got to go get mum and dad. The family’s got to be ready to leave as soon as we can.”
Willard obeyed, but asked uncertainly, “what about Wildflower?”

“Don’t worry, we’ll come back as soon as we can to save her,” Jared assured him. “I promise,” he whispered over his shoulder as they hurried away.

~ ~ ~

Rumblestrut drove his sister ahead of him to the lip of the dungeon’s entrance tunnel. Shoving her in with a hard head-butt was very satisfying to the twisted monarch. Chuckling evilly, he listened to her muffled shriek as she plunged headlong into the impenetrable darkness. He’d always wanted to put Wildflower in the dungeon. Satisfied that she couldn’t get out, and likely was too scared to try, he stalked away to his own quarters to think.

The present situation had to be dealt with. In his mind, the best way to keep his kingdom in line was to squash all rebellion quickly and completely. It was a mentality that had served him well for years. So now he had to decide on the fastest and best way to keep this night’s events from spreading too far, and leading to a possible uprising.

He was very angry at that pig, what had she called him? Jared, that was it. The bravery he had shown was impressive, and therefore worrisome. It had been a long time since anyone had stood up to him, and he had thought his subjects were fairly well worked into submission. Tonight proved to him that there were still strong ones left, and if that was the case it was time to start picking them off. If Jared tried to raise his neighbors to fight instead of fleeing...

His first instinct was to simply kill him outright, but ever the warlord, he had a better scheme in mind. He was glad of his quick thinking during the confrontation. Banishing their whole family, with that cheeky little one tacked on, would be wiser than getting weakened by a fight. A large group of guinea pigs moving out of the protection of the tall grasses would attract predators, especially if there were more small children. He wouldn’t have to worry about them coming back to challenge him again. And with his family to worry about, the rebellious Jared would be less likely to start anything, especially after seeing him take Wildflower to the dungeon.

Rumblestrut knew he was in a precarious position, politically speaking. For all his shortcomings as a ruler, he was a shrewd and wily tactical-minded warrior. To him, politics and rulership were the same as war. He was no dummy, and well aware of his subjects’ love for that puny, buck-toothed, screwball-furred runt of a sister of his. That had been what had kept him from really hurting her all these years, though he’d longed to. He knew that now with Jared’s family banished and Wildflower in the dungeon, the talk would be thick and fast. For some it would be enough of an example not to act, but others may actually be inspired to challenge him, knowing the one “friend at court” they had was imprisoned.

This was the biggest reason he hadn’t done any killing. He knew nothing stirred up discontent as well as an execution. No, better to stick to the banishment, and leave them at that. They weren’t the ones to worry about just now, at any rate. Wildflower was in the dungeon. The kingdom would need to be told something, or they might get bold enough to plead for her release. Not only was Rumblestrut reluctant to let Wildflower out, he also didn’t want his subjects getting any ideas about challenging his absolute authority.

He most certainly couldn’t tell his subjects that Wildflower was dead, or they’d think he killed her. If there was anyone foolish enough to try something against him, that would be the one thing that would make such a pig or pigs act. To say she had fled the kingdom would be equally stupid, it was completely against her character and everyone knew it.

He considered telling them that Jared and his family had kidnapped her or convinced her to leave with them, or that she had joined them on her own initiative. This might well be believed, but he discarded the idea anyway. If Jared or any of his family met up with other pigs on their way to exile, they would almost certainly tell them what had happened in the burrow and it would be all over the kingdom quicker than you can eat a clover bud. No, it must be something airtight, with no chance of flying back into his face, and fear-inspiring enough to ensure little or no resistance. He thought long into the night.

~ ~ ~

Wildflower had tried to collect her thoughts, tried not to be too outwardly frightened, but as she fell into the prison pit she couldn’t help letting out a shriek of horror. It was a dark, seemingly bottomless hole, damp and cool and dingy. The moss and fungi smell wasn’t reassuring, either. After what seemed an eternity she landed on a pile of dry straw.

“Who’s that? Isn’t it a bit late for the prince to be tossing in new prisoners?”

“Aw, Parsnip, how can you tell time down here anyway? It’s probably afternoon.” After a moment Wildflower’s eyes adjusted, and she could see two indistinct shadows- fellow prisoners in the pit. Their shapes weren’t that clear but the voices were plainly recognizable.

“Parsnip? Marigold? It’s me, Wildflower.” Cautiously she made her way forward, still a little unsure of her bearings. At last she touched noses with Marigold, who nuzzled her reassuringly.

“Princess? Dear me, it’s a sad day to see you dumped in here. Whatever happened?”

Marigold was a kind but fiery little maiden who had often kept Wildflower company on the royal lawn. That was before her fiancé Parsnip got on the prince’s bad side. When he was sentenced to imprisonment, Marigold was so furious and upset that she jumped into the pit with him.

The prince was amused with such a foolish and over-emotional action, at first, as he thought a few days in the pit would make her regret her impulsiveness. However, when it became apparent that the couple had a strong attachment, and an even stronger stubborn streak, he angrily refused to release them. It had been three weeks, and neither could remember what had set Rumblestrut off anymore.

The wicked prince still wouldn’t hear of them coming out, however. Wildflower had been gently working on him, but he highly disliked their loyalty to one another. Romance was naturally repulsive to someone like Rumblestrut.

“I’ll tell you what happened,” Parsnip growled, “that horrid Prince Rumblestrut tripped over those overgrown nails of his and fell on his ugly face, and nobody was handy so he blamed Wildflower.” Marigold tried not to laugh, but it was no use. She sputtered helplessly, and soon all three were laughing.

“Gee princess, we were worried,” Parsnip said after the merriment died down. “After last night when you dropped those carrots down the chute, things were so quiet, then just now we heard a lot of commotion. It made us wonder what was up.”

“Oh Parsnip, it’s terrible! Jared and his family have been banished, and I’m afraid it’s all my fault!” Briefly she told them the whirlwind events of the last few minutes, ending with, “And now that poor family has to leave the shelter of the grass, with all those little ones, and their father just getting over that fever! He was doing so much better, but under the harsh conditions he’ll surely sicken again.” She started to sob.

“Oh, Wildflower, now hon, it’s not as bad as all that,” Marigold tried to soothe her friend. “And don’t go saying it was your fault, it’s your brother’s fault. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Mari’s right, you can‘t blame yourself,” Parsnip joined in. “Jared’s a good fellow, and as brave as can be. He won’t let anything happen to those little young’uns. And his mum, why she’s the best at doctoring in the whole kingdom! She’s not about to let her man get all wheezy now, she’d sooner eat a toadstool. You’ll see, they’ll be all right. And maybe when we get out of here we can help them, wherever they end up.”

“Brave words, Parsnip,” Wildflower sniffled, “but my brother hates me... we may never get out of here!” She buried her face in Marigold’s fur and cried quietly. Mari purred, and Parsnip nuzzled the distraught princess behind her ear. At length she calmed down, and the shuddering of her shoulders melted into the steady, deep breathing of sleep.

Settling against her friend, Marigold left Wildflower’s head resting on her shoulder while she shuffled into a comfortable sleeping position. Parsnip curled close around her. She gave him a meaningful glance. He nodded. In all likelihood, Wildflower was right, but at the moment the welfare of a friend was more important than an escape plan. The trio cuddled together for warmth, creating a strange illusion of sharing the same body as each leaned on the other for support. Even in this moment, they could not have guessed how important that support would come to be.

~ ~ ~

“Oh deary deary me. Now, Lily, don’t you cry darling. Mama’s here. Tyler, stay close, Willard, stop teasing Avis!” Dinah, the mother of the big brood, was having a hard time keeping the children from panicking. She felt so angry and upset. That horrible Rumblestrut! Such a thing to do to babies.
Jared helped his parents herd the little ones into a tight group. “Everyone must stay very close together,” he explained, “so nobody gets lost. We have to leave the safety of the tall grass.”

“I don’t want to go!”

Avis was confused and frightened. This was all so sudden and strange. All the bigger pigs talking in excited voices and all the goings-on! He didn’t like it. He liked it best when things were quiet and when everyone was calm. The fact that his parents and his older brother were apprehensive, when they were usually brave and strong all the time, was not very reassuring.

Lily was cranky and irritable and in need of a nap. Why couldn’t they stay where they were, at least until they had rested? She missed her morning snooze and was extra sleepy. She kept thinking of her soft bed of dried grass at home. She hoped wherever they were going they would get there soon—and there would be a place to sleep!

Willard was restless with the desire to get Wildflower out of prison and hopeful that there would be a way they could stay at home after all and not have to leave, or at least not for very long. He didn’t like leaving home and he was scared and confused about everything that had happened in the dungeon. Rumblestrut was even more frightening up close than he was from far away! When he thought of all the bad things the prince could do to Wildflower, like calling her stink beetle, or taking away her favorite pebbles for pebble-scoot (would he ever see his again?) or maybe even biting her ear, he got upset.

Why wasn’t Jared doing something? His big brother was the strongest pig in the world and he was supposed to be able to do anything. Surely getting Wildflower out of jail couldn’t be hard for a pig like Jared! He’d just run in there, bop Rumblestrut right in the snout (and it would serve him right, the big bully), and carry Wildflower out to safety. That Rumblestrut was a stink beetle, dirty fur, big old mean bully with fleas in his ears! Willard cast a guilty glance Mama’s way and hoped it didn’t count as cursing if you only thought it.

Tyler wasn’t saying much, but it was obvious he was apprehensive about the whole business too. He was thinking about his best friend Saffron, with whom he’d often played while Mama and Saffron’s mom talked together as they groomed their fur. Would they ever play hop-skip or run-in-the-reeds again? Tears welled up in his tiny eyes but he pretended that he’d got some dust in his nose so he could wipe them away.

“All right children, all right now,” said Gavin, their father. “Everything is going to be ok. As long as we stay close together nothing bad is going to happen, I promise.”

The little ones, somewhat bolstered by this, grew quiet and stuck in their huddle between the three adult pigs. After about a half an hour’s journey, they’d reached the border of the kingdom—where the tall grasses gave way to flat scrubland that offered little shelter and many dangers. Poking his head warily out, Jared checked to make sure there was nothing immediately horrible to confront them before motioning his family forward.

Jared was worried. He wanted very much to rescue Wildflower, but there was no way he could leave his family, they needed his protection. And what would they do out there in the scrublands? How were they to survive? Were there more grasslands to the west? If so, how far were they?

As far as he could see in every direction the land was barren. They would need to duck from bush to bush, and the bushes were thin and scraggly and didn’t look like they would be decent shelter, especially for seven pigs. There could even be hawks. He looked warily at his little brothers and sister. He couldn’t stand to lose even one of them, but he knew that to a predator they would be just the right size for a nice meal. He flexed his muscles determinedly. Well, if there were predators, they’d need to get through him first.

“All right everyone,” said Jared, “this is the plan. Do you see the bush over there, the one with the funny thin leaves?” The children nodded. “Ok, me and Mum and Dad are going to make a circle, and your job is to stay as close together in the middle of it as you can. We need to get to that bush. We’re going to pretend we’re one great, big, giant guinea pig, all together. Ok?” Again the silent, wide-eyed nods.

The little circle formed and everyone scurried to the bush. It only took about two minutes but it seemed to the little family like it took a year. They were all expecting something bad to happen in this strange place.

Lily yawned. “Mama, I sleepy. Wanna take a nap now!” Her eyes grew moist—it was so scary here! Maybe when she woke up, it would have only been a bad dream. Oh, how she wanted to sleep!

“Well, I suppose this is as good a place to sleep as any,” sighed Dinah, as she scooped out a flat hole as far under the bush as possible. “Everyone stay close, we’ll nap for a while before we press on.” Gavin and Jared stayed awake, keeping watch over the sleeping huddle, twitching at every noise and trying to think of what they were going to do.

“Say, this isn’t such a good place to be, especially this time of year. The hawks are raising their babies now, so they hunt extra!” Jared nearly jumped out of his fur at the voice right behind him. A strange animal was sitting next to him, watching him.

“Who are you?” Jared asked in wonder. “Where did you come from?”

“Came from this hole,” said the stranger. “I’m Hardy, fist battalion of the Royal Guard of the Piggle.” Noting the startled and confused expressions on Gavin and Jared’s faces, he continued. “You folks must not be from around here. Act like you’ve never seen a prairie dog before. My family has served her royal majesty's family for generations. Queen Chloe lives in the Palace of the Piggle, and I’m on border guard today. Patrolling the border safely requires use of these tunnels, and your little family is practically sitting on the exit hole!”

The pigs glanced where Hardy was pointing. Sure enough, a cleverly concealed hole stood about a foot away from their slumbering family!

“Do you know a place we can go where it’s safe?” asked Gavin. “My wife and kids here and I were banished by our wicked Prince Rumblestrut, and we don’t know where to go.”

The prairie dog’s face broke into a wide grin. “Aw, bless your hearts, I’ll take you straight to the Palace. You and the missus and all those little ones, the very idea! This Prince Rumblestrut must not be a nice fellow at all to dump so many little infants out on their ears. Follow me.”

Jared gently woke Dinah and the children, and the whole astonished family followed the strange border guard through a long series of tunnels until they reached a vast palace made of cleverly woven strands of the living grass around them. Hidden by the surrounding vegetation, the lavish place was virtually a town underneath a roof, hidden from predators and comfortably able to fit all the residents of a neighboring kingdom they’d never even known about!

Hardy whispered to another prairie dog, who nodded and disappeared. In a few moments, he returned and led the guinea pigs to some cozy-looking quarters. “You are welcome to stay here as long as you like,” said the guard. “Tonight you have an audience with Her Majesty. For now, finish your nap, you no longer have anything to worry over.” Grateful beyond words, the whole family slept, this time deeply, their earlier fears behind them.

~ ~ ~

Parsnip, Marigold, and Wildflower awoke with a start. There was a horrible noise coming from all around them—was the dungeon caving in?!

It took them a few moments to realize that the commotion was coming from outside. A group of guinea pigs was doing a great deal of angry yelling. The three crowded closer to each other and crept near the opening of the dungeon, straining to hear what was being said.

The kingdom had found out that Wildflower was imprisoned. Rumblestrut had never imagined his subjects could stand up to him this much—then again, he’d never done anything as risky as imprisoning the kingdom’s most beloved member. There was a great commotion outside the royal burrow. Several pigs were shouting for Wildflower’s immediate release. Some were crying out that Rumblestrut had gone too far. He had to act fast or he could have a full-blown riot on his paws!

“Silence, quiet all of you and listen to your prince!” Rumblestrut bellowed in a voice that left no room for argument. The subjects quieted, but it was an uneasy silence.

“Listen to me. Wildflower is in the dungeon, yes. She got there by disobeying my orders and aiding another pig in mutinous behavior. Any further ruckus out of you lot and I’ll have you ALL tossed in the dungeon! In one week, you may present argument for her release, but not one minute sooner. And if you can’t keep your arguments civil you’ll be dismissed immediately. Is this clear?”

The other pigs were flabbergasted. For Rumblestrut, this was reasonable, even fair, treatment of his subjects. No one would have expected him to take the civilized approach—which was exactly what he’d been counting on. It had the desired effect. The pigs calmed immediately, bolstered by Rumblestrut’s not falling into a temper. Now he had a week to come up with further plans against resistance and to get his subjects once again squarely beneath his heel.

Delighted at their prince’s sudden reasonableness, the pigs dispersed respectfully, not wanting to do the slightest thing to wreck his generous mood. Now they had a week to prepare arguments for the princess’ release. Surely, if they came up with an argument that was both logically sound and compassionate, even someone like Prince Rumblestrut might be persuaded to listen! They gathered together the most eloquent speakers and forward-thinking pigs and organized a meeting at once.

Back in the dungeon, Parsnip, Marigold, and Wildflower breathed sighs of relief. “Well that ended peaceable enough,” Mari said.

“But my brother must be up to something. He has never acted this way before. If he had been a little more like this, he wouldn’t be such a terrible ruler. No, my friends, something is definitely up. Rumblestrut would never allow himself to appear vulnerable, for even a second, without something going on behind the act.”

Parsnip nodded. “You’re right there, princess, but this gives us a week. We haven’t much down here to do except think and talk anyway, so between the three of us I bet we can figure something out! We’ll have to try and guess his plan and think of ways to prevent this from becoming war. I can tell this is bigger than anything that’s happened since Rumblestrut came into power. Mark my words, this’ll be the deciding battle. So it’s time to get serious.”

The girls nodded their agreement with Parsnip’s wise words and the three of them settled down to wrack their brains.

~ ~ ~

It was evening, and Jared and his family were awake for barely five minutes before being greeted by a spritely prairie dog maiden. She all but hopped into the room. "Oh, the newcomers! It's so nice to meet you. I'm Rindy. I'm here to take you to- oh! Oh would you look at this little darling!" Rindy had spotted Tyler, the only young one who hadn't been standing behind the adults. She reached down and nuzzled him. "You're just going to love it here, you little cutie!" she cried, looking up. "Oh my, and just look at your brothers and sister! You're all so darling." Willard sniggered a little bit at the look on Tyler's face, but Mama hushed him with a sharp glance.

"Her Majesty will see you now," said the bubbly youngster. "Please, follow me! Oh, you're going to love Queen Chloe's quarters, so elegant! I'm sure she'll let you see them once dinner is finished. Her Majesty is the most stylish and graceful and friendliest pig in the whole kingdom!"

Gavin and Dinah shared a smile as they followed Rindy, who hadn't stopped chattering and was now telling Jared and a spellbound Tyler about the history of the palace. Oh, the delight of the young!

As they rounded a bend, they all but bumped right into their friend Hardy. "Oh, Miz Rindy!" Hardy cried, his nose flushing into a brilliant pink.

"Hi, Hardy," Rindy said, "I'm taking the newcomers over to see the Queen. They're ever so nice! Look at these darling babies, can you believe their prince just threw them out in the open? Oh, but you know all about it. You're the one who found them, aren't you? That was very brave." She nudged him gently on the shoulder with her nose, just once. He sat down on his haunches. Hard.

"Well, we must be off, can't keep Her Majesty waiting, you know. You're coming to the dinner, right? 'Bye now!" They left the stunned Hardy, his nose an alarming shade of red, sitting in the middle of the hall.

At last they came to a room that was bigger than all the others. As well as the grass, live flowers were woven into the ceiling. The floor was strewn with soft dried plants and there was a long, shallow depression in the center of the room, into which was piled a sumptuous array of grasses, flowers, roots, and even a few fruits. Rindy seemed delighted with their wonder as she proudly showed them each their own place to sit around the feasting trough.

"Her Majesty will be here shortly, and some of the royal guard is coming too. Queen Chloe said that I could stay! My first royal banquet. Oh, this is so exciting!" She took her place beside Lily, who now was unsure if she should be more fascinated with the delicious-looking food or with the friendly strange animal who'd been so nice to her and her brothers.

A strange sound made Lily forget both food and new experiences for just an instant. Now there were four prairie dogs, two at each entrance, standing tall on their hindlimbs, raptly at attention. They were making a most remarkable barking sound. Rindy leaned over and whispered, "The royal guard. They're announcing Her Majesty!"

And Queen Chloe herself strode into the feasting chamber.

The queen was aged, but still stunning. Thick, smooth, shining fur accentuated her small round body. Her eyes were deepest brown and shone with her smile. She was blond on one side of her body, and a deep, gingery agouti on the other. She strolled in, trailed by four smartly-groomed pigs. The queen took her place at the head of the trough, and her companions and the prairie dog guards seated themselves among Rindy and the guests.

"I know we will have much to talk about," said Her Majesty, "but I've been told that you've had a long and difficult journey. So first, we eat!" With that, everyone began feeding.

Dinah and Gavin were old enough to remember a time before Rumblestrut, so they'd tasted most of this exotic fare long, long ago. To them it was a pleasure to savor once more treats they thought they'd never sniff again. But for the children, even Jared, this was the feast to end all feasts. Such delicacies were completely unknown to them, and just as completely wonderful. Lily and Tyler each started on one end of a carrot and met in the middle, giggling with joy. Willard was reluctant to taste dandelions, but Rindy showed him how to eat them, stem first, so his nose turned yellow at the last bite. After that he ate three big ones and his little face was coated in yellow powder which he gleefully licked off.

"It's sweet, Mama!" he cried. Dinah laughed and nodded, and helped him clean off his nose and chin.

Avis grabbed a tiny wild apple and ate the whole thing all by himself! Despite his slightly bulging tummy, he chewed slowly on a few strands of the rich grasses until the others were done, just to show he wouldn't be outclassed by his siblings. Jared tried hard to remember his best manners, but once he tasted real Romaine lettuce (where they found it, I do not know), he gave it up with an apologetic squeak and applied himself to a sizeable pile of the greens. The queen and her court, who ate just as heartily, occassionally smiled at each other across the festive board. They seemed happy at the pleasure of their guests. Rindy and Hardy were enthusiastic young hosts, urging the family to try some of everything.

"Oh, you must taste this Ma'am, just a bite, you've never seen fresher I'll bet!"

"Heehee! Avis, that leaf won't bite you! Just try it, you'll like it!"

"Papa, I never been this full in... never!"

Once the delightful spread was almost gone and everyone was full, they all gathered together in a huddle on the plush dried grass, leaning against each other and content. A few groomed in a languid way, but most were satisfied just to rest their tummies and feel happy and full. Queen Chloe, having settled herself cozily between a handsome black buck, Gavin, and Dinah, spoke at last.

"Ah! That feels much better. Now then, we've much to discuss. Children, did your parents ever tell you that at one time our two lands were sister kingdoms?"

Jared gasped in amaze. The babies shook their heads.

Dinah gazed into the Queen's eyes with a sad and faraway look.

"That was so long ago, Queen Chloe. I'm sorry we never told them, but it hurt so much to remember. We didn't know where you all had gone after the... after what happened."

Chloe nodded sadly. "Yes. And Gavin stayed there with you. Long I have missed my baby brother."

"I missed you too," said Gavin. "It was a miracle that your friends found us. Now we are together again... but something has to be done. Things can't remain as they are back home!"

Chloe sighed. "I had hoped that by leaving Wildflower with him, his savage nature could be tamed. I don't know where he got it from, you know. It's so strange for anypig to be so unhappy inside that they become cruel. And she was so full of love. I thought they might balance each other. But it seems that in my absence, their differences have only become more pronounced. And now, he is out of control. A tyrant... there is nothing else to do. I will have to travel with you, back to your kingdom. We will go tomorrow."

"But Your Majesty!" Hardy burst out. "It could be dangerous! Please don't go Ma'am, we need you here... how could we bear to lose--?" The Queen gently shushed him. She shook her head sadly.

"No, Hardy. I know how you feel, but this is partly my fault, and an old wrong must be undone."

The black buck spoke. "Your fault, Mother? I don't believe it!"

The Queen gestured for everyone to be still with a sad smile and some chirring. "Now listen, be patient, loves. Listen to me. I will tell all of you the whole story, and then, we will all sleep for the night. We're going to need it. Tomorrow morning... we journey."

~~~

Prince Rumblestrut had done his morning peek into the cell. For a few hours, the prisoners knew, there would be no movement. It was their best chance. Having weighed the consequences of escaping through the tunnel, they'd made their decision. They were not only going to take the risk, they were going to see to it that the dungeon was filled in and no one was ever subject to the Prince's harsh treatments again. The kingdom had suffered long enough; it was high time. The battle for the throne must be begun.

Slipping through the long, dark passage, Mari, Wildflower, and Parsnip were silent. When they reached the sunlit opening, Mari cautiously peeked her nose out, looking all around them.

"I think it's clear," she whispered. "But if it's not... I'm ready to fight!" They hopped out, half-expecting Rumblestrut himself to be out there with claws at the ready. But of course, he was not. They scurried into some tall grass to think of their next move.

"Listen," said Wildflower, "we've got one shot. If the three of us get together with Jared's family, we can stand a chance against him. It may..." She sniffed, then composed herself, "It may come to fighting. We may have to... but there's no other way. This can't go on." Her friends nodded.

"Princess," said Parsnip, very gently, "what if they--?"

"No!" cried Wildflower. "No, you mustn't think such things! They have survived. I know Jared. I believe in him. You know him! You know he'd take down the stars before he'd let anything happen to his family!"

Mari nodded. "She's right. C'mon, Parsnip, it's time to find our friends!"

With that they set off for the Western border. After almost an hour, they were at the barrier of the grasslands and the scrublands. Now, piggies are not made for long treks or sustained physical activity. And with the fear of detection added to the strain of the forced march, the trio was just about done in. So you can imagine the stress and fear when they heard the rustle and voices of approaching strangers. They were too weak to run or fight. Huddled silently together underneath a wide leaf from a skunkweed plant, they tried not to tremble or make any noise, hoping that whatever was coming their way would pass them by.

"I hear something over this way. I'm going to check it out," a voice called.

"Wait, Hardy, don't go alone, I'll come too."

Suddenly Wildflower broke cover. "I know that voice!"

"Princess, NO!" Parsnip cried. He had just enough time to sit on Marigold and prevent her from bolting after Wildflower. Had she gone mad? But soon they saw who was shuffling into the kingdom of the tall grasses.

"Jared!"

"Wildflower!"

The pair embraced, laughing and crying, licking and batting with their paws, dancing about in spite of their weariness. Marigold and Parsnip came out of hiding and joyful greetings were exchanged all around as Jared hastily introduced everyone to Hardy, briefly filling them in on events.

"Oh Jared, I thought it might never see you again. And here you are on the same quest we are. Listen to me. Once Rumblestrut is gone, I'll be Princess. But I don't want to be. We've gone too long without a proper King and Queen. I... Jared, please... I mean, I'd be honored... Jared, you're the only one who could ever be my King."

With tears in his eyes, Jared bowed low before Wildflower. "I would gladly serve my kingdom, and you, for the rest of my days."

Hardy, Parsnip, and Mari stood back and tried not to cry too. Suddenly a figure broke through the grass.

"Excellent!" cried Queen Chloe with joy. "This is even better than I'd hoped for. Now, there's no way we can lose."

Wildflower looked up with wonder. "You... you're..."

"Yes," the Queen held her head proudly, but her eyes looked sad.

"There's no time," said Hardy, "even now the prince might realize that Wildflower has escaped."

"She's right," Wildflower said hastily. "Soon. But not now." The whole troop, three stronger now, marched into the kingdom, weariness forgotten with the added resolve of their purpose.

~~~

On the royal lawn, trouble was brewing. Rumblestrut was storming this way and that, enraged beyond reason or control. The prisoners had escaped through a tunnel. His subjects were before him, waiting to plead their case, and the princess was not there to present to them for trial.

"Your Princess has abandoned you!" he shouted. "Run away, like a skulking coward! She--" further epithets were lost to the yell of the crowd.

"Never!"

"The Princess loves us! You must have done something to her!"

"Is this your fair trial?!"

"DOWN with Rumblestrut!"

"WHO SAID THAT?!" The Prince stalked into the crowd, teeth bared, claws out. The crowd feared bloodshed... but the loss of their princess made them brave in united grief. They stood shoulder to shoulder, blocking his way. Rumblestrut lunged into them, ready to tear, rip, and maybe even...

"EVERYONE! EVERYBODY, PLEASE STOP!" Wildflower called out.

The crowd parted in silent wonder. A procession was gliding into their midst, straight for the Prince. At the head was their own Wildflower, with Jared (who they had mourned as dead) and a beautiful elderly pig. Following were strange animals nobody recognized, the rest of Jared's family, the other prisoners, and more new pigs. They parted respectfully, and the aged pig halted right in front of Rumblestrut, who for the first time in his life, was not fighting, was... Rumblestrut was bowing! And he, Prince Rumblestrut, the one no pig thought could have heart enough to do so... was crying. Not quietly, either. With his head laying almost sideways, close to the feet of this strange pig, Rumblestrut was sobbing as brokenheartedly as a lost babe.

"That's right, my son," Queen Chloe said gently. "I have returned."

"The Queen!" an older pig in the back of the crowd called out. "Queen Chloe! We thought you were dead..." The entire crowd bowed low, so shocked that they didn't know how else to react.

"Rise please, subjects of the Grassland Kingdom," the Queen said. "It is time you were told all." Rumblestrut remained prostrate on the ground as the others gathered around, sobbing gently as Chloe revealed what had happened so long ago.

"When I was a young Queen I had a son, whom you all know as Prince Rumblestrut," Chloe began. "His father was lost to us, and I thought that I was too young to care for both a son and a kingdom on my own. I married again soon after, and had Wildflower, my daughter. But Rumblestrut was never the same. After a time, he grew into a hard young prince, and I knew something had to be done. I told him that I and my husband would begin giving him more duties, to prepare him for the role of King that he would someday need to fill. But he would not accept our authority, and finally, we were driven from the kingdom, because I would not let my husband fight my son. I thought that perhaps he would soften if he didn't have to see me with someone new any more. I thought his sweet sister might mend his broken heart. I left her here, as well as my brother, who would not leave his new bride." Now Rumblestrut was not the only pig crying. So that was what had happened! Very few had known the details, and none knew them all.

She continued, "We moved with a few followers and family members to another land, past the Western border, where we built the Palace of the Piggle, and made friends with the prairie dogs. They volunteered, by virtue of their great strength and ingenuity in tunnelling, to become our guard in exchange for our skills in grooming, cooking, and our friendship. We accepted with honor and our kind has led a happy, allied existence. After a time, I thought perhaps I could return and see what had become of my son, but my new husband said it was his task to go. Later a scout came to me with the news that he too, was dead, by guinea pig teeth and claws. I knew who must have done it, and I would not let my subjects take the risk of returning, and to my sorrow, they would neither let me go. I never married again. I knew not what had become of the kingdom in the grasslands to the East. But when Jared and his family came to us with news of what has transpired since my absence, I knew that it was time to come back and set things right."

She bent over and lifted Rumblestrut's face, until their eyes were locked. "My son, you have not fulfilled your destiny. Look at what you have become. I know you have long thought me dead, perhaps even hated me..."

"NO!" Prince Rumblestrut squealed. Nobody had ever heard him make such a sound. They cowered back a step in fear. "Mother!" he cried. "Mother... you never knew... I thought you were gone, and before I could... I never told you the truth! But now you have to know, I must..." Rumblestrut twitched as if in pain, and finally, the secrets he had kept for those long years came pouring out.

"Mother... I never hated you. I hated Tarron, it's true, but he could never be my father! My father... Mother, I killed him! It was me who asked him to get the carrot when we were out that day! If I hadn't done it, the hawk never would have... he'd be..." Rumblestrut wept again, and Chloe purred over him as to a sick pup. The crowd sank as one into a low crouch, subdued by the enormity of the unfolding events.

At last the prince felt he could go on. "When you married him, I knew that it was my fault! I knew you were still sad about Father... I hated him for trying to take his place! But I couldn't tell you, I couldn't... I wanted to fight him. I wanted him to pay for what he'd done to my family... and then, you left me. I looked for you for days, I wanted to tell you that I was sorry, I wanted you to come back. Then HE came... he said that you were dead, and that nobody would return because they didn't want anything to do with me or my sister any more!" The Queen gasped and bowed her head with sorrow. Rumblestrut went on.

"I... I couldn't... I hated him. I hated him so much, in that moment... I fought him there, beat him horribly, and I left him to die. From then on I vowed I would never hurt again. I... never..." now the prince was lost in his sorrows, and could speak no more. Gently, some of the pigs helped him into his chamber, where his mother and Wildflower tended to him.

From then on, times were good for both kingdoms. Jared and Wildflower were a very worthy King and Queen, good to their subjects and much beloved. Gavin and Dinah took their younger children back to the kingdom of the Piggle, where they ruled in Chloe's stead while she stayed with her long lost children. Hardy and Rindy were wed, and became the captains of the guard, who now patrolled both kingdoms. With friendship and cooperation, everyone prospered as never before.

But such wonderful things do not come without a price. Prince Rumblestrut was never the same. Chloe and Wildflower hoped that, with love and care and the return of his mother, the prince might be able to heal from his tragic past and begin anew with the love he'd found and learned. The pigs, hearing the truth at last, took pity on their olden tormentor and he was given the full benefit of forgiveness and kindness from everyone. Even this was too much for his grieved and guilty conscience to bear, however, and he fell ill. The pigs made him as comfortable as they could, and everyone urged him to be strong and brave and to come back, but he deteriorated quickly. Finally came the day when he couldn't even walk anymore. He called his sister to him.

"Wildflower," said the weakened prince, "You stuck by me always, when no one else would. Even though I was horrible to you, your duty and your great heart kept you with me. I am sorry from the bottom of my heart for everything I've done to you. It was only because I loved you, Wildflower, as I have never loved anyone. And I hated you for it, because you came from him, and because it hurt so much to care. I hope you can forgive me."

Wildflower sobbed into his fur. "Oh Rumblestrut! Of course I forgive you. I forgive you, and I love you, My Brother... please don't go!"

But it was not to be. Upon hearing the words he'd longed for, the Prince sank onto his bed for the last time. He was given a royal funeral and both kingdoms grieved openly for many days.

It was plucky little Willard who came up with a special way to give tribute to the fallen prince. It is a ceremonial dance, a show of strength that we carry on to this day. We call it the Rumblestrut in his honor. After many years, the world changed, as it always has, always does, and always will do. Humans and piggies found each other, and just like they had with the prairie dogs, they made new friends of them. Now we know fun things and little luxuries that those long-ago kingdoms might never have imagined. But we still have this special dance, and I hope, my children, that it reminds you always that strength does not come only from strong muscles and hard blows. True strength is found in cooperation, and love, and above all, forgiveness.

~~~

Arthur, Tildy, and Elliot snuggled close to Mama. She kissed away all of their tears and stayed close as they drifted slowly off to sleep.

"That was a good story, Mama," said Elliot.

"We won't forget..." Arthur chimed in.

"We promise," Tildy said.