Bravery and Valor: The Epic Journey to Mewar
The Kingdom of Artois, stretching from the eastern edges of Bavaria down to the scenic banks of the River Seine, remained a jewel of prosperity and fertile lands—a true monarch’s dream. King Jean Marie, now aged but wise, had entrusted the reins of administration to his elder grandson, Prince Jerome, while bestowing the command of the kingdom’s formidable armed forces upon his younger grandson, Prince Joel.
Among the kingdom’s subjects lived the humble family of Peter, once a simple farmer, whose two sons Mark and Stefan had risen to prominence. With the steadfast support of their devoted wives, Clare and Jane, these brothers now administered two of Artois’s larger provinces, proving themselves capable leaders who eased the lives of countless villagers and peasants. Their rising stature had brought their family closer to the royal circle, and a bond of friendship and trust had flourished between the two princes and the brothers—a bond that would soon be tested by fate.
Years passed peacefully in Artois, yet a shadow lingered in Queen Sofia’s heart. Though she was content with the kingdom’s prosperity and the unity of its leaders, she remained anxious about Prince Joel’s future. Unlike his brother Jerome, who had married the wise and noble Princess Rafael, Joel had yet to find a suitable bride. Emissaries had been sent far and wide—to Bavaria, England, Spain, and the Northern kingdoms—seeking princesses worthy of Joel’s hand, but none could capture his interest.
Desperate to resolve this, Queen Sofia urged King Jean Marie to convene a Royal Council meeting. Present were the king and queen, Princes Jerome and Joel, the Chief Minister, provincial governors, including Mark and Stefan, and other trusted advisors. The king gave thanks for their kingdom’s enduring peace and expressed his hope that Joel would soon find a suitable match, acknowledging that none within their immediate region seemed fitting.
The Chief Minister proposed a practical plan: the kingdom needed to procure superior breeds of horses, known to be found only in the distant kingdom of Mewar, beyond the mighty Hindu Kush mountains. Conveniently, Mewar’s ruler, Rajah Bhoj Singh, had invited princes from far and near to a grand “Swayamwara” — a traditional matchmaking event to select a bride for his daughter, Princess Poonam.
Queen Sofia quickly suggested sending Prince Joel to Mewar—not only to acquire the horses but to participate in the Swayamwara should he find Princess Poonam attractive. The king agreed, adding that Prince Jerome should accompany Joel on this important diplomatic mission, along with Mark and Stefan to represent Artois’s administrative strength. The Elite Brigade of Artois—an elite unit of archers and swordsmen—would also join to ensure their safety. To symbolize their peaceful intentions, they would carry a white flag throughout their journey.
Preparations were completed, and prayers were offered by the Bishop of Calais at the majestic capital church. With blessings and well-wishes from King Jean Marie, Queen Sofia, Princess Rafael, and the family of Peter, the expedition set off at dawn on the first day of the auspicious month.
The journey was arduous and lasted several weeks. Mounted on swift horses, the princes and their companions crossed mountain passes, dense forests, and vast plains. The territory beyond the Hindu Kush was wild and unfamiliar, marked by roaring rivers far larger than the serene Seine of Artois. Crossing these rivers was perilous; the team skillfully constructed rope bridges, a task where the combined efforts of Jerome, Joel, Mark, and Stefan proved invaluable.
At long last, they arrived in Mewar just in time for the grand Swayamwara. The kingdom was one of the wealthiest in the region, ruled by Rajah Bhoj Singh, a stern but loving father to his daughter, Princess Poonam. Though pampered, Poonam was serious and reserved, having lost her mother at a young age. She shared a close bond with her cousin, Princess Roopali of neighboring Jaisalmer, and harbored a secret affection for Roopali’s brother, Prince Roop Kumar.
Mewar had an uneasy alliance with the powerful Moghuls who ruled the Gangetic Plains. Years earlier, the Moghul King Barbar Hassan had abducted Princess Roopali from Jaisalmer, straining relations between the Rajahs Bhoj Singh and Roop Singh. While Rajah Roop Singh desperately sought help, Rajah Bhoj Singh, wary of provoking the Moghuls, hesitated to intervene.
As the Swayamwara commenced, princes and kings gathered in splendid attire. Prince Joel arrived as an honored guest, but Prince Roop Kumar, barred from attending, disguised himself as an Afghan prince. Princess Poonam immediately recognized her beloved. In secret, Roop Kumar allied with Princes Jerome and Joel, who pledged to assist him in rescuing Princess Roopali and securing Poonam’s hand in marriage.
The princes devised a daring plan. Members of the Elite Brigade, disguised as Moghuls, staged a dramatic “kidnapping” of Princess Poonam, hiding her safely to compel Rajah Bhoj Singh to take decisive action against the Moghul king. Jerome promised to negotiate a peaceful recovery, avoiding the devastation of full-scale war.
With the plan set in motion, Rajah Bhoj Singh was devastated but agreed to send the Elite Brigade to recover his daughter. Meanwhile, Roop Kumar revealed his true identity and love for Poonam. The Rajah, moved by their devotion, consented to their union once she was safely returned.
Prince Jerome led a covert assault on Barbar Hassan’s palace, disguised as a troupe of dancers. In the early morning, while most guards slept, the Elite Brigade slipped into the princess’s cell, rescuing Princess Roopali. To deceive the Moghul king and prevent retaliation, they left behind a burnt corpse dressed as the princess.
When Barbar Hassan awoke, the palace was in ruins, and the princess’s cell destroyed. Believing Roopali dead, the Moghul king was forced to accept the outcome.
Triumphant, the heroes returned to Mewar with both princesses safe. Rajahs Bhoj Singh and Roop Singh restored their alliance, and the joyous wedding of Poonam and Roop Kumar united the kingdoms. Rajah Roop Singh rewarded Prince Jerome with ten rare and superior horses, and formally invited Prince Joel to Princess Roopali’s upcoming Swayamwara.
The expedition returned to Artois amid cheers and celebrations. King Jean Marie, Queen Sofia, Princess Rafael, and the family of Peter greeted their champions, while the kingdom echoed with cries of “Long Live Artois!” and “Long Live the King and Queen!”
Thus, the bravery and wisdom of Artois’s princes and their loyal companions reaffirmed the truth: courage and valor, when guided by honor, are always rewarded.
Moral of the Story
True courage is not just about strength, but about wisdom, loyalty, and the willingness to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Bravery, combined with cleverness and heart, paves the path to victory and peace.
