Once upon a time in the English countryside village called Wall, there lived a young man named Dunstan Thorn. He had nut-brown hair with matching eyes, his face smattered with nut-brown freckles. He was middling tall. He was a shy young man of few words, yet he was clever and cunning. His easy smile seemed to illuminate his face. He was a lad of eighteen when he first crossed the wall.

He had always been drawn to the mysterious realm that lay beyond the stone wall, which lay to the east that divided the land. He would watch from a distance in longing as if trying to calculate how to sneak past the vigilant eye of the aging Wall Guard.

One moonlit night, he made the daring decision to sneak across the barrier through the gap. Using a clever tactic to distract the Wall Guard, he snuck past and dashed through the gap, hearing the angry shouts of the Wall Guard behind him. His heart pounded as he ran through the field and into the woods to explore the fabled realm. As he ventured deeper into the enchanted forest, he stumbled upon a captivating sight: a glow of lights below in a valley. Upon further investigation, he discovered it was one large bustling market that sold strange and exquisite items.

The buzz of the crowds and the mingle of loud vendors trying to sell items. Dunstan's eyes surveyed the atmosphere with awe and wonder at the items being sold. One woman was selling a cage with tiny elephants inside. Another vendor was selling a large jar that was full of eyes. To his revulsion, they moved to stare right back at him. He patted his pocket with the few coins he had, trying to decide what he could buy to take back from his visit. There were so many choices that he couldn't decide what he could afford. Many of the items seemed too expensive. He would have to go with something small.

He happened upon a bright yellow caravan. Sitting on the steps was a young woman. Her eyes and curly hair were dark as midnight. She wore a blue dress with a matching shawl with tassels and embroidered flowers. The first thing Dunstan noticed was her enchanting smile. As their eyes locked, there was a spark that lit between them.

The moment was quickly squashed by a woman with red hair and a slovenly dress, blocking his vision.

"I don't deal with time wasters," she sneered. Then turned to her slave, "Get over here and mind the stall. I'm going to the Slaughtered Prince for a pint."

Once the woman was gone, Dunstan approached the stall. He was so enamored by this woman's beauty. Placing her hands on her hips, she sized up the young man. He certainly wasn't from around here. Yet she found him to be quite handsome.

"Like what you see?" the girl asked.

Dunstan's mouth dropped open, trying to find the words. He was so entranced by her beauty and charm that all he managed to stammer a few words before finding them. This made her chuckle. Clearing his throat, he gestured to the blue flowers.

"How much do the blue ones cost?"

"They might be the color of your hair," she answered with a smile. "Or they could be your memories before you were three. I can check if you like."

Dunstan stood there speechless. His words were stuck in his throat. The woman shook her head dismissive. The thought of him buying those blue flowers was absurd.

"Anyway, you don't want the blue ones," the woman said. "You should get this one."

She plucked up a small, delicate white flower with green stem. The crystalline surface glinted in the light of the torches and lanterns.

"Snowdrop," she said. "It'll bring you luck."

Dunstan took a moment to stare at the flower, finding it quite beautiful. Just as the girl who was selling it. A slight blush dusted his cheeks, gulping as he stared at the girl and the flower.

"How much does that cost?" he inquired.

"This one...costs a kiss," the girl answered.

Blushing, he watched as the woman tucked the flower into the buttonhole of his tattered jacket. With an impish smile, she pointed to her cheek. Dunstan just smiled, gulping as he leaned in to give the girl a kiss. Cleverly, she evaded his move and sought his lips. The spark between them had grown stronger as they shared this simple kiss. Her scent filled his nose as he caught the scent of something intoxicating and magical that no mortal could describe it. It filled the front of his head, his chest and his mind.

Pulling away, the girl smiled, whispering just near his lips; her warm breath danced teasingly. His heart was beating so rapidly that he swore it would burst. As she pulled away, Dunstan swore that he had floated above the heavens that he didn't want it to end. He let out a blissful sigh.

"Is she gone?" she whispered.

Dunstan glanced over to check if the woman who was with her earlier was out of sight, nodding. The girl reached her hand out with a grin, mischief sparkled in her dark eyes.

"Follow me," she said.

As she walked towards her caravan, he heard a tinkling coming from her steps. There was a long, thin chain dragging behind her. With each step, it made a musical note. She noted he was staring at the chain around her ankle.

"I'm a princess, tricked into being a witch's slave," she said. "Will you liberate me?"

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a knife and cut the chain, leaving a section of it hanging from his other hand. He watched in surprise as it reattached as if by magic. His dark eyes widened in wonder at such a sight.

"It's an enchanted chain," the slave girl explained sadly. "I'll only be free when she dies."

Dunstan couldn't bear the idea of taking another life of another just to free this woman. Feeling his Heart's Desire, he was inspired to free a princess from the clutches of a malevolent witch, much like the heroes in stories. While he was no knight nor a romantic, he was clever in some ways.

"Perhaps I can bargain for your freedom," he offered.

"You can try, but she won't allow it," she answered.

"If I can't free you, then what do you want of me?" he asked.

Smiling, the slave girl just held out her hand and gestured to the yellow caravan. Dunstan felt his heart pounding, taking her hand and following her inside. Once the doors closed, they shared a burning kiss. There was a moment of hesitation, yet eventually her mouth opened against his, becoming more passionate. When her tongue slid into his mouth, he was irrevocably lost in her. Pulling her close, Dunstan felt her small breasts through the silk material of her blue dress, the nipples pebbled beneath his touch.

As the heat of their passion grew, they shed their clothes; their fingers fumbled with buttons and stays until they were only decorations on the floor of the caravan. She placed hundreds of burning kisses on his face and chest, her hand caressed his flesh. With a soft moan, Dunstan felt her guiding him to her warmth. Once fully seated inside her, he slowly began to roll his hips. She squirmed beneath him, gasping and moaning, clutching him tightly. He felt her strong legs wrapped around his waist; he gave them a squeeze and cupped her bottom.

She soon rolled on top of him, riding him like a horse. Had Dunstan known her name beforehand, he would have gladly called it out amidst his passion. As they reached their peak, the caravan was filled with ragged cries, the scent of sweat and heated passion permeated the air. Dunstan felt her nails bite into his flesh while his nose buried itself in the crook of her neck, consumed by her. Panting, he stared down at her, drenched in sweat and his hair stuck to his forehead. He caressed her face, drinking in her beautiful features.

As the night unfolded, the two of them laid together side by side. Dunstan and the slave girl—whom he found out was named Una—shared an unspoken bond between them. He squeezed her small hand tightly, nuzzling her dark curls. He did not want to let her go. He couldn't bear to see Una suffer any further. Having heard many of the stories of fairytales that spoke of true love, he was so inspired by his Heart's Desire that he vowed he'd free her from her enslavement.

"I will win your freedom," Dunstan vowed.

Una turned over to gaze into Dunstan's eyes, seeing sincerity in them. Her heart was so touched by Dunstan's words. Yet she knew that this was impossible. Her mistress would never hear of it.

"I am touched, Dunstan," Una said. "But my mistress won't hear of it."

"I'll find a way to do it. While we can't cut the enchanted chain, I'll figure something out."

"You won't win with her. My mistress may look like your typical drunk, but she's treacherous."

"I swear to you that I shall see to it you are free. No matter the cost. I promise you that here and now, you will be free, Una."

Seeing that Dunstan had his heart set on this, there was no reasoning with him. She could only nod with a smile, admiring his sense of unyielding selflessness.

"If your intentions are true, will you come back here tomorrow?" she asked.

"I swear it," he vowed.

🌟🌟🌟

Eventually, Dunstan returned to the mundane world beyond the Wall. He began to formulate a plan to win Una's freedom. Gathering up a few prized possessions of his family, he could only hope they'd be worth a bargain for the witch to set her slave free.

The next night, Dunstan once again snuck past the aging Wall Guard to seek out the witch, ready to propose a daring bargain to secure Una's freedom.

Needless to say, he found the witch's yellow caravan just outside the market. The slovenly woman—known to some as Ditchwater Sal—was packing up her items, getting ready to leave. Clearing his throat, Dunstan could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he approached with trepidation. The witch saw the tattered boy with dark hair who had visited her stall yesterday.

"What do you want, boy?" she demanded.

"Where's Una?" he asked.

"That slattern? Why do you care?" she scoffed.

Feeling somewhat afraid, given he had no idea what the witch was capable of doing, he knew he made a vow to Una. He swore to her that he would win her freedom no matter the cost. He knew he had to answer his Heart's Desire--and Una was his True Love. Gathering his courage, he straightened up and stared straight into the witch's eyes.

"I've come to bargain for her freedom," he stated.

The witch regarded the boy's words for a moment, then burst into a loud cackle. The boy was absolutely absurd if he thought she was going to just give up her slave that easy. Her laughter seemed to echo throughout the market, sending a shiver down Dunstan's spine and cutting through his resolve.

"Is this some kind of joke?" she said.

Undeterred by the witch's scorn, Dunstan laid the sack of his family's possessions that he had stolen on the ground to show her what he'd give her in exchange for Una's freedom.

"I've brought some things," he said. "They're all my family's prized possessions. I figured...they're worth enough to buy her freedom."

The witch regarded the trinkets that the boy brought her with a sneer. This mortal was absolutely stupid and foolish, not to mention insane.

"You think you can just buy my slave with some useless trinkets?" she sneered. "You're wasting my time and yours. Now begone!"

Just as she turned to go into the caravan, Dunstan felt his heart sink as realized his efforts were in vain. Yet he just couldn't give up. He made a vow to Una. Driven by his Heart's Desire, he would do whatever it took to free her. If it meant enduring a witch's wrath, then he'd do it.

"I'm not leaving until you let her go," he insisted.

The witch glared at the stubborn lad, becoming quite irritated by his persistence. Usually mortals were easily spooked when she made a threat before resorting to magic. Hopefully a menacing remark would get rid of him.

"You have no idea what you're dealing with, lad," the witch said, her voice dripping with malevolence. "I suggest you go back the way you came before my leniency runs out."

Despite knowing full well that Dunstan was dealing with a force of powerful and unpredictable magic, he refused to be cowed by the witch's threats.

"Then what will it take?" Dunstan demanded. "Name your price. I will pay it."

"You're wasting my time, boy," the witch said. "What I want, you couldn't do it anyway."

"Please!" Dunstan implored. "I'll do anything!"

Annoyed by this mortal boy's persistence, the witch contemplated turning him into a cockroach and squashing him under her boot, yet she couldn't help but be amused by his willingness to do anything. She liked hearing the mortal beg. Perhaps she'd entertain the idea. A sly glint sparkled in her eye as she came up with an idea that he would surely fail.

"Anything?" she asked her voice dripping with interest.

"Anything," he affirmed.

"Alright, boy," she said with a nod. "If you want to free my slave, then I will. On the condition that you perform three impossible tasks. Each of them is more daunting than the last. Complete each of these tasks and you shall have the freedom of your true love."

Gulping, Dunstan could not even begin to imagine what these tasks the witch required him to perform. Knowing that the fate of his true love hung in the balance, Dunstan accepted the challenge with the nod.

"What is this first task?" Dunstan inquired.

The witch pulled out a map of Stormhold, holding it between two pinched, dirty fingers. She stared at him with a filthy grin, making Dunstan shudder.

"Take this map," she instructed. "Your first task will have you travel to the Valley of Dore. Gather the straw there and spin the straw into gold. Once the task is done, bring me seven bobbins as proof."

Dunstan's mind raced as he grappled with the sheer impossibility of this task. He was very familiar with this tale back home in Wall, a story of magic and impossible feats. He knew all too well that this was impossible for a mortal like himself.

"That's...impossible," he exclaimed in protest.

"Hence why the tasks are like so," the witch grinned, chuckling.

The witch regarded the boy, seeing the doubt and fear in his eyes. She raised an eyebrow. Perhaps the lad was too scared to take on such a task. Surely he'd go away now that he had to do something that no mortal could accomplish.

"You're not reneging our bargain, are you?" she inquired with a slight taunt in her voice.

Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, Dunstan knew he had to uphold his vow to Una. He made a promise that he had no intention of backing out. His unwavering determination overshadowed the doubts that crept in his mind.

"No. I'm not," he said.

"Good," the witch said. "You might be crazy or foolish, but glad to hear you're no coward. I suggest you pack some things for your journey as it's going to be a long one."

Just as the witch was about to leave, Dunstan wanted to at least say goodbye to Una. Who knew what these dangerous tasks would lead him?

"Wait!" he said. "May I at least see Una? Please...she may not see me again. I should be able to say goodbye to her."

With an eye roll, the witch relented. She might as well let her slave have a moment of bliss. Once she realized he wasn't coming back, she'd enjoy her slave's misery.

"Fine," she said. "It's the least I can do for two lovers. Say your farewells. But don't take too long. You have until the next sundown to complete the task."

Waving her hand, a bird with exquisite blue feathers that was perched on the wagon fluttered in a cloud of blue smoke had transformed into his Una.

The lovers had embraced tightly. Una knew that there was no way her mistress would let him succeed. Having witnessed every trick and con that she pulled on unsuspecting visitors who crossed her path, she decided that she would put him on the right path before he went off to do these daunting challenges. Yet this had to be done with careful consideration.

"My mistress won't let you win," Una whispered. "If you wish to go through these tasks, you must heed my every word."

Dunstan gulped, listening to Una's words. He was afraid of what to expect during these tasks. He was going to need as much help as he could get.

"On your journey to doing these tasks, while you sleep, you must listen to the stars," Una said. "For they are the ones that know the secrets of these tasks."

"The stars? They speak?" Dunstan whispered with stunned disbelief.

"Things that seem impossible in your world are possible here," Una said. "You must listen to their celestial wisdom on how to complete each task. They will guide you on the right path."

Dunstan did not know how to respond to this knowledge that Una had shared with him. Yet what lay ahead sounded treacherous. He trusted his True Love to show him the path that was laid before him. As he bent down to kiss her burning lips, she whispered on them.

"Speak not a word to what we have spoken," Una whispered pleading.

As the weight of their impending separation hung in the air, Dunstan and Una shared a tender farewell. Their parting kiss held a solemn promise to a future of freedom and love triumphing over all. He vowed that he would return to her once his tasks were complete. That he would free her. That he would be with his true love.