Ablaze - Part Four

[Continued from Part Three] Thereupon the elder gave them all a single cart. It was tall and broad with gems adorning every part and had bells on all four corners plus a balustrade surrounding, with a hanging awning offering shade. Valuable jewels, that were fastened with a cord made of costly fibers, and the trimmings they adored embellished every inch that their dazzled eyes explored… How their faces now lit up at such a rare reward! Also there were many flower garlands suspended with a plaited ribbon on the top that extended all around the border to make it look more splendid… Oh, the awesome marvels of this cart never ended! It was fitted well with vermillion-colored pillows; satin fabrics, silk brocades streamed about in billows, soft the carpets on the floor with which it was furnished; brightly shone the vehicle, radiantly burnished. To pull the cart there was a huge white ox, extra strong, perfectly-proportioned for a journey very long. In form it was superb; it had impeccable hide. And with regular hoof-steps to match its steady stride the ox could go as fast as the wind on any ride. Yes, this powerful cart was the elder’s joy and pride. There were numerous guards, furthermore, for protection, attendants, squires, retainers— quite a big collection. The children climbed in, overjoyed at the selection of the man, for this cart suited them to perfection. Equally, it satisfied all their predilections. So, at once they drove off into the four directions, absolutely happy and enchanted without bound at the unrestricted freedom which they now had found. [Continued in Part Five] ~ Harley White