{"id":47025,"date":"2003-02-22T14:36:00","date_gmt":"2003-02-22T19:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47025"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:06:53","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:06:53","slug":"kingdom-of-ponderosa-or-four-men-in-tights-by-eileenk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47025","title":{"rendered":"Kingdom of Ponderosa or Four Men in Tights (by EileenK)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Synopsis: A wacky Cartwright fairy tale.
\nRating: G
\nWords:\u00a0 11,700<\/span><\/p>\n

Four Men in Tights Series<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kingdom<\/a>
\nPonderosaville<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

The Brandsters have included this story by this author in our project: Preserving Their Legacy<\/a>. To preserve the legacy of the author, we have decided to give their work a home in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library.\u00a0 The author will always be the owner of this work of fanfiction, and should they wish us to remove their story, we will.<\/p>\n

\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0 This story is definitely fiction.\u00a0 The Cartwright characters were created by David Dortort.\u00a0 Any resemblance to any person, whether living or dead, is coincidental.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kingdom of Ponderosa, or Four Men in Tights\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Once upon\u00a0 a time in a far-away land of lush, pine trees, fertile green pastures, and thousands of heads of bovine, stood the Kingdom of Ponderosa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kingdom of Ponderosa was ruled by good King Ben and his three princely sons: Prince Adam, black haired, brown eyed, first-born and heir to the throne, as well as King Ben\u2019s chief advisor; Prince Hoss, blue eyed, light-haired, second-born and a mighty, but gentle warrior-type; and Prince Joseph, hazel eyed and dark hair with curls, third-born and youngest, who was the choice for a suitor of every availabledamsel in King Ben\u2019s kingdom.<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, Prince Joseph was in constant demand by every maiden, both fair and not so fair, which proved to be a constant source of royal headaches for King Ben, not to mention for Prince Adam and Prince Hoss also.\u00a0 It seemed King Ben was always apologizing to some maiden\u2019s father for Prince Joseph\u2019s unprincely intentions towards the maiden.\u00a0 Oh Prince Joseph\u2019s intentions weren\u2019t REALLY unprincely, it was just that each time he smiled that princely smile of his at a maiden, she fell instantly in love with him and if he held her hand longer than thirty seconds she considered them to be betrothed to each other. When he explained he only wanted to be her friend, she charged him with unroyal behaviour and went crying to her father that she had been disgraced by Prince Joseph, thereby, causing her father to take the matter up with King Ben, who was at the very least, the most understanding King of all times.<\/span><\/p>\n

King Ben would immediately call Prince Joseph in on the royal carpet for an audience with him and together the maiden, Prince Joseph and King Ben would decide the proper restitution for the mortified maiden\u2019s plight.\u00a0 Usually, Prince Joseph\u2019s penance was a day spent with the maiden at the place and amusement of her choice.\u00a0 Although nothing imprudent or bawdy ever took place between them, it was always better than the alternative choice for atonement. . .polishing Prince Adam\u2019s golden guitar to looking-glass perfection, or polishing Prince Hoss\u2019 silver fork and spoon, which by itself was a two-day humiliation for such a prince as he. . .or so Prince Joseph thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

Riding swiftly on his noble steed, Cochise-eth, and with his royal cape flapping out behind him, Prince Joseph galloped into the royal yard and dismounted quickly, looking nervously behind him all the while he ran to the royal palace.<\/span><\/p>\n

Blocking his entrance at the royal palace door, were his royal brothers.\u00a0 \u201cHold-eth it right there-eth, young\u2019un,\u201d Prince Adam said, holding out his princely hand in front of Prince Joseph.\u00a0 \u201cWhere dost thou think-est thou art going?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI gotta hide, Adam!\u201d Prince Joseph exclaimed most nervously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCUT!\u00a0 CUT!\u201d Director Eileen called out loudly.\u00a0 \u201cSay it the way the script is written, Joe!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe put his hands on his hips and wagged his head.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s bad enough you put me in these stupid looking green tights. . .do I have to talk-eth that way-eth too?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYES!\u201d\u00a0 Director Eileen exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cNow don\u2019t ruin my fairy tale.\u00a0 It could be a lot worse you know!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe tights could be BLUE,\u201d she said with a mischievous smile on her face.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you know what that means.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe held up his hands as if in surrender. \u201cAlright. . .alright.\u00a0 You win.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Director Eileen replied.\u00a0 \u201cNow. . .we\u2019ll start from Adam\u2019s line.\u00a0 Places everyone, and. . .ACTION!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Adam held out his princely hand in front of Prince Joseph.\u00a0 \u201cWhere dost thou think-est thou art going?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI must seek-eth shelter lest I become-est caught!\u201d Prince Joseph said hurriedly, or as hurriedly as he could talk-eth fairy tale talk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s yer problem, Little Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCUT!\u00a0 CUT!\u00a0 Now Hoss, YOU want to wear the BLUE tights?!\u201d Director Eileen warned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Making a face, Hoss said, \u201cI gotta hard \u2018nough time talkin\u2019 plain ole English. . .this here fairy tale talk makes me sound doggone, dadburn, plumb, pure D loco.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, please!\u00a0 Humor me with this story,\u201d Director Eileen pleaded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s kind of fun,\u201d Adam answered with an amusing smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at him and said, \u201cYOU would.\u00a0 You don\u2019t have to wear sun JACKET GREEN tights!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr BROWN\u2019uns. . .like ME,\u201d Hoss commented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. . .maybe. . .but\u00a0 that\u2019s\u00a0 because\u00a0 you\u00a0 don\u2019t\u00a0 look\u00a0 as\u00a0 good in black tights as I do, so. . .\u201d Adam responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah, yeah,\u201d Hoss replied, waving his hand at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cAt least Eileen gave us these long-tailed shirts tuh cover \u2018em.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re called tunics,\u201d Adam explained.\u00a0 \u201cAll the great stage actors wear them when they perform.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey do, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d shore hate tuh parade \u2018round in these silly lookin\u2019 thangs ALL the time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPLEASE, Hoss!\u00a0 My FAIRY tale!\u201d Director Eileen screeched out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam draped an arm around his brother.\u00a0 \u201cWell let\u2019s face it Hoss. . .you\u2019re just a natural-born inspiration.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss made a face at his eldest brother and groaned.\u00a0 \u201cAwright. . .let\u2019s git this over with.\u00a0 Whar were we enyways?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think your line is supposed to be. . .What trouble-est thou, young Prince Joseph?\u201d Adam said to Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, boys.\u00a0 Once again. . .from Hoss\u2019 line. . .\u201d Director Eileen said, adjusting her position in her director\u2019s chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat trouble-est thou, young Prince Joseph?\u201d Prince Hoss asked his youngest princely brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA not-so-fair maiden advance-eth quickly on my tail-eth!\u201d Prince Joseph lamented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHide-eth in thine chambers, young Prince.\u00a0 Thy brothers shall intercept-eth yon not-so-fair maiden for thou,\u201d Prince Adam replied as he struck a most delightful royal pose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Hoss replied with a puzzled look on his face.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re gonna do whut?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam leaned over to him and whispered.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re going to keep the girl from getting at Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Adam resumed his most delightful royal pose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u00a0 Yeah-eth.\u00a0 I guess-eth thet\u2019s whut we\u2019re gonna do-eth,\u201d Prince Hoss replied, still with a puzzled look on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe wagged his head at Hoss,\u00a0 so did Eileen, and Adam rolled his eyes at him.\u00a0 Looking towards the royal\u00a0 barn,\u00a0 Prince\u00a0 Joe\u2019s\u00a0 eyes\u00a0 widened\u00a0 and\u00a0 he\u00a0 screeched out the words, \u201cHere she come-eth!\u201d\u00a0 He ran quickly to the royal staircase and bounded up the silver stairs two at a time.\u00a0 A loud echo sounded throughout the Cartwright Palace as Prince Joseph slammed the royal door to his royal chambers, where he took royal refuge away from the not-so-fair maiden who was fast descending upon the Cartwright Palace in her pink chariot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHail and sanitations Prince Adam and Prince Hoss!\u201d the not-so-fair maiden said upon bringing her chariot to a screeching halt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh. . .that\u2019s SALUtations,\u201d Prince Adam said, correcting her word usage.<\/span><\/p>\n

The not-so-fair maiden rolled her eyes and replied, \u201cWhatever.\u00a0 Where is thou younger brother?\u00a0 He owe-eth me a kiss-eth, and I have come-eth to collect,\u201d the not-so-fair maiden announced as she swooped out of her pink chariot and stood in front of Prince Adam and Prince Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cNice tights\u201d she whispered to Adam as she leaned over to him, and raised an eyebrow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy thank you,\u201d Adam replied with a slight laugh in his voice and a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re ad-libbing again, people\u2026just stick to the script please,\u201d Director Eileen reiterated.<\/span><\/p>\n

The maiden nodded that she would.\u00a0 \u201cWhere is Prince Joseph?\u00a0 He sorely displease-ed me when he ran-eth away before I claim-ed his kiss-eth,\u201d she said, as she attempted to look around, over and under Prince Adam and Prince Hoss while they guarded the royal Palace doors.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t we got nobody else we kin git tuh guard these doors?\u00a0 I mean. . .Is all the guard-eths out killin\u2019 dra-goons?\u201d Prince Hoss said to Prince Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s draGONS, not draGOONS,\u201d Adam whispered to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c. . .killin\u2019 dra-GONS,\u201d Prince Hoss restated correctly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh. . .not-so-fair maiden. . .thou dost not wish-eth a kiss from our younger brother.\u00a0 Wouldst be most tragic for thou,\u201d Prince Adam said while he put a royal arm around her shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cWouldst it not, Prince Hoss?\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Hoss nodded.\u00a0 \u201cHuh. . .Oh. . .Yeah it wouldst awright.\u00a0 Most tragic-eth,\u201d he replied, shaking his head for emphasis.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTragic?\u00a0 How wouldst it be tragic?\u201d the maiden asked him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Hoss reached down and scratched his leg in the bend of his knee.\u00a0 \u201cThese dadburn thangs shore do itch, don\u2019t they,\u201d he remarked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Adam merely frowned at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou hast not answered my question!\u00a0 How wouldst it be tragic to accept but a small kiss-eth from Prince Joseph?\u201d the not-so-fair maiden asked whilst she attempted to enter the royal Cartwright Palace.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Adam stood in the middle of the doorway and placed one hand on one door post and placed the other hand on the other door post, blocking her path.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRemove-est thouself, or I shall summon a charger to remove-est thou!\u201d she ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow look-est, ma\u2019am-eth, we ain\u2019t gonna let ya git at Little Joe. . .I mean. . .Prince Joseph, so\u2019s ya jist might as well leave-eth right now-eth,\u201d Prince Hoss said to the spurned maiden.\u00a0 Prince Hoss\u00a0 reached down and scratched the calf of his other leg and frowned.\u00a0 \u201cDoggone these thangs enyhow,\u201d he mumbled under his breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

The not-so-fair maiden realized she would not be able to penetrate the mighty protective bond Prince Adam and Prince Hoss possessed for their young brother, so she sat down right in front of the royal Cartwright Palace door and crossed her arms in challenge, daring them to move her out of the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

A puzzled look came over Prince Adam\u2019s handsome face, and holding his royal crown on his head so it wouldn\u2019t fall off, he bent over at the waist and said to her, \u201cWhat, may-est I ask-eth art thou doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She jutted her chin out at him and replied, \u201cI\u2019m protesting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProtesting what-eth?\u201d Prince Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not moving until Prince Joseph give-eth me a kiss-eth.\u00a0 That\u2019s what-eth,\u201d she stated firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Adam raised up and looked at Prince Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cThou better go-eth and get-eth our brother,\u201d he said, pushing the words through clenched teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCain\u2019t thou go-eth, Adam. . .I mean. . .Prince Adam.\u00a0 These dadblame tights itch worse ever time I take a step-eth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Adam gave him a nudge towards the silver staircase.\u00a0 \u201cJust go-eth!\u201d he said in an exasperated tone of voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Hoss obediently left in search of Prince Joseph, reaching down and scratching his legs while he walked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWouldst thou care for some entertainment whilst thou\u2019rt waiting?\u201d Prince Adam asked the not-so-fair maiden.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed I wouldst,\u201d she replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

A single clap of Prince Adam\u2019s hands brought the royal servant, Hop-eth Sing-eth, bearing the Prince\u2019s golden guitar.\u00a0 Placing the silver studded strap around his royal neck, Prince Adam strummed the opening chords of \u201cEarly One Morning\u201d and in his royal rich baritone voice, began to sing:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEarly one morning<\/span>
\nJust as the sun was rising<\/span>
\nI heard a maiden singing<\/span>
\nIn the valley below<\/span>
\nOh don\u2019t deceive me<\/span>
\nOh never leave me<\/span>
\nHow could you use<\/span>
\nA poor maiden so.<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember, remember your vows<\/span>
\nTo marry, remember, remember<\/span>
\nYour promise to be true<\/span>
\nOh don\u2019t deceive me<\/span>
\nOh never leave me<\/span>
\nHow could you use<\/span>
\nA poor maiden so.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gay is the garland<\/span>
\nAnd fresh are the roses<\/span>
\nI culled from my garden<\/span>
\nTo bind upon thy brow<\/span>
\nOh don\u2019t deceive me<\/span>
\nOh never leave me<\/span>
\nHow could you use<\/span>
\nA poor maiden so.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thus sang the maiden<\/span>
\nHer sorrows bewailing<\/span>
\nThus sang the pretty maiden<\/span>
\nIn the valley below<\/span>
\nOh don\u2019t deceive me<\/span>
\nOh never leave me<\/span>
\nHow could you use<\/span>
\nA poor maiden so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He slowed his singing at this point and closing his royal brown eyes, he continued:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEarly one morning<\/span>
\nJust as the sun was rising<\/span>
\nI heard a maiden singing<\/span>
\nIn the valley below<\/span>
\nOh don\u2019t deceive me<\/span>
\nOh never leave me<\/span>
\nHow could you use<\/span>
\nA poor maiden so-o-o-o-o-o-o.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When the last note faded away and he opened his eyes, the not-so-fair maiden was standing in front of him smiling and her eyes had a far-away dreamy look in them, all the while batting her eyelashes at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeautiful,\u201d she replied.\u00a0 \u201cWhere didst thou learn to sing-eth like that-eth?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Clearing his royal throat, he replied, \u201cI was born that way-eth, and the ladies think-eth me practically perfect in every way-eth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy have THEY got a lot to learn-eth,\u201d Prince Joseph piped up from the royal staircase.\u00a0 Prince Hoss stood beside him scratching his legs and blowing his hat plume out of his eyes, that insisted on drooping down across his face.\u00a0 \u201cDadburn it,\u201d he mumbled as he scratched again.\u00a0 \u201cHow much longer I gotta wear these dadblamed tights?\u201d he said loudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot long,\u201d Director Eileen responded.\u00a0 \u201cNow, please!\u00a0 My fairy tale!\u00a0 Just indulge me a bit longer, Hoss, please?!\u201d she pleaded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m tryin\u2019. . .it\u2019s jist suh dadburned silly. . .and I wanna know when Pa gits tuh make an entrance in his tights.\u00a0 We ain\u2019t seen the color a-his\u2019n yet,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, please. . .can we just get on with this,\u201d Joe wanted to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I reckon so, but I\u2019ll tell ya this, I\u2019ll be dang glad when this story comes tuh an end,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t written an ending yet, so you\u2019re going to have to wear those tights until I do,\u201d Director Eileen responded.\u00a0 \u201cAlright, everybody. . .places. . .get in your places.\u00a0 Hoss stop scratching!\u201d she called out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDadburn it!\u201d Hoss mumbled.\u00a0 \u201cIffen Eileen tries somethin\u2019 like this agin, I\u2019m gonna have the Sheriff arrest her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere IS no Sheriff in this adventure, Hoss,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah,\u201d Hoss responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnyway, I think it\u2019s kind. . .\u201d Adam started.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c. . . .of fun,\u201d Joe and Hoss said along with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well you\u2019re the poetry and plays type of guy anyway,\u201d Joe remarked to Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould we jist git this over with.\u00a0 I\u2019m itchin\u2019 somethin\u2019 awful in these dang fool thangs,\u201d Hoss said with a\u00a0 pained look on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, okay!\u00a0 Places everybody. . .And. . .ACTION!\u201d Director Eileen called out.<\/span><\/p>\n

The not-so-fair maiden threw her arms around Prince Adam\u2019s royal neck and sighed deeply.\u00a0 Prince Joseph looked on in amusement while Prince Hoss continued to scratch his legs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou hast the voice of an angel, Prince Adam.\u00a0 I think-est I wish-est to marry thou instead of Prince Joseph,\u201d the not-so-fair maiden said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMARRY!\u00a0 Whoa now!\u00a0 Who said-est anything about-est marriage?!\u00a0 Yoo-hoo\u2026Eileen\u2026.help me out here!\u201d Prince Adam remarked nervously as he backed his way around the royal low table in front of the royal fireplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou could-est not have sung like that if thou didst have no feelings for fair maiden,\u201d the not-so-fair maiden replied as she followed Prince Adam around the royal low table in front of the royal fireplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed thou could-est,\u201d Prince Adam answered back in a rather nervous tone of voice as he made his way backwards around the royal low table a second time.<\/span><\/p>\n

The not-so-fair maiden continued to follow him and looked at him with sad eyes.\u00a0 \u201cThou mean-est thou dost not love thee?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry maiden, but thou durst not,\u201d he replied most sincerely with a hand placed over his heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

The not-so-fair maiden placed the back of her hand on her forehead and turned her face away from him.\u00a0 \u201cAlas. . oh woe is me. . .for I hast been spurned by TWO Cartwright\u2019s and I am not even wearing the dreaded color blue-eth.\u00a0 Oh Woe. . .WOe. . .WOE is me!\u201d the not-so-fair maiden lamented as she gathered up her flowing pink skirts and swooped back in her waiting pink chariot, and giving the command to take her away, she vanished into thin air, leaving only a pink haze behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Watching the scorned not-so-fair maiden disappear before their very eyes, the Cartwright princes all sighed relief, especially Prince Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhew-eth!\u00a0 What in tarnation-eth did ya promise thet little gal-eth anyway, little brother-eth?\u201d Prince Hoss asked the young prince.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll I did was smile-eth at her,\u201d he answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well that\u2019s just like-eth saying. . .Come and get-est me,\u201d Prince Adam replied as he waved his arm in a swooping manner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww, thou art jealous, my brother, for thou dost not possess-eth the charm,\u201d Prince Joseph replied most confidently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well next time Prince CHARM-ing. . . .charm a PRETTY one. . .not one that-eth resembles a mud fence-eth,\u201d Prince Adam answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Hoss scratched his legs again and blew the feathered plume out of his eyes once more.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the meantime, the royal trumpeters sounded the arrival of King Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHark!\u00a0 Royal Father has arrive-ed,\u201d Prince Adam announced while one hand cupped his royal right ear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u00a0 Stop scratching!\u201d\u00a0 Director Eileen called out once again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Hoss, if you\u2019d stop that scratching, Eileen wouldn\u2019t have to keep stopping the fairy tale.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you know this is going to be her last contribution to Fan Fiction!\u201d Adam scolded his brother, Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHer last fan fiction?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what she said.\u00a0 She said she wanted something special for her last one so that her fans would read something they\u2019d always remember her by,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry tuh hear thet she\u2019s gonna stop writin\u2019, but I\u2019ll still be mighty glad when this\u2019uns over,\u201d Hoss complained while he scratched.\u00a0 \u201cAin\u2019t there no more pair a-these thangs I kin wear thet wouldn\u2019t itch suh dadblame much?!\u201d Hoss pleaded while he scratched again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe only pair that hasn\u2019t been claimed are the BLUE ones, Hoss,\u201d\u00a0 Director Eileen stated.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I\u2019m saving those for the villain in this story,\u201d she added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDagnabit, anyway!\u201d he complained.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I kin make myself wear \u2018em til this silly tale is done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou through complaining?\u201d Adam asked Hoss in an annoyed tone of voice.\u00a0 \u201cBesides, I think it\u2019s kind of. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFun,\u201d Joe and Hoss said together with Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFun or not. . .these dadblamed thangs still itch,\u201d Hoss complained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. . .let\u2019s get on with it!\u201d Director Eileen ordered.\u00a0 \u201cPlaces. . .ACTION!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHark!\u00a0\u00a0 Royal Father has arrive-ed,\u201d Prince Adam said as he cupped one hand around his ear.<\/span><\/p>\n

King Ben rode into the royal yard in a kingly fashion, sitting high atop his noble steed.\u00a0 \u201cWhoa, Buck-eth,\u201d King Ben said to his faithful horse.\u00a0 Dismounting, then throwing his royal robe over his shoulder, he strode in a royal fashion towards his princely sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe leaned over to Hoss and whispered.\u00a0 \u201cPa looks even funnier in tights than WE do.\u201d\u00a0 The two of them stifled a laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHis tights are\u2026SILVER!\u201d Adam whispered.\u00a0 \u201cShe put him in SILVER tights!\u201d Adam chuckled in a low tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMakes \u2018im look a mite ex-tinguished don\u2019t it,\u201d Hoss added with a chuckle of his own.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you mean DIStinguished, Hoss,\u201d Adam corrected.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMakes \u2018im look thet too,\u201d Hoss answered with another snicker.<\/span><\/p>\n

Holding his silver head high and in a proud fashion, King Ben strode up to his princely sons.\u00a0 \u201cHail, thou sons of thine.\u00a0 Hast thou behave-ed thouselves whilst thou poor father hast been out protecting thine royal Kingdom?\u201d King Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPoor?\u00a0 Pa, we ain\u2019t poor, we got this whole Kingdom,\u201d Hoss said in reply with a swoop of his arm at their surroundings.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just a figure of speech, Hoss,\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0 \u201cWhen you say it the way I said it, it means being unappreciated, not POOR. . .like with no money. . .but. . .oh never mind,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPrince Hoss and Yours Truly, have behave-ed, but alas. . .Prince Joseph hast not.\u00a0 Once again, thou baby son hast scorned not-so-fair a maiden,\u201d Prince Adam replied in\u00a0 ateasing tone of voice and a glint in his eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

King Ben put his hands on his royal hips.\u00a0 \u201cHow many times hast I told thou to leave-est the maidens alone?\u201d he said in an exasperated tone of voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, King Pa.\u00a0 I was just riding Cochise-eth when the not-so-fair maiden appeared right before-eth my very eyes,\u201d Prince Joseph offered as explanation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026where is she?\u00a0 Let\u2019s get the audience over with.\u00a0 I\u2019m tired and want to rest-eth,\u201d King Ben said to him.\u00a0 He looked over at Prince Hoss, who was having an awful time with the drooping feathered plume and itchy tights.\u00a0 \u201cWhat bothers thou?\u201d King Ben said to Prince Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww. . .it\u2019s these dadblame tights, Pa. . .I mean. . .King Pa. . .they jist itch somethin\u2019 awful.\u00a0 Cain\u2019t ya outlaw \u2018em er somp\u2019n\u2019,\u201d Prince Hoss answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat dost thou suggest I replace-eth them with. . .a suit of armor and have thou clanging all over the place-eth,\u201d King Ben replied in an irritable tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019d be a dang sight better\u2019n these dadburn thangs, I\u2019ll tell thou that right-eth now,\u201d Prince Hoss answered.\u00a0 \u201cWhy we gotta do this silly fairy tale enyhow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I told you. . .it\u2019s Eileen\u2019s last fan fiction, that\u2019s why-eth,\u201d Prince Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cBesides, I think it\u2019s kind of. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou say this is fun one more time and I\u2019ll break thou golden guitar over-est thou royal head-est!\u201d Prince Joseph replied, his voice rising with each word spoken.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSires. . .please. . .don\u2019t fuss so,\u201d a soft, gentle voice sounded from the doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

All eyes were directed in that direction and widened at the sight before their royal eyes.\u00a0 The three princes almost tripped over their royal swords as they hurried over to the one who had spoken in such a sweet voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMm-Mm,\u201d Prince Joseph sounded at the sight of her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, hello, hello,\u201d Prince Adam responded as he drank in her beauty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYippee-ti-o!\u201d Prince Hoss resounded when he caught sight of her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am but a lonely traveler who hast lost her way.\u00a0 Couldst thou and offer mine horse a refreshing drink from thou golden horse trough, and tell me the way to Bonanza Worldland?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou betcha we kin. . .I mean. . .t\u2019would be our most pleasure-eth,\u201d Prince Hoss answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEnter our humble royal palace, thou fairest of maidens,\u201d Prince Adam said as he took one arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI saw-eth her first-eth, OLDER brother,\u201d Prince Joseph said to Prince Adam, pushing his words through clenched teeth and taking her other arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m older, young\u2019un, so I get first royal tabs on her,\u201d Prince Adam said to Prince Joseph, also pushing his words through clenched teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey. . .what about ME?!\u201d Prince Hoss piped up when Prince Adam and Prince Joseph hogged the fair maiden for themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can have her horse,\u201d Prince Adam and Prince Joseph said simultaneously as they ushered the maiden inside the royal living room and seated her on the royal settee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is our royal father, King Ben,\u201d Prince Adam said to her.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m Prince Adam. . .first-born and heir to the throne,\u201d he added, looking menacingly at Prince Joseph.\u00a0 \u201cand I\u2019m also the only one who hast been royally educated,\u201d he added with an air of conceit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Prince Joseph.\u00a0 Youngest and most royally experienced in how to treat a maiden,\u201d he said in his most honey-dripping, wooing tone of voice as he raised her hand to his lips and kissed it while he peered into her dark eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, thou managed to make the last one disappear royally into thin air,\u201d Prince Adam commented sarcastically in a low tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, what was it thou said-est?\u201d the maiden asked sweetly as she turned her eyes to Prince Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh. . .I said-est. . .Um. . .thou hast most lovely chestnut hair,\u201d Prince Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou art most kind, Prince Adam,\u201d the maiden responded as she blushed royally sweetly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy name\u2019s Hoss ma\u2019am. . .I mean I\u2019m Prince Hoss, ma\u2019am-eth,\u201d Prince Hoss piped up, then reached down and scratched his leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

King Ben quietly retreated to his royal red throne by the royal stone fireplace and tossing his flowing royal robe behind him, sat down to observe.<\/span><\/p>\n

The maiden looked at each prince and smiled sweetly, then said, \u201cThou hast been most kind to thee, but thou hast not told fair maiden the way to Bonanza Worldland.\u00a0 And I must arrive there before the clock strikes midnight, else doom and gloom await me, then I shalt not be able to marry mine beloved.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Adam and Prince Joseph stood up simultaneously and exclaimed, also simultaneously, \u201cYou\u2019re engaged?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The maiden shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, not exactly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Adam and Prince Joseph sat back down simultaneously, and each took her hand.\u00a0 \u201cOh, well that\u2019s different,\u201d Prince Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll jist go take care of the horse,\u201d Prince Hoss said.\u00a0 Seemingly being ignored by his princely brothers, he exited the room, scratching his legs vigorously as he did.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Joseph raised her hand to his lips and kissed her hand again.\u00a0 \u201cWhat didst thou mean by. . .not exactly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ve never met him, and I must search for him and find him before midnight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Adam frowned.\u00a0 \u201cWell if thou hast never met him, how wilt thou know when thou hast found him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll know.\u00a0 There are seven things he will be: kind; generous in nature; pure in heart; gentle; possess wisdom; reveals truth; and ready to defend at all costs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh well, heck, it shouldn\u2019t be too hard to find somebody like that,\u201d Prince Joseph replied.\u00a0 \u201cBut I don\u2019t know why you\u2019d want to, when you could have me,\u201d he said as he kissed her hand again and smiled his most winsome smile at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

The maiden jumped up from the royal settee.\u00a0 \u201cThou dost not understand!\u00a0 If I do not find this man before midnight, I lose my life!\u00a0 I shall disappear and be force-ed to wander aimlessly through space forever, without ever having known true love or taste true love\u2019s first kiss!\u201d\u00a0 The maiden began to weep and sat back down between Prince Adam and Prince Joseph.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Adam put a royal arm around her dainty shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cT\u2019would be a pity not to know true love.\u00a0 I shall go along and help thou search-est.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYOU go along?!\u201d Prince Joseph exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cI can help search just as good as you can, OLDER brother!\u00a0 I\u2019m coming too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTis no need for thou to tag-eth along, thou wouldst only be a royal pain in my royal\u2026\u201d Prince Adam retorted, speaking through clenched teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Joseph put his face close to Prince Adam\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cRoyal pain in your royal WHAT-ETH?\u201d Prince Joseph shot back, saying the words so forcefully, a small amount of spittle emerged from his royal mouth and landed on Prince Adam\u2019s black tunic.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNeck,\u201d Prince Adam replied, wiping his tunic with his royal handkerchief.\u00a0 Prince Adam glared at his youngest brother, who was wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, and trying not to laugh.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s looking for her true love. . .right?\u201d Prince Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd she\u2019s never seen him. . .right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo. . .if she\u2019s never SEEN him, and since this is a FAIRY TALE, then. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny of us could be her true love and could marry her, and since she\u2019s not wearing that dratted blue dress, she might accidentally live and at least ONE of the Cartwright\u2019s would be married,\u201d Prince Joseph finished for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEXACTLY!\u201d Prince Adam exclaimed joyously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell that settles it. . .I\u2019m going along too.\u00a0 I want to know which one of us it\u2019ll be,\u201d Prince Joseph proclaimed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoin\u2019 where?\u201d Prince Hoss chimed in when he came through the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo Bonanza Worldland with. . .\u201d\u00a0 Turning to the maiden, Prince Adam asked, \u201cWhat is thou name?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The maiden looked at him, took a deep breath and said,\u00a0 \u201cPrincess Superkalifragilistikexpialidocious. . .but you can call me Ali,\u201d she replied with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Hoss frowned and looked at Princess Ali.\u00a0 \u201cWhat kinda name is, Superkali. . .Superkal. . .whatever you said?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSuperkalifragilistikexpialidocious.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u00a0 What kinda name IS that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s the name Eileen gave me when I agreed to play the part of the Princess in this fairy tale.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Prince Hoss replied.\u00a0 \u201cThat explains everthang,\u201d he added nodding his head and rolling his eyes in understanding, then reached down and scratched his leg.\u00a0 \u201cDadburn these thangs!\u201d he muttered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning to Prince Adam, Princess Ali said, \u201cWilt thou help me!\u00a0 Time is running out.\u00a0 I must find true love before midnight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course we\u2019ll help you,\u201d King Ben said from his royal throne.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll all go help thou search.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Princess Ali was overjoyed and clapped her hands.\u00a0 \u201cOh, how wilt I ever be able to repay thou?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo need for that.\u00a0 I have my princely sons and this beautiful kingdom. . .I need-est nothing else,\u201d King Ben replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou art a most good King, Your Highness,\u201d Princess Ali said as she bowed low in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking her hands in his, King Ben said, \u201cNow none of that.\u00a0 There is no need to bow in front of thee.\u201d\u00a0 King Ben helped her to stand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou art indeed a most good King,\u201d she said, as her eyes welled up with tears.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps THOU art my true love,\u201d she replied, then with a saddened expression on her face, she added, \u201cBut, alas, I fear thou art not, else I wouldst surely know if thou truly wert.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

King Ben patted her hand, then announced, \u201cPrepare the royal horses!\u00a0 We shall escort fair maiden to Bonanza Worldland in search of her true love!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Adam, Prince Hoss, Prince Joseph and Princess Superkali. . .ahem. . .Princess Ali, followed King Ben out the royal palace door where they mounted their noble steeds: Buck-eth; Cochise-eth; Chubb-eth and Sport-eth.\u00a0 Princess Ali was given a fresh mount to ride as her poor horse had been ridden for a very long time and refused to move from the golden water trough.<\/span><\/p>\n

Traveling ever forward towards Bonanza Worldland, the determined troupe was always mindful of any possible danger that may be lurking in their path and upon approaching the dense Ponderosa Pine Tree Forest, King Ben halted his riders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHalt!\u00a0 Now you know we have to pass-eth through Ponderosa Pine Tree Forest to get-eth to the other side and we know not what evil may be lurking therein,\u201d King Ben reminded them.\u00a0 \u201cWe must be ever on the alert for. . .\u201d and lowering his voice to barely a whisper, he said, \u201cThe Evil Blue One.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Evil Blue One?\u201d Princess Ali repeated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSh-h-h-h!\u201d Prince Joseph said, pressing a finger to his royal lips.\u00a0 \u201cNot so loud!\u201d he said in a loud whisper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s The Evil Blue One?\u201d Princess Ali asked, whispering.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Adam frowned and a concerned look crossed his handsome royal face.\u00a0 \u201cOh, he\u2019s evil. . .very evil,\u201d he replied, shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat make-eth him evil?\u201d Princess Ali questioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe likes the color blue-eth and if the blue from his wicked blue wand, touch-est thou, thou wilt turn-est blue. . .or at least thou clothes do-eth and then thou art as good as dead-eth,\u201d Prince Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why we don\u2019t like to pass through The Ponderosa Pine Tree Forest.\u00a0 Our Kingdom boundary ends right here and if we were to step off our royal land, we run-eth the risk of having The Evil Blue One turn our clothes blue-eth,\u201d King Ben answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, mebbe iffen these thangs WERE blue, they t\u2019wouldn\u2019t itch suh dadblame much,\u201d Prince Hoss piped up as he raised his leg off the saddle and scratched it. . .his leg, not the saddle.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s these thangs made of enyhow. . .itch weed?\u201d he added as he scratched vigorously and a pained look crossing his princely face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Princess Ali touched Prince Hoss on his shoulder and smiled at him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll speak-eth to Eileen about-eth the tights.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Prince Hoss replied.\u00a0 \u201cShe don\u2019t seem tuh listen tuh me none.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning to King Ben, Princess Ali said,\u00a0 \u201cThou wouldst pass through the dark forest to help me. . .a stranger. . .putting thou life and the lives of thou sons at risk?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

King Ben smiled at her.\u00a0 \u201cThou camest as a stranger, but art now a friend.\u00a0 A true friend wilt help another friend, regardless of the cost.\u00a0 Besides, my princely sons and I have fought many evil-doers in our lifetime to protect our kingdom from being taken away.\u00a0 When it comes right down to it though, I suppose the ONLY things that really matter to me are my sons, because without them, I wouldn\u2019t want all the rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Princess Ali began to cry softly.\u00a0 \u201cI have never heard words spoken so beautifully before in my life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDadburn it, Pa, ya got me suh all fired choked up, I think I\u2019m gonna cry,\u201d Hoss said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t do THAT. . .you know it makes Joe cry when he sees you crying,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re ad-libbing again, fellas\u2026Stick to the script, please!\u201d Director Eileen called out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKind in spirit . .one of the seven requirements,\u201d Princess Ali thought to herself.\u00a0 \u201cBut all four of them possess that trait.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u00a0 can\u2019t\u00a0 marry\u00a0 all\u00a0 FOUR\u00a0 of\u00a0 them. . .fairy tale or no fairy tale,\u201d she thought to herself.\u00a0 Sighing, she looked at each one and wondered if maybe one of them WAS her true love. . .but which one.\u00a0 Could it be Prince Adam\u2026Decisive and maybe a bit stubborn, but certainly handsome enough.\u00a0 Could it be Prince Joseph\u2026Impetuous and full of energy, and HE certainly is handsome enough.\u00a0 Could it be Prince Hoss\u2026Strong, but gentle, and he\u2019s handsome enough too.\u00a0 Could it be King Ben\u2026Wise, confident, and je\u2019s handsome also.\u00a0 \u201cAlas, alas,\u201d Princess Ali sighed to herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, King Ben urged Buck-eth slowly forward into the dense, dark Ponderosa Pine Tree Forest.\u00a0 Quietly, and with their royal eyes darting from one dark tree branch to the other, the three princes watched diligently for a sign. . .ANY sign that The Evil Blue One may be in the near vicinity.\u00a0 Prince Joseph rode directly behind King Ben, Princess Ali rode behind him, followed by Prince Hoss and Prince Adam rode at the end of the entourage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bravely guiding their faithful steeds through the thickness of the forest, they plodded steadily forward towards Bonanza Worldland, which lay on the far side of The Ponderosa Pine Tree Forest. . .The Evil Blue One\u2019s territory.\u00a0 Reaching the edge of the forest, the small band of brave ones spied Bonanza Worldland in the distance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo far, so good,\u201d King Ben remarked as he held up his hand as an indication to proceed towards the lazy, little, but dull and dreary town they\u2019ve always wanted to visit, but had no reason to. . .until now.\u00a0 A friend needed their help and they were going to give it.\u00a0 Not that they were ever AFRAID to visit Bonanza Worldland you see, but they had heard so many crazy things about the female population there and their obsession with dark haired men; men with hazel eyes; big men with blue eyes and older men with silver hair. . .And some even drool over someone with a name that sounds like\u2026Candy\u2026or something like that\u2026Oh\u00a0 well they decided they would be CAUTIOUS. . .not AFRAID. . . \u201cthere\u2019s a difference,\u201d their father explained to them once. . .so they stayed clear of Bonanza Worldland.\u00a0 Besides, that\u2019s where The Evil Blue One kept showing up and turning all the girls\u2019 dresses blue.\u00a0 Needless to say, the undertaker was Bonanza Worldland\u2019s leading citizen, and you never saw a bolt of blue cloth ANYWHERE in Bonanza Worldland.\u00a0 Not only that, it was always dark, dull and dreary and the sun never shone in Bonanza Worldland, unlike being on the Kingdom of Ponderosa, where everything was lush, green, pleasant and the sun always shone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having his mind on watching for The Evil Blue One, Prince Hoss forgot all about his itchy tights.<\/span><\/p>\n

A dark figure in the dark shadows of The Ponderosa Pine Tree Forest watched with their evil blue eyes as King Ben, Princes Adam, Hoss, Joseph and Princess Ali trudged closer to the small town.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh, heh, heh. . .I\u2019ve got you now, oh mighty King.\u00a0 You\u2019re in MY territory now.\u00a0 One false move and I\u2019ll turn the whole lot of you blue.\u00a0 Heh, heh, heh,\u201d The Evil Blue One laughed wickedly, then reaching down and scratching his blue tights, he ran deep into the shadows of The Ponderosa Pine Tree Forest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, here we are, Princess Ali,\u201d King Ben announced when they stopped their horses on the outskirts of Bonanza Worldland.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt seem-eth too quiet, durst it not, King Pa?\u201d Prince Adam remarked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt doth indeed seem-eth too quiet,\u201d King Ben replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do-eth we start looking, Princess?\u201d Prince Joseph asked her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThee dost not know,\u201d she answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cT\u2019will be hard to locate thou true love if thou know-est not where to look-eth,\u201d Prince Adam said, while he leaned forward in his saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know-est.\u00a0 And I feel so guilty that thou hast burdened thouself with my plight,\u201d Princess Ali said back to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

King Ben reached out to her and patted her hand.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you worry about-eth that.\u00a0 We told you we would help you, and King Ben and his sons always keep their word.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause a man\u2019s word is his most sacred bond,\u201d Prince Adam said, striking a most delightful pose.<\/span><\/p>\n

King Ben, Prince Joseph and Prince Hoss all groaned and rolled their eyes at the eldest royal Prince, signifying their royal annoyance at him for his constant quotes and most delightful poses.\u00a0 When he saw them looking very unroyally at him, Prince Adam shrugged his shoulders, then resumed his normal, natural leaning pose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold-eth it right there, King Ben!\u201d a loud, harsh voice sounded behind him.\u00a0 King Ben and his three princely sons stiffened themselves in their royal saddles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho art thou?\u201d King Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone who\u2019s been wanting to get you for a long time.\u00a0 And now, you ride right into my hands.\u201d\u00a0 The laugh was most sinister sounding.<\/span><\/p>\n

King Ben slowly turned his horse to look into the face of the one who had spoken and laughed so maliciously.\u00a0 His sons and Princess Ali did the same.\u00a0 They glanced at each other, then nodding in understanding, King Ben said, \u201cThe Evil Blue One.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt thou royal service,\u201d The Evil Blue One replied as he bowed low.\u00a0 Standing up straight, he said, \u201cGet-eth down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Stepping down out of his royal saddle, King Ben replied, \u201cWe want-eth no trouble.\u00a0 We just want to help Princess Ali find someone.\u00a0 When we\u2019ve done that, we\u2019ll leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho dost thou wish to find?\u00a0 I know-eth everybody here,\u201d The Evil Blue One said, looking at the Princess.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know-est not his name, only that he is kind; generous in nature; pure in heart; gentle; has wisdom; reveals truth; and defends at all costs,\u201d she replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBwaaaaahahaha!\u201d The Evil Blue One blurted out loudly.\u00a0 \u201cYou come to the wrong town lady!\u00a0 Ain\u2019t NOBODY\u00a0 here\u00a0 that fits THAT description!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Princess Ali began to weep and lament.\u00a0 \u201cBut I durst not understand.\u00a0 I wast told I wouldst find him here.\u00a0 And I must find him before the clock chime-th midnight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happens then?\u00a0 Your pumpkin turn into glass slippers?\u201d The Evil Blue One taunted her, then laughed wickedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat shalt I do?!\u00a0 What shalt I do?!\u201d Princess Ali lamented as she leaned over in her saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Adam placed a kind hand on her shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cDurst not worry thyself, Princess, we\u2019re still going to help you find whom thou seek-est.\u00a0 Right, King Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course we art,\u201d King Ben replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou betcha,\u201d Prince Hoss said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust let-eth somebody try and stop us,\u201d Prince Joseph spoke up while he glared at The Evil Blue One.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCareful, little boy prince, thou art on my turf now.\u00a0 Thou play-est MY game.\u00a0 And just remember. . .you\u2019re off the Kingdom of Ponderosa now, your magic of goodness and right won\u2019t work here, but mine of all that\u2019s bad\u00a0 does,\u201d The Evil Blue One said menacingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d King Ben said to his youngest when he saw his hazel eyes throwing daggers at The Evil Blue One.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Hoss and Prince Adam each put a restraining hand on each of young Prince Joseph\u2019s shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make thou a deal, King Ben.\u00a0 If thou find-est who the Princess is looking for before midnight. . .you\u2019re free to go. . .no harm will befall you.\u00a0 However, if the Princess fails to find her practically perfect person, then she stays here with me and lives the rest of her life in Bonanza Worldland,\u201d The Evil Blue One said.<\/span><\/p>\n

King Ben looked at him and shook his head at him.\u00a0 \u201cNo deals,\u201d he replied in a definite tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m offering you a chance to save your life and the lives of your sons.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Not taking his eyes off The Evil Blue One, King Ben replied, \u201cNo. . .deals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI shalt accept thou offer,\u201d Princess Ali spoke up.<\/span><\/p>\n

King Ben\u2019s eyes widened at her statement.\u00a0 \u201cThou can\u2019st do that Princess!\u00a0 Thou\u00a0 know-est not who thou art dealing with!\u201d he said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKing Pa is right.\u00a0 He\u2019s evil and wicked and thou can\u2019st not trust him,\u201d Prince Adam said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThet\u2019s fer sure,\u201d Prince Hoss piped up.\u00a0 \u201cAnybody thet\u2019d wear BLUE tights, cain\u2019t be trusted no further then I could th\u2019ow one a-these here buildin\u2019s,\u201d he quipped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust let him try and make you stay,\u201d Prince Joseph said in a challenging tone of voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne last chance, King,\u201d the Evil Blue One taunted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing firmly in place, King Ben replied, \u201cNo deals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Evil Blue One\u2019s eyes turned fiery red, then cold, stone dead blue.\u00a0 \u201cThen consider this a warning.\u00a0 You have until midnight.\u00a0 You don\u2019t find who the Princess is looking for by then and you try to take her back to your Kingdom, you\u2019ll never reach it alive.\u00a0 One or ALL of you will die.\u00a0 You have my word on that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

King Ben glared back at him. \u201cIf we don\u2019t find who she\u2019s looking for by midnight, she\u2019s returning to Kingdom of Ponderosa with us.\u00a0 YOU have MY word on THAT.\u00a0 And we WILL reach home alive.\u00a0 ALL of us.\u00a0 You have my word on THAT too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVery well.\u00a0 Let the games begin.\u201d The Evil Blue One turned around three times and seemed to have disappeared into thin air.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh dear.\u00a0 What have I gotten thou into,\u201d Princess Ali said as she began weeping again.\u00a0 Raising her head again, she said, \u201cI must find him, King Ben!\u00a0 I must!\u00a0 I do not wish to stay with Evil Blue One!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDurst not worry thyself, Princess. . .Truth and Right always prevail and they will this time, too,\u201d Prince Adam responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope thou art right, Prince Adam,\u201d Princess Ali said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I\u2019m right.\u00a0 I read the script,\u201d Adam responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen what\u2019re we doin\u2019 all this dang silly stuff fer,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it\u2019s in the fan fiction,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah,\u201d Hoss said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s get on with it then,\u201d King Ben said as he mounted his noble steed once again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Searching every building diligently and thoroughly, the fearless foursome and the pretty Princess began to grow weary and hungry.\u00a0 Stopping at the Caf\u00e9, they dismounted and walked inside.\u00a0 Finding no one to serve them, they helped themselves to a meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, fried green tomatoes, hominy and homemade bread and scalding hot coffee to wash it all down with.\u00a0 When they finished, King Ben placed twenty silver pieces on the counter to pay for the food they ate.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo one is here, King Ben.\u00a0 Why didst thou leave silver?\u201d Princess Ali asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause what we took didn\u2019t belong to us, so we owed them something for taking it,\u201d he replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you gave so much for what little we took,\u201d she said back to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI like giving.\u00a0 It makes me feel good to share with others what I have,\u201d he responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

His sons smiled at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Princess Ali had a far away look in her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cGenerous in nature,\u201d she thought.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe it is King Ben who is my true love.\u00a0 But I cannot make that decision until all seven requirements have been met by only ONE man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome, Princess, we must continue our search, it will be midnight in a few hours,\u201d King Ben said as he took her elbow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Opening the Caf\u00e9 door, Prince Adam stepped outside, only to be met by a painted up faced woman in a short dress attempting to capture his heart.\u00a0 Prince Adam backed away from her and waved his arm at her.\u00a0 \u201cBe gone, thou evil temptress!\u201d he retorted.\u00a0 \u201cBe gone!\u00a0 Thou wilt not beguile me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The painted up woman quickly vanished and it amazed Princess Ali.\u00a0 \u201cPure in heart. . .can it be Prince Adam?\u201d she thought.\u00a0 Shaking her head to rid the cobwebs of all her thoughts, she followed the four of them out into the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

Their search had turned up no one of Princess Ali\u2019s description and she began to become disheartened\u00a0 Sitting down in the middle of the street, Princess Ali started weeping.\u00a0 \u201cIt just isn\u2019t any use, I\u2019ll never find him before midnight!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Hoss sat down beside her and placed a comforting arm around her and pulled her to him.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t cry Princess, I cain\u2019t stand tuh see nothin\u2019 hurtin\u2019.\u00a0 We\u2019ll find \u2018im, I promise ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Princess Ali looked at Prince Hoss through her teary eyes.\u00a0 \u201cGentle. . .is it Prince Hoss I\u2019m searching for?\u201d she thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s keep looking Princess.\u00a0 If he\u2019s here, we\u2019ll find him,\u201d King Ben said as he and Prince Hoss helped her to stand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Continuing their search, they came upon two little girls fighting each other over a rag doll.\u00a0 Prince Joseph bent down between them and separated the two of them.\u00a0 The rag doll landed face down in the dusty street.\u00a0 Both little girls scrambled for it, but Prince Joseph snatched it up and held it high above his royal head out of their reach.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright.\u00a0 Who dost this doll belong-eth to?\u201d he asked them both.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cME!\u201d they both answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell it seems we have a problem here.\u00a0 Two little girls. . .one little rag doll.\u00a0 Now who does she belong to?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cME!\u201d they both answered again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I guess there\u2019s only one thing I can do,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Drawing his sword out of its sheath, he placed the little rag doll on the ground and raised his sword.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll cut the doll in half and each of you shall have half.\u201d\u00a0 Raising his sword higher, one of the little girls cried out.\u00a0 \u201cNO!\u00a0 Don\u2019t!\u00a0 Let her have it!\u00a0 Just don\u2019t hurt the dolly!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead!\u00a0 Cut it in half!\u201d the other child said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Joseph looked at the one little girl who had her face in her hands crying.\u00a0 He picked up the rag doll and handed it to her.\u00a0 \u201cHere, honey, take your dolly and go home.\u201d\u00a0 The little girl smiled and hugged the rag doll to her and ran away.\u00a0 The other little girl ran off in the other direction and Prince Joseph stood up and replaced his sword in its sheath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you know which little girl the doll belonged to?\u201d Princess Ali asked him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSimple.\u00a0 When she thought I was going to cut the doll in half and she cried out to give it to the other little girl, I knew it was hers.\u00a0 She would rather give it up than have it hurt.\u00a0 If you love something or someone, you do what you have to do to protect it, even if you have to give it up to someone else,\u201d he answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPossess wisdom. . .\u201d she thought.\u00a0 \u201cIt must be Prince Joseph.\u00a0 But no. . .there are two requirements left.\u00a0 Who shall possess those?\u201d she wondered.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the ticking of the clock nearing midnight and still no practically perfect person found for Princess Ali, King Ben drew her aside.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry Princess, we tried to find the one you\u2019re looking for.\u00a0 It just wasn\u2019t meant to be.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Princess Ali looked at him through teary eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI just know he\u2019s here, King Ben.\u00a0 I COULDN\u2019T have come all this way just to be left to wander aimlessly through space, or stay in this cold, dead town with Evil Blue One.\u00a0 I just know we\u2019ll find him.\u00a0 There\u2019s still a few minutes left.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

King Ben held her hands between his.\u00a0 \u201cPrincess. . .there comes a time when everyone must face the truth.\u00a0 You must face it NOW.\u00a0 There is NO practically perfect person here for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Princess Ali began to weep bitterly.\u00a0 \u201cI realize that now.\u201d\u00a0 Looking at King Ben with teary eyes, she said, \u201cThere was one such person. . .in St. Louis. . .but I ran away from him, because I thought I could find someone else better. . .Now I know-est it was he, I seek-eth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were put in your path to help you realize that,\u201d King Ben said to her solemnly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have reveal-ed the truth to me.\u00a0 There is but one requirement left before I can find my way to him. . .you must defend me at all costs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The tower clock in the middle of town began to chime midnight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome Princess. . .It is time for us to return to the Kingdom of Ponderosa where there is always sweetness and light and the sun is always shining,\u201d King Ben said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Princess Ali nodded and allowed King Ben to pull her up to her feet.\u00a0 He helped her mount her horse then he mounted his, as did the three princes.\u00a0 Together the five of them rode towards The Ponderosa Pine Tree Forest and to Kingdom of Ponderosa on the other side.\u00a0 But before they made their way to the edge of town, The Evil Blue One appeared in a puff of blue smoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell Princess Ali.\u00a0 You didn\u2019t find him here did you?\u201d The Evil Blue One said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Princess Ali hung her head.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 I didst not, but I know now what I must do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you are required to keep your promise and stay here forever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s leaving with us, Evil Blue One,\u201d King Ben said to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not your business now, King!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019m making it my business.\u00a0 She comes with us.\u00a0 She has another journey to make.\u201d\u00a0 King Ben urged Buck-eth forward, as did the others.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Evil Blue One reached down the back of his blue shirt and pulled out a blue wicked wand.\u00a0 Raising it, he said,\u00a0 \u201cI said she stays!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

King Ben smacked her horse, causing him to start galloping.\u00a0 \u201cRide Princess and don\u2019t stop!\u201d he yelled to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Evil Blue One lowered his wand just as Princess Ali rushed past him.\u00a0 The dreaded blue powder landed on the ground, turning it blue.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Evil Blue One raised his wand again and pointed it at Prince Adam.\u00a0 Kicking with his foot, the prince knocked the wicked blue wand from The Evil Blue One\u2019s hand.\u00a0 With that, the King and his sons galloped off after Princess Ali.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reaching the edge of The Ponderosa Pine Tree Forest, they saw Princess Ali waiting for them.\u00a0 \u201cGO!\u201d\u00a0 the four of them yelled at her, and waved their arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing The Evil Blue One fast approaching with his wicked blue wand raised, she cut in behind Prince Adam just as The Evil Blue One lowered his wicked wand.\u00a0 Blue powder struck Princess Ali and she fell from her horse and landed on the ground with a thud sending the blue powder spraying all around her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prince Joseph took out his sword and relieved The Evil Blue One of his evil life.\u00a0 Suddenly, the sun came out and Bonanza Worldland was full of activity and life again, for it was now rid of The Evil Blue One for good.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking no thought for their own safety from the dreaded blue powder around the princess, King Ben and his three sons dismounted and kneeled down beside Princess Ali, their knees embedded deep in blue dust.\u00a0 They looked into her face and watched as her eyes fluttered open, and heard her say, \u201cDefends at all costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c. . . . . . . .Defends at all costs,\u201d she murmured, and became frightened when she saw four faces looking at her.\u00a0 She drew in her breath and tried to sit up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to be afraid.\u00a0 We\u2019re not going to hurt you,\u201d Ben said in a soothing tone.\u00a0 What\u2019s your name, Miss?\u201d he said to the young woman lying in the bed in one of the upstairs bedrooms, when she opened her eyes wide and looked around the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere am I?\u201d she asked in a shaky and frightened voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re at our home. . . .the Ponderosa.\u00a0 I\u2019m Ben Cartwright and these are my sons,\u201d Ben replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

She opened her eyes wider and looked at each of them.\u00a0 \u201cPonderosa?\u00a0 The Kingdom of Ponderosa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKingdom of Ponderosa?\u201d Adam questioned curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

The young woman nodded her head.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, many people think we own half of Nevada, but this is just our home, Miss, not a\u2026kingdom,\u201d Ben replied kindly.<\/span><\/p>\n

The young woman sat up straight against the headboard of the bed.\u00a0 \u201cBut it is a Kingdom!\u00a0 And you rescued me from The Evil Blue One!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEvil Blue One?\u201d Joe mouthed\u00a0 silently to Adam.\u00a0 Adam shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0 Hoss frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Miss. . .I don\u2019t really know what you\u2019re talking about, but my son, Adam, here, found you lying by the side of the road and brought you here.\u00a0 You\u2019ve been unconscious for several days now.\u00a0 For awhile there, we didn\u2019t know if you were going to pull through or not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUnconscious?\u00a0 Several days?\u00a0 I\u2019m so confused. . .I\u201d she said as she closed her eyes and put her hand over her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you just lie back now and rest.\u00a0 We can talk more later, but we DO want to know who you are and why you were lying on the side of the road,\u201d Ben said as he gently pushed the young woman back down in the bed.\u00a0 \u201cYou rest, and we\u2019ll talk more later,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

The young woman grabbed his hand and held tightly to it.\u00a0 \u201cNO!\u00a0 Please!\u00a0 I want to talk now!\u00a0 Please!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you need rest, you had a terrible head wound,\u201d Ben replied to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I know YOU. . .surely you know ME, too,\u201d she said confidently as she looked at each one of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Miss, but we surely don\u2019t know you at all,\u201d Ben replied kindly, and shaking his head negatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

She pointed to him.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re King Ben. . .and you\u2019re Prince Adam. . .you\u2019re Prince Hoss, and you\u2019re Prince Joseph,\u201d she said with confidence in her voice, as she pointed to each of them, and looked at them with seriousness in her eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKing Ben?\u201d\u00a0 \u201cPrince Adam?\u201d\u00a0 \u201cPrince Hoss?\u201d\u00a0 \u201cPrince Joseph?\u201d\u00a0 they all asked in unison.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding her head confidently, she replied, \u201cYes!\u00a0 The four of you rule the Kingdom of the Ponderosa, and. . .\u201d she paused.\u00a0 Noting their ranch clothing, she said, \u201c. . .you carried swords. . .and you. . .wore tunics and. . .tights,\u201d she added quietly, almost embarrassed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The four of them burst out laughing as they looked at each other, and thinking about the prospect, caused them to laugh even harder.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s cackling laugh overshadowed any laugh any of them could ever muster up.\u00a0 Noticing the young woman was crying now, Ben controlled his laughter and patted her shoulder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not crazy, am I?\u00a0\u00a0 The Kingdom of Ponderosa is a REAL place, isn\u2019t it?\u00a0 I\u2019m not crazy, am I King Ben?\u201d she said between sobs and tears.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you\u2019re not crazy,\u201d Ben said in\u00a0 a comforting and soothing tone of voice.\u00a0 \u201cAll you need is some rest.\u00a0 We\u2019ll talk later.\u00a0 Now you just rest,\u201d he said to her, pulling the quilt up to her chin and patting her shoulder again.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, boys, let\u2019s let her get some rest,\u201d he added, as he ushered his sons out of the young woman\u2019s room.\u00a0 Still trying desperately to control their laughter at the thought of the four of them in tights, Adam, Hoss and Joe clung to each other, as they exited her room.\u00a0 Ben followed and closed the door to her room quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Laughing, himself, Ben followed his sons downstairs to the living room, where they allowed themselves to bellow out in loud guffaws.\u00a0 After awhile, Ben gained control of his laughter, as did Adam.\u00a0 Hoss continued to laugh, while he held his stomach, and Joe wiped tears from his eyes, he had been laughing so hard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPoor thing. . .really believes we\u2019re Kings and Princes,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cThat bump on her head must have been worse than we thought,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe still don\u2019t know who she is, but she seems to know OUR names. . .despite the fact that we\u2019re not Kings and Princes,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss suddenly stopped laughing.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, Pa. . .how do ya reckon she knows our names?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure I don\u2019t know, Hoss, but evidently she does.\u201d\u00a0 Ben shook his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI kind of like the title. . .Prince. . .Joseph,\u201d Joe piped up as he struck a most royal looking pose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI kinda like it myself. . .Prince. . .Hoss,\u201d Hoss resounded as he, too, struck a most royal looking pose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well the two of you are going to be UNEMPLOYED Princes, if you don\u2019t get back to work,\u201d Ben responded with a\u00a0 chuckle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Relaxing from their statue-like poses, Hoss and Joe resumed normal expressions.\u00a0 \u201cYeah,\u201d Joe replied.\u00a0 Putting a hand on Hoss\u2019s shoulder, he said, \u201cCome Prince Hoss-eth, we must prepare-eth the stock-eth to receive-eth our mark-eth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Hoss replied with a puzzled look on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe said you better go finish the branding,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u00a0 I shore am glad you know how ta talk thet kinda lang\u2019ege, Adam, elsewise, I\u2019d never a-knowed whad it t\u2019was he said,\u201d Hoss answered back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I reckon you wouldn\u2019t, brother Hoss-eth,\u201d his oldest brother responded, pushing the last syllable through his teeth with his tongue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss followed Joe to the bureau where they strapped on their gunbelts then took down their hats from the peg beside the door and placed them on their heads.\u00a0 Joe opened the door and made a low bow.\u00a0 \u201cAfter you Prince Hoss-eth,\u201d Joe said in teasing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss playfully kicked Joe\u2019s backside.\u00a0 \u201cAwww, git on outta here,\u201d he said to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stood up and laughed his infectious laugh while he made his way outside.\u00a0 Hoss followed him, mumbling, \u201cPrince Hoss-eth.\u00a0 I\u2019m jist glad we don\u2019t gotta wear them dang tights.\u00a0 I betcha them suckers itch somethin\u2019 awful!\u201d\u00a0 Ben and Adam could hear Joe cackling, even as Hoss closed the door behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you suppose she will be able to tell us who she is?\u00a0 What if that bump on her head gave her amnesia?\u201d Adam asked his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hope it didn\u2019t.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure she hopes the same thing,\u201d Ben replied as he walked around behind his desk and sat down.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, there are some figures here I want you to go over before we transact that timber deal,\u201d Ben said as he handed his son a ledger book.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. . .King Ben,\u201d Adam replied with a smile as he took it and sat down in the chair beside his father and began pouring over the figures written in the book.\u00a0 Ben shook his head and mumbled, \u201cKing Ben.\u201d\u00a0 Adam raised his eyes and looked at his father and smiled.<\/span>
\n**********<\/span><\/p>\n

Placing her shawl around her shoulders, the young woman opened the door to the bedroom and walked out and down the staircase.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere now,\u201d Ben called to her from his desk.\u00a0 \u201cJust where do you think you\u2019re going, young lady?\u201d\u00a0 He went quickly to her side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been a bother to you.\u00a0 If you\u2019ll tell me how to get to Bonanza Worldland, I\u2019d appreciate it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben frowned and placed an arm around her shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you come over here and sit down.\u00a0 You haven\u2019t even told me who you are yet, and you can\u2019t leave until we get better acquainted.\u201d\u00a0 He led her over to the settee and nudged her down into it.\u00a0 Adam, Hoss and Joe came through the door at that moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook who\u2019s up and around,\u201d Ben announced to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo I see,\u201d Adam responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood to see you up,\u201d Joe said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy,\u201d was Hoss\u2019s remark.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe was just getting ready to tell me her name,\u201d Ben said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you know my name.\u00a0 It\u2019s Ali.\u00a0 Short for Alison.\u00a0 But you know that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The four of them looked at each other and Ben sat down beside her.\u00a0 Adam sat on the arm of the settee, Hoss sat in Ben\u2019s red chair and Joe sat on the table in front of the settee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you tell us what happened.\u00a0 Adam found you lying on the side of the road.\u00a0 Do you know how you got there?\u201d Ben asked her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI remember riding my horse very fast.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know why, but I was very scared and I had to get away. . .someone was chasing me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u00a0 Who was chasing you?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Evil Blue One,\u201d she replied sincerely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam, Joe and Hoss looked at each other, but managed to keep a straight face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh I know you don\u2019t believe me,\u201d Ali said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I don\u2019t blame you.\u00a0 It does sound silly doesn\u2019t it.\u00a0 Mr. Cartwright, you said that I had been unconscious for several days. . .have I been here the whole time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 Right up in that room.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t go anywhere with me while I was here?\u00a0 You didn\u2019t try to help me find Bonanza Worldland?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 I told you, you were unconscious from a head wound you received.\u00a0 Probably when you fell from the horse you said you were riding.\u00a0 And Bonanza Worldland is only a place that exists in the minds of fan fiction writers, of which we\u2019re a part of sometimes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen the things that happened was just a dream.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat things?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt seemed like a fairy tale.\u00a0 Swords, wicked wands, men wearing tunics and tights. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss bellowed out a laugh.\u00a0 \u201cYou wouldn\u2019 ketch me in a pair a-them thangs,\u201d he stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at him and cackled out a laugh.\u00a0 Adam chuckled at him as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt just all seemed so real,\u201d Ali said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course it did, dear.\u00a0 But you should rest.\u00a0 You\u2019re welcome to stay here as long as you want to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ali looked at each one of them.\u00a0 \u201cThe four of you. . .you\u2019re everything I was trying to find in my dream.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn my dream, when I was unconscious, I went searching for someone.\u00a0 The four of you helped me search.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho for?\u00a0 What was his name?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t have a name.\u00a0 Only characteristics.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike what?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKind; generous; pure in heart; gentle; had wisdom; truthful; ready to defend at all costs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMust have been some special man,\u201d Adam remarked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 I found him, only I didn\u2019t find him in my dream.\u00a0 I found him without really knowing who he was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure I understand,\u201d Ben said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand myself, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 But the four of you. . .you\u2019re THAT man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut we\u2019re all different,\u201d Ben remarked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 But all FOUR of you have those qualities.\u00a0 You\u2019re very special men and I\u2019m so glad I know all of you.\u00a0 But there\u2019s also a man like that for me in St. Louis.\u00a0 I ran away from him, but now I\u2019m going to run straight TO him.\u201d\u00a0 She smiled at them and they smiled back at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/p>\n

The four Cartwright\u2019s escorted Ali to Virginia City where Ben purchased her a ticket to St. Louis and gave her enough money to travel on until she reached her destination.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI almost hate to say good-bye,\u201d Ali said to them.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll never forget you or what you\u2019ve done for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll always remember you, too, dear,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cBe sure and write as soon as you reach St. Louis.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will.\u201d\u00a0 Ali kissed Ben on the cheek, then Adam, then Hoss and Joe.\u00a0 Ben helped her into the stage and closed the door.\u00a0 Hoss reached down and scratched his leg.\u00a0 \u201cDadburn it!\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cThese new underdrawers are itchin\u2019 somethin\u2019 awful,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ali leaned out the window and spoke to him.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Hoss, I\u2019ll speak to Eileen about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEileen. . .she\u2019s the one who wrote this fan fiction,\u201d Ali replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne who wrote WHAT?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFan fiction. . .stories people write about you,\u201d Ali explained.\u00a0 \u201cHer last one had to do with tights.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTights?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMm-hmm.\u00a0 Four men in tights who rescued a maiden from The Evil Blue One,\u201d Ali said, smiling just as the stagecoach driver urged the horses forward and the stage pulled away from the depot.\u00a0 The four Cartwright\u2019s stood and watched as the stage disappeared in a cloud of dust. . .brown. . .not blue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFour men in tights,\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEvil Blue One,\u201d Joe said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKing Ben,\u201d Ben said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss reached down and scratched his legs.\u00a0 \u201cYa think I should-a got a diff\u2019rent color underdrawers so they wouldn\u2019 a-itched suh much?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cColor?\u00a0 What does the color have to do with whether they itch or not?\u201d Adam asked with a puzzled look on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno.\u00a0 Jist wonderin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat color did you get?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBlue.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBLUE?!\u201d the three of them exclaimed, then laughed at him while he scratched his legs again.\u00a0 Ben shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cCome on boys, we better get back home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He and his sons mounted their faithful steeds and rode home to. . .The Kingdom of Ponderosa.<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/p>\n

Enjoying their breakfast the next morning, the Cartwright\u2019s heard a knock at the front door.\u00a0 Wiping his mouth and standing to his feet, Joe went to answer it.\u00a0 \u201cWell. . .good morning, ma\u2019am,\u201d he said, flashing her his most winsome smile.\u00a0 \u201cWon\u2019t you come in?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh no, I really can\u2019t.\u00a0 I seem to have taken a wrong turn and I was wondering if you could direct me to Virginia City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe continued to smile at her.\u00a0 \u201cOh no, ma\u2019am. . .I think you took the RIGHT turn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, why don\u2019t you invite our caller in,\u201d Ben called out to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI did, Pa, but she\u2019s refused.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe?\u201d Adam, Hoss and Ben sounded together, and together they rose to their feet and walked to the front door.\u00a0 \u201cHello, hello, hello,\u201d Adam sounded when he saw her.\u00a0 \u201cHowdy, ma\u2019am,\u201d Hoss said with a grin on his face.\u00a0 \u201cWell, good morning, Miss,\u201d Ben said to her.\u00a0 \u201cYou certainly are out early this morning,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike I was telling this young man. . .I seem to have taken a wrong turn.\u00a0 I\u2019m trying to find the road to Virginia City, so if you would be good enough to point me in that direction, I won\u2019t bother you any longer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took hold of her hand and pulled her inside.\u00a0 \u201cNo bother ma\u2019am.\u00a0 No bother at all,\u201d he said, still smiling his winsome smile at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course it\u2019s no bother.\u00a0 It\u2019s a long way to Virginia City, why don\u2019t you come in and have some breakfast first,\u201d Ben said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trying to resist Joe\u2019s tug on her hand, she said, \u201cOh no, I really couldn\u2019t.\u00a0 It would be too much of an inconvenience to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense.\u00a0 Everyone is welcome at the Ponderosa,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cCome on in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell if it won\u2019t be too much of an imposition. . .The breakfast DOES smell very inviting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all settled then,\u201d Ben said as he closed the door.\u00a0 Joe and Adam each held her arm and led her to the dining room table.\u00a0 Hoss followed.\u00a0 Once seated, Ben said, \u201cYou couldn\u2019t just be passing through to Virginia City, because the stage doesn\u2019t come out this way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head slightly.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 I\u2019ve given up my career as a writer and I heard that Virginia City was a nice place to settle, so, I boarded a stage and went as far as Carson City, but then I decided I could find Virginia City on my own and bought a horse and buggy and started out, but I took a wrong turn, and ended up on your doorstep,\u201d she said with a pleasant smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou said you\u2019re a writer. . . .What did you write and what name did you write under?\u201d Adam asked her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wrote fiction and used my own name. . .Eileen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a coincidence.\u00a0 So you\u2019re Eileen. . . .How interesting.\u00a0 I just finished reading some of your stories.\u00a0 They\u2019re quite different and very entertaining,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cBut I want to know why you\u2019re giving up your writing career.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cExtenuating circumstances have caused it to happen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing serious I trust.\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell when a writer has to give up writing, it\u2019s serious to the writer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTrue enough,\u201d he remarked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy last work was a fairy tale-type story about four men living on a large ranch, only instead of wearing the normal ranch-type clothes like you\u2019re wearing, they wore tunics and tights, and there was a wicked man with a wicked blue wand who liked to turn everybody to blue dust.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTunics and tights, huh. . .blue dust. . .sounds. . .\u201d Adam cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201c. . .interesting,\u201d he finished.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss bellowed out a laugh.\u00a0 \u201cYou wouldn\u2019 git me tuh wear no dang tights.\u00a0 I\u2019ll tell ya thet right now.\u201d\u00a0 Joe laughed at him and Ben chuckled.\u00a0 Adam shook his head and smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Placing her napkin beside her plate, Eileen pushed back her chair and rose to her feet.\u00a0 \u201cNow if I could get those directions to Virginia City, I would be most appreciative,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I thank you kindly for the breakfast.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome,\u201d Ben said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have some errands I need to take care of in town\u2026I\u2019d be glad to take you there,\u201d Adam offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cErrands?\u00a0 What errands?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam jerked his head towards his father and raised his eyebrows at him.\u00a0 \u201cOh. . .THOSE errands,\u201d Ben replied as a small smile crept across his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have some errands I need to take care of in town, too,\u201d Joe piped up.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll go along and make sure OLDER brother doesn\u2019t get lost.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI got some errands I need tuh do too.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go \u2018long tuh make shore NEITHER of ya gits lost,\u201d Hoss chimed in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd who is going to do the chores around here while all three of you are in town doing all those. . .errands?\u201d Ben asked as he looked from one son to the other.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh well, Pa, there\u2019ll always be chores to do, it\u2019s not every day a pretty girl shows up on our doorstep,\u201d\u00a0 Adam quipped.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head in amusement.\u00a0 \u201cI see.\u201d\u00a0 He chuckled at his sons.\u00a0 \u201cWell, go ahead then, and enjoy yourselves, because it\u2019s not every day a pretty girl shows up on our doorstep,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

His sons and Eileen laughed as they escorted her out the door to her waiting buggy.\u00a0 The three of them tied their horses to the back of the buggy and all three squeezed in beside her, and Adam turned the horse towards Virginia City, and they rode off happily ever after.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE END!<\/span><\/center> <\/p>\n
<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Synopsis: A wacky Cartwright fairy tale.
\nRating: G
\nWords:\u00a0 11,700
\nPart of Four Men in Tights Series, links included within.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12436,"featured_media":41001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1008,4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47025","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family","category-humor","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-4-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":254,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":49277,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49277","url_meta":{"origin":47025,"position":0},"title":"The Cartwright Family (by LindaBl)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"May 22, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis:\u00a0A cute new song about the Cartwrights Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 Words:\u00a0 270","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":49897,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49897","url_meta":{"origin":47025,"position":1},"title":"Hoss’ Meditation (by Katie)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"July 25, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 I think we underestimated Hoss Cartwright Rating: G\u00a0 (690 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Hoss Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Hoss Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1006"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":49274,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49274","url_meta":{"origin":47025,"position":2},"title":"Little Joe’s Island (by LindaBl)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"May 22, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis:\u00a0Little Joe has another crazy dream. All the Cartwrights and Hop Sing are aboard the Dixie I when it is shipwrecked. [It is a comedy parody which combines Bonanza and Gilligan's Island]. There's even a song you can sing along :-) Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a0Words: 1730","rel":"","context":"In "Crossover"","block_context":{"text":"Crossover","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=24"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":46841,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46841","url_meta":{"origin":47025,"position":3},"title":"The First Day of Spring (by Adamfan16)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 6, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0This is an expanded Bonanza Bit I did this spring, to the title prompt. Adam deals with homesickness while away at college. Rating:\u00a0 G Words:\u00a0 550","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":47032,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47032","url_meta":{"origin":47025,"position":4},"title":"Ponderosaville, Or Four Men in Tights #2 (by EileenK)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"April 22, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Director Eileen returns with a request for the Cartwright\u2019s to act in her latest fairytale adventure. Rating and Reader Alert: Rated G (for Goofy).\u00a0 Another wacky Cartwright fairytale. Words: 18,750 Part of Four Men in Tights Series, links included within","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":47606,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47606","url_meta":{"origin":47025,"position":5},"title":"Responsibilities (by MeiraB)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"August 9, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis:\u00a0A brief epilogue to Loss and Legacy, which attempts to clarify Adam's reasons for his life choices. Rating:\u00a0 G Words:\u00a0 1400 Part of Legacy Series, links included within","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47025","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12436"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=47025"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47025\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=47025"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=47025"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=47025"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}