And although she possessed gold and jewels she was very sad, for the treasure she loved the most of all had been stolen by an evil witch.
The princess cried day and night in her sorrow, until her sobs were heard by a bandicoot hidden deep within the earth.
"I can taste the tears of a princess," the bandicoot said, "her wails are music to my ears.
I shall go to her and offer my services, so she may help me in return."
And the bandicoot clawed his way through all the layers of rock and soil until he finally stood before the princess.
"Don't fear me," the bandicoot said, "I have a gift for you."
And he threw down a crystal, black as tar.
Within this crystal is your salvation and mine.
Look at it and I will help you find your treasure and in return you shall help me.
But remember, Nothing is free and this gift will cost you dearly.
The princess dried her silver tears and picked up the crystal of spells.
He is the one you've been praying for, her sad heart whispered, the fates have been kind.
Accept this gift no matter what the cost so you may recover your lost treasure.
"I am powerful buy not almighty," the bandicoot said, "I cannot fight alone.
Will you be strong enough to follow me?
There will be hardship if you walk in my footsteps, the path is lined with thorns.
Will you accept the pain?
Once you begin this journey you must not stop until the task is finished.
"For the love of my dearest treasure I will follow you wherever yo go," the princess said.
"I will endure any pain, I will walk on broken glass, I will endure the unendurable.
Do with me as you will.
Do it for the treasure, her sad whispered.
Do it for the most valuable thing you've ever possessed.
Without it your life is meaningless.