Merida was more excited then she'd ever been in her life. She climbed all through the rigging, not able to keep still for more than a moment. She jumped into the eagle's nest and asked to look through the spy glass. She saw the kingdom of Corona up close and it was wonderful!

After a good long look she climbed back down the rigging and, swiftly, paced along the deck; her fiery red hair bouncing around as she walked. The closer the shore got the more excited Merida became.

"Come on…" She whispered to herself.

Couldn't this ship go any faster? She asked herself. She decided to go pack up her things so they would be ready to unload when the ship pulled into the harbor. She ran below deck and into her room. She threw all her stuff into trunks; she had never been a neat packer like her mother. She saw her bow in the corner of her eye and had a mischievous little idea.

She finished packing and grabbed her bow and quiver. She informed the servants that her things were ready to unload and made her way back on deck. She crawled out onto the very tip of the bow and stood up. Drawing an arrow and pulling back the string, she steadied herself as best she could. Not wanting to fall in.

"What are you doing, princess?" A man called.

"I'm giving Corona a wee greeting!" She replied. She loosed the arrow that was aimed at a vender's cart in the middle of the town. They were close enough, now, that she hit her mark.

Her arrows were emblazoned with the DunBroch symbol and she had wanted to let everyone know that she was here, and ready to wreak some havoc. The effect was not as wondrous as she'd hoped. People screamed and took cover as the king and queen was informed.

"Princess Merida," The captain scolded, as she walked back to the center of the ship; arms swinging at here sides. "That was entirely inappropriate and very childish. I have been asked to make sure you act properly on this trip. I am completely within my rights to turn this ship around and take you strait home,"

Merida had a look of defiance on her face "It's just a wee arrow. There was no need to react the way they did,"

The captain simply looked at her until she relented. She was too excited for this adventure to push her luck now that she was here.

"I'm sorry, it won't happen again. I promise" The promise was empty but, as long as it kept all the stuffy adults off her back while she went treasure hunting, that was okay with her.

The ship pulled into the harbor and the gang plank was set in place. Merida sprinted down it and off into the crowd that had gathered to see the visitor. She looked back, for only a moment to make sure none of the guards or servants were following her, and ran all through the kingdom. She loved exploring new places and seeing new people, she had planned on going off on her treasure hunt right away but, her map was packed away in one of her trunks.

As Merida got tired, and the sun began to set, she made her way to the castle. Everyone else was doing the same; closing up shops and ushering children inside. Her mother had told her that if she was to go on this quest she also had to make good bonds with the kingdom. It was part of her training to, one day, be queen.

She told the guards at the front door who she was and they let her in. The castle was huge and magnificent! It was so much nicer than the one at DunBroch. Everything in DunBroch looked old and historic, with the exception of all Merida's new dresses but, here everything was polished and shiny and new looking.

Merida sauntered through the main hall and up to the throne. She examined the intricate sun designs etched into the marble. It was a wonderful castle and a wonderful throne.

"I trust you enjoyed seeing the town for the first time," A soft voice said behind her.

She jumped and turned, causing her hair to fly all over the place. What met her eyes, she thought, could only have been an angel. She was slender with long brown hair. It was the queen.

"Oh, yes. Thank you very much for letting me stay here." Merida curtsied then looked back into the queen's gorgeous green eyes.

"Of course!" She said stepping closer to Merida, as if to hug her "We love to have guests."

"I'm not sure where my room is. Could you have someone show me?" Merida asked tentatively.

"I'll show you myself." The queen replied, grabbing Merida's hand and dragging her down the hall to her left.

Merida took in all she could while, practically, flying down the hall way. She wasn't sure she would be able to find her way out again. They made to many turns, to quickly, for her to remember where they were going.

When the queen, finally, slowed her pace they stopped in front of a simple, yet, elegant white and purple door.

"Here you are," the queen said. "I hope you find the room to your liking. If you need anything just pull the rope in the corner and a servant will come."

"Thank you very much, your majesty." Merida replied, curtsying.

The queen did the same and walked away. Merida faced the door and pushed it open. It was surprisingly heavy for a bedroom door but, not a problem for Merida. When she first saw the room she knew it was perfect. It wasn't like the rest of the castle. It looked as if it had been specially made for her visit. All her weapons had been laid out on a table, and someone had hung her "adventure dresses", as she liked to call them, in the wardrobe.

She spotted the rope, which the queen had mentioned, in the corner. She walked to it and stood there for a moment.

"The only thing I need is to find that treasure," Merida said to herself.

She changed into a dark dress, to blend in with the night, and tied her hair up in a bun. She pulled a black hat over her hair and tucked the fly-a-ways into it. Picking up her bow, that she had placed on the table with her other weapons, she felt a rush of excitement. She tied her quiver to her waist and strapped her sword to her back.

When she was all set to head off on a daring quest she slowly opened the window. She knew that the captain would never allow her to go off on her own at night but, she wanted to so badly.

Luckily her room was on the ground floor so she didn't need to climb down the slick walls. She jumped out the window and onto the dirt below. She had crushed a few flowers in the process but, she didn't care much.

Merida was amazed at how many guards there were all over the castle grounds. She slipped past at least 10 of them before reaching the stables, where they were keeping Angus.

"Hello there, Angus." Merida whispered "Are you ready for an adventure?"

Angus seemed on edge and Merida wasn't sure why. Then she realized that Angus probably didn't recognize her in her night camouflage. She pulled off her hat, and let her hair down.

"See?" She said petting his mane "It's just me. Now let's get out of here."

She untied him and jumped on his back. However she had forgotten to replace her hat and her hair flew around her like a dancing fire.

When she was out of hearing range of the village she let out a laugh to rival all others; a laugh of jubilance and happiness and sheer delight. She was free, and ready to find that treasure.