harmed were running past them towards safety, and all of the children were tempted to join them. But they thought of how angry the Great Prince would be with them if they moved a muscle, and stayed still, paralyzed with fright. Eventually, the panic died, but they remained frozen.

Three hours must have passed before they felt that it was safe to move again. They got to their feet shakily, and heard the bleating call of three separate does coming closer. Each child recognized their name, and they ran in the direction of the calls. They were reunited with their mothers and the Great Prince. The triplets were embraced by Faline, and Luria and Vino were kissed by their mothers. They all turned to the Great Prince and bent their heads in gratitude and respect.

“Thank you, Noble Prince Bambi,” the mothers of Luria and Vino said in hushed tones. They let their children nestle against them for comfort, and then went off to their homes. Faline remained with the Great Prince. Her children watched as she kissed him slowly on the mouth, whispering a sincere thank you. Bambi returned her kiss, and the triplets understood that they were looking at their father, the most powerful deer in the forest.

As they were led home, they were silent and thoughtful. They wondered if they would ever see their father again, and if the conditions would be better.