The Forgotten Prince

Long ago in a realm far, far away, there was a kingdom ruled by seven princes and seven princesses. Each member of this royal family was incredibly adept at a variety of things, quickly becoming legends within the country they protected. The youngest of the family was a prince who's name has now been long forgotten. He lived in the shadow of his siblings, often unnoticed by both the people and his family.

The little prince performed legendary feats worthy of song and legend, but yet he was overshadowed by his siblings. Whatever deed the prince performed, it was always assumed one of his brothers or sisters did the deed, and thus, be given the credit. This happened often in the prince's life, but one moment of stolen glory changed his future dramatically.

When a great and fierce dragon threatened the realm, the forgotten prince traversed to its lair and defeated it. By right, the dragon's hoard was now his, but his family thought otherwise. They each laid claim on part of the hoard, taking credit for the destruction of the monster. By the end, when every member of the household took their share, all that remained was but a simple burlap sack.

The prince reached into the sack, pulling out a little teddy bear. It was a surprising and thoroughly emotional moment when the forgotten prince realized that this used to be his teddy bear. As a child, he adored his little stuffed animal, but as he became an adult, he had forgotten all about it. Reaching into the sack again he pulled out a second object; a comb that his sister had lost but a fortnight ago. Curious, the prince crawled into the burlap sack and came upon what would become his new home.

The Castle of Lost Things stood within an ancient forest in an unknown land. The castle was filled with wonders long forgotten. Be they powerful artifacts or mundane items, they all had one thing in common; no one noticed their absence. It was here the prince realised that he was home. He decided to stay here and become lord of the castle.

To this day the Forgotten Prince still dwells in his Castle of Lost Things. No one ever noticed he was gone, and no one remembers his name or his deeds. And despite this, he is content in his self imposed rule over this land no one remembers.

When you forget something you love, or when something you need is nowhere to be found, it's because the Forgotten Prince has taken it for his hoard.