Not so very long ago, in a cozy little village, lived two boys. One was named Ferdinand, and he was always kind and ready to help. People called him Faithful Ferdinand. The other boy was also named Ferdinand, but he was often grumpy and didn't like to share. Let's call him Unfaithful Ferdinand, just so we know who's who.

One sunny morning, they decided to go on an adventure. Unfaithful Ferdinand grumbled, "You carry the heavy bag, Faithful Ferdinand!" And kind Ferdinand did. As they walked, a little bird sang from a tree. "Chirp, chirp! Faithful Ferdinand," it sang, "take this shiny key! It will bring you good luck!"

Faithful Ferdinand took the key. Soon, they saw a big, old castle. The key fit perfectly in the lock! Inside, in a quiet stable, stood a beautiful, shining white horse. "This horse is for you, Faithful Ferdinand," a soft voice seemed to whisper. So, he hopped on.

He rode on, with Unfaithful Ferdinand trailing behind, still grumbling. They came to a tall tower. A lovely princess waved from the window. "Oh, brave rider!" she called. "If you ever need me, take this feather pen. Write my name, Liana, and I will appear!"

Later, when they stopped to rest, Unfaithful Ferdinand snatched the pen. "What's this for?" he sneered. "It's to call Princess Liana," Faithful Ferdinand explained. Quick as a wink, Unfaithful Ferdinand wrote "Liana." Poof! The princess appeared. "You called me?" she asked. "Yes, my dear! I rescued you!" Unfaithful Ferdinand fibbed, pushing Faithful Ferdinand aside.

They all went to the King, Liana's father. The King looked at Unfaithful Ferdinand. "Hmm," he said. "If you are so brave, you must prove it." Princess Liana, who knew something was fishy, whispered, "Ask him to find my lost ring. It fell into the deep blue sea."

Unfaithful Ferdinand stomped his foot. "How can I do that?" Faithful Ferdinand felt sad. His white horse nuzzled him. "Don't worry," the horse seemed to say with its wise eyes. "Go to the sea and call the fish." Faithful Ferdinand did. A big fish swam up with the shiny ring in its mouth! He gave it to Unfaithful Ferdinand, who proudly presented it to the King.

"Very well," said the King. "But now, you must defeat the scary dragon that breathes fire near our town!" Unfaithful Ferdinand turned pale. Again, the white horse helped Faithful Ferdinand. "Take three of my white hairs," it neighed. "They will protect you." Faithful Ferdinand bravely faced the dragon. He held up the hairs, and the dragon’s fire just fizzled out! He gently asked the dragon to please move to a faraway mountain, and it did! He gave the good news to Unfaithful Ferdinand, who boasted to the King, "I scared it away!"

The King was about to let Unfaithful Ferdinand marry Princess Liana. But Liana stepped forward. "Wait, Father!" she said. "It was Faithful Ferdinand and his wonderful white horse who helped me and did these brave deeds! Unfaithful Ferdinand only told stories!" The white horse nodded its head proudly. The King saw the truth in Liana's eyes and in Faithful Ferdinand's kind face.

So, Unfaithful Ferdinand was sent away to think about his actions. And Faithful Ferdinand, the truly brave and kind one, married Princess Liana. They lived happily, always remembering the wise white horse and the little bird who started it all.

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