The journey back to the land was still a long way, and all of a sudden, they encountered a storm. ALTHOUGH none of them were harmed. The ship lost its track and reached another continent on a faraway land, unknown to them.
The ship was so badly damaged that it could no longer support the journey, so Alan gave some gold coins to the captain and went away on his steed.
Alan rode on for days,and weeks only stopping for water and food when they needed it.On one fine day he stopped to drink water and feed his steed.Thats when he heard some horses coming in.He moved closer ,and saw that a group of bandits cornered a woman and was trying to steal her of her belongings.This scene angered the young prince and so he jumped into it.He was a superior swordsman and defeated them easily.He killed two of them and left one of them to run away,never to return.The woman was happy to be saved so he invited the prince to her village.
Alan needed a break and was a bit tired from travelling so he needed a bit of break and so he accepted the offer.He reached the village.Although small it was a nice decent habitat.
The woman introduced her savior to the village and her husband, then took him to their home.They were a kind family,consisting of a man ,his wife and a baby girl,who let them stay at their house.
While he was there ,he overheard the couple's conversation. THE man was trying to console his wife. Alan thought something was off, so he asked them.They were hesitant at first, but then he assured them of any liability.
The wife left their home to go into the forest to sacrifice her and make an offering for the monster of the forest.Alan asked what happened to which she replied he will come for me.What will happen to my family once I die?
ALAN assured her and asked her, "who?Who will take you?
.She replied, "Dullahan.
What is a Dullahan ?asked Alan.
The man replied," No, you are our guest. How can I run your life?
But Alan wanted to help them, and he insisted that they should tell him more about this being.The man then went on to describe it
"This sinister being appears as a man or a woman riding upon a black horse, but the rider has no head upon their shoulders.The Dullahan carries its head under its arm; the head appears dead and rotten with a demonic grin spread across its face from ear to ear.Dullahan is carries a whip made from a human spine. Sometimes he would pull a small wagon decorated with funerary items such as candles in the skull that illuminates the road, the spokes of the wheels are made of femurs, and the wagon is covered in cloaks of dried human skins bitten by worms. When Durahan stops at a place, a person must die there, and when Dullahan calls the person's name, the person dies immediately. There is no way to block Dullahan's path; when they approach, all the locks and doors will open for them. They like being watched while running errands, they like to pour a bowl of blood on those who dare to do so, usually indicating that they are the next to die and they even like to lash the eye of the beholder with a whip. However, they are afraid of gold, and even a golden needle can drive a Dullahan away.According to stories ,by the locals.They often prefer not to roam around dusky forest or abandoned roads at night.
One night, his wife had to go out in the forest to collect some herbs.So she took a flambeau.
The woman was shaking but began to explain her encounter. "I was collecting the herbs when I heard a dragging sound,followed by the sounds of a galloping horse.I tried to look ,what it was.And what I saw,scared me so much that I fainted on the spot.I am sure that the creature I saw that night is none other than the Dullahan.
Can't it be killed ?asked Alan. Is there any way to hunt it down? Is it possible?
The husband replied, No its impossible, but we did hear the legend that it can be killed only if you remove its head and burn its head."""""" But who would dare to confront it,his sheer face brings bad luck and death.
Alan assured them."I need to find it then. Just tell me where to find it?.
No, you cannot, we can not sacrifice anyone for it. It wants me i have to go,replied the woman.
Alan assured her that hes a warrior, and it is his duty to protect those who can't protect themselves or ste vulnerable, and even if he can't kill that thing it would bring meaning to his path.
Although hesitant, the woman agreed to take help from Alan. And, after a brief conversation, Alan took his steed and went looking for it.
As he was moving through the forest, he saw an old man laying down on the side of the road,he was thirsty and needed water immediately. Alan stopped and climbed off his horse.
He searched around and found a small watering home. He fetched up some water using a hollow chunk of bamboo and gave it to the old man.
Thank you! you came in a day,where i needed help the most. I list my way, and got tired after searching for water,said the sage.
It was my responsibility to help people in need,if you are ok,i can drop you home, "replied Alan.
The old man suddenly stood up,looking bold and strong and converted into a majestic wizard,
No,i lived here,no worries, "said the wizard. I only did this to test you,i know you are going for the Dullahan. Here, take this arrows, and this bow ,the arros can light fires and would be great use to you.
The young prince was shocked. What? Who are you? He said in a demeaning voice.
The wizard laughed at Alan and replied, "You don't have to know it. Take this and do not look behind when you leave."
Alan was a bit scared, but he took the arrows and rode his horse ,although wanting to look behind,but he was scared and went off into the jungle.
There, in a moonless light,he reached the place where she last saw her.He waited patiently for it to show up but there was still no sign of it. Then there came a sound, it sounded like a horse's neigh , it was a horse chariot and in it was Dullahan.He took out his sword.But then he remembered that the sage he met earlier on his quest ,gave him few arrows that could light fires.He decided to try it.
He screamed loudly to get its attention so that the Dullahan would go after him.
He stood hidden behind a tree waiting for the perfect opportunity.As the Dullahan went past him, he fired the arrows ,the creature screamed in agony and rage. And came charging after him.
Luckily for him after a wild goose chase, one arrow took on in the wheels, and chariot turned over. And the horses stuck with the fallen chariot Diego found his way.
Alan jumped on his chariot at once, and seeing the right moment, he went for the head and tore it apart. The magic of the horses were down too,as they turned to stone at once.
But the dullahan would not die that easily,even without its head,it was running around,so Alan reached towards the fire that was burning and threw the head in it.Aaahhhhhh!The creature screamed as it got burned down to dust.
He returned happily back to the village and told the woman that she could now rest because he had killed Dullahan.
ALAN became a means of celebration around the village. The villagers applauded him and arranged a feast in his honour.