Once upon a time, there was a miller who had grown old. He had no children but he had three apprentices. So, he said that he would leave his mill to the one who brought him the most beautiful horse.
The three apprentices set off to seek horses. But the two elder ones left Eric, the youngest one, sleeping in a cave while they went off to find their horses first.
Eric awoke to find himself alone and set off down the road sadly. He met a little grey cat on the way. The grey cat said, “I know what you are seeking, Eric. Come with me and work as my servant for seven years, and I’ll give you the most beautiful horse you have ever seen!”
Eric decided to follow the cat. They came to a magical castle that was filled with cat servants. They treated Eric hospitably and he was made very comfortable. Then it was time for him to begin work. He chopped wood and harvested the fields of the grey cat. He even built a cottage for the grey cat.
Seven years went by and Eric continued to serve her very well and worked extremely hard. Then the grey cat showed him her horses; there were twelve beautiful horses in the stables. Eric was thrilled.
The grey cat asked him to return to his mill and she would fetch his horse in three days.
Eric returned and the other two apprentices laughed at him because he had come without a horse. Each of them had brought back a horse. One of the horses was blind and another was lame!
Three days later, a golden coach drawn by six grand horses drew up outside the mill. A seventh horse followed the coach.
A beautiful princess stepped out of the coach and asked for Eric.
“I was the grey cat, Eric,” she said, “You have served me faithfully for seven years. I have come to reward you for your service.”
She dressed him in rich clothes and he looked as handsome as a prince. Then she gave the seventh horse that she had brought to the miller.
The miller gave the mill to Eric, but the princess asked him to keep the mill. She took Eric back to the cottage that he had built for her. It was not a magnificent castle! The princess married Eric and they lived happily ever after.
