Chapter I
The town was under attack from bandits and the villagers had been threatened with the burning of their crops.
Three horsemen from the village rode to Bock Rock, Luxembourg castle, to beg for help from the King, His Highness Benoit, and her Royal Highness, Queen Elisabeth. The horsemen were nervous, for it was notorious throughout the land that the King did not look kindly upon uninvited visitors. Yet it was a desperate situation. If the bandits were not stopped, then the villagers would be left without food, and they would starve.
Peter, the leading horseman, as they approached the palace, rode defiantly up to the Palace guards.
“We are here to see the King.”
He demanded of them.
“We have received no instruction to let anybody in.” was the solemn reply.
“I beg of you. An audience with his Majesty is imperative. The village is under attack. We must speak with him now.”
One of the palace guards, with one look at Peter, and seeing the importance of the situation, said he would go and see what he could do.
Peter and his horsemen waited impatiently outside. After an hour, the palace guard returned.
“Permission has been granted. Yet only to one of you.”
Peter stepped forward.
“I will go.” He turned to his horsemen.
“Wait here. However long I am, do not leave. I will return.”
The horsemen nodded, relieved that Peter was being granted an audience.
As Peter walked across the palace grounds, he marveled at their majestic beauty, the perfectly arranged flower gardens, and the ornate waterfalls.
He entered into a grand hallway, with chandeliers, and beautiful smelling lily flowers arranged in large china vases throughout the room.
The King Benoit and his Queen Elisabeth sat in their thrones at the back of the hallway. Their two sons, Marco and Ines stood beside them. Peter could not help but look at the two boys with interest, for it was known throughout the Kingdom of the rivalry that existed between the two brothers, Marco, the eldest wild and untamed, and his younger brother Ines, the perfect Prince. Although the Palace went to great lengths to keep the inner affairs of the palace a secret from the public, gossip traveled far and wide. Without forgetting his task, Peter defiantly walked toward the King and Queen.
Peter bowed on his knees before them.
“Your Highness, your Highness’, he nodded to them both.
“I beseech your pardon for my sudden visit. Yet we need your help. The village is under attack from bandits, and if they are not stopped the crops will be burnt and the villagers will starve. I beg of you your Majesty, please help us.”
There was a long pause. Silence filled the room.
Finally, the King spoke.
“Yes, yes, this does indeed seem a distressing situation.” He turned to the Queen.
“Would you not agree my darling?”
“Indeed. We cannot leave the villagers to starve.”
“No no, absolutely not.”
The King turned to Peter.
“We will help. I will leave this in the hands of the capable Prince Ines. You can expect an army of men by sundown. Be sure to meet them by the bridge. That is all. You may go.”
“Thank you your Majesty. I leave you with my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the villagers.”
Peter turned to leave. Just as he was exiting the hall doorways he heard the King’s voice.
“Your name please.”
Peter turned.
“Peter.”
“Very well. That is all.”
Peter returned to his horsemen, now waiting in the palace courtyard.
He could not keep the smile from his face.
“Quick, we must return to the village immediately. The King has agreed to help. He is sending an army of men before sundown.”
“Yes Peter! Well done!” His horsemen slapped him on the back, and together they rode back to the village.
Chapter II
“Well, what a play of events. I wonder who these bandits are and why they are attacking the village.” Queen Elisabeth turned to her two sons and
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