rrk©1993

The Knight And The Witch

T his was the age of chivalry when knights in shining armor went on journeys to slay dragons and to protect the weak. One such knight who was still very young was called before the king who was very old and had no queen nor children. The knight bowed to the king, then said, "My goodly king I am at your service."

The king nodded and said, "My good, Sir Youth, I know you have not been a knight for very long and have not yet slain a dragon, yet I have heard that you did save a little boy from the jaws of a wolf. Because of this brave deed, I now award you with the honor of searching the land for a new king."

The knight looked up showing surprise in his eyes. He said to the king, "My lord, we have a king. What would we do with another?"

"True, but not forever am I to rule, you know....I am very old and very tired. It is time to think about a new one," the king said with a sigh. "I feel I do not have much time left on earth"

"But my king, surely there are relatives, one of whom could take your place when the king in heaven calls for you to help him rule."

"Alas, I have none. My poor, dear sister has left earth some five years ago. And her dear daughter kidnaped long before."

"Then let me find the niece for you, my king," the young knight said excitedly. "Why, when returned to you she will give you much joy in your old age and then you will not talk of dying."

The old king rolled his eyes dreamily. "Ah, yes, that would bring untold joy. But, alas, much older and wiser knights years ago searched the land and could not find her. He bowed his head and rubbed his forehead and said sadly, "I fear she's dead."

"Then I shall find proof that she is, or return with your living niece," the young knight said confidently.

"Ah, me, the expression of hopeful youth! But don't bother, my young knight," The king said with tears in his eyes. "I've already told you my most experienced and trusted knights could not. It is hopeless. Just go forth and fetch me one who will rule the country."

"There is always hope, your majesty," the knight reminded him, hoping to restore spirit in the king. "And besides, who could be worthy enough to rule? How would I know? I know only one ruler. He can only be replaced by one of the same blood," the knight said kindly.

The king looked into the knight's eyes. "That is no longer true. My ancestors long line ends with me. Go now and find a new line of kings...."

Her eyes brightened and she radiated a smile─she understood. "Yea, my people, I am the light to lead you through this green, hopeful mist of unchartered time to the second millennium whereupon ideas will shrug off its dark cloak and glow with happy meaning from here into the next thousand years."

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