The King is affected much by what this one child has said. Many other children had lost their Dads ...a higher price there is not, giving your life for another. Many had died in defending his castle. And though not all may feel the same way as this child he had just talked to ...nonetheless, some may.

The King feels it is not wise to invite everyone into his throne room ...nor would it be to have them sit on his lap.

But, they could sit on a wagon with him ...hitched to his royal team of horses.

The King smiles, as he thinks of the potential here. He calls his archdukes for a special meeting to discuss his plan.

The King (expressing his imaginative idea): I will sit on a throne of bales of straw at the front of the wagon, facing backwards toward the children. And the children will sit on bales throughout the wagon, facing me ...with also a view of those who will stand outside their homes, waving to the children as my royal horses trot through the village surrounding my castle.

Gabe: Statistically speaking, according to the last census, it would take at least a dozen trips throughout the village to accommodate all the children.

Mich (appearing eager to share his idea): That would be a long wait. How about we combine it with a festival? Those who are waiting their turn, could eat at a huge outdoor banquet table and play games in the field while they are waiting.

The King (looking to Tan, who appears a bit disinterested): Do you have any ideas?

Tan: I think that about covers it for the most part. I will talk with the builders to have them construct an enormous banquet table, and a wagon of the largest possible functional size.

The King: You can cut down some cedars in the swamp. The cedars grow back quickly, and there's adequate lumber for both a banquet table and a wagon. You can leave the branches there for the deer to eat. It will benefit the deer, and us all ...as winter is soon upon us. We have plenty of time to carry out our plan for a beginning of spring festival.

(The winter is a long, cold harsh one ...with lots of snow. But, the promise of spring is now soon upon them, and the King decides to take advantage of a sunny day by taking a long walk to see how the builders are doing. The King finds the building boarded up and vacant ...and no activity can be heard in the swamp. He only hears the sound of footsteps behind him. He does not hesitate to turn around. It is Tan.)

The King: Where are the builders ...and what has happened here??

Tan: Not to worry, the banquet table and your wagon are finished.

The King: But, where are they??

Tan is hesitant, and says nothing at this time.

The King follows the side glance of Tan, looking towards the hills. There are several hills, but in the midst of them all is a towering rock outcrop. It appears nearer than it is, but if one attempts to hike to the top, it is a rather long and tiring journey.

The King (glances about, then focuses his stare on the towering rock outcrop): It appears like there is a large structure at the top, near the rock outcrop. Do you see that?

Tan (smiling): Yes, that is the new workshop for the builders. I convinced them that it would be best to be near the greatest oaks. Oak is a much better building material ...it is much stronger than cedar.

The King: I thought I asked you to use cedar??

Tan: You said I could, not that I had to. And Jack agreed with me. He prefers oak lumber.

The King: Who is Jack?

Tan: He is the main cutter. He has cut down an ample supply of oak. We probably have enough now to last us for years to come. I believe in planning ahead.

The King (sighing): Just as long as the banquet table and wagon are delivered to my castle in two weeks. Everyone seems to be looking forward to the festival ...and I doubt anyone is as eager as me to see the smiling faces and cheerful laughter.