The Magic Tree Trunks

In answer he told her about the king and how he had lost his wife.

"Indeed, I have the same situation as your master," replied the lady. "I was once married to a mighty king who ruled over this land, until pirates came and killed him and put all the people to death. But I managed to escape, and hid myself here with my daughter."

The daughter whispered, "Mother, are you speaking the truth?"

"Remember your promise," the mother angrily whispered to her, giving her a pinch which the Prime Minister did not see.

"What is your name, then, madam?" asked he.

"Blauvor," she replied, "and my daughter's name is Lineik." After this they talked of many things. The Prime Minister was so impressed by her beauty, charm and worldliness that he soon persuaded her to return with him on his ship and to marry the king.

As they looked back at the island from the shipe, they could see that the island was completely barren and deserted and not fit for people to live in, but about that nobody cared. They had a speedy voyage home, and in six days they reached land. At once the Prime Minister sent a messenger on ahead to the capital, to inform the king of what he had found.

When his Majesty's eyes fell on the two beautiful women, clad in dresses of gold and silver, he forgot his sorrows and ordered preparations for the wedding to be made at once.

After the marriage, the king could no longer make any decision by himself. His wife had to be consulted on all matters. She attended all his council meetings, and her opinion was asked before making peace or war. Yet the king could not help noticing something strange. Whenever anyone disagreed with the new queen, for example, that person soon disappeared without a trace. He also noticed that many people at court were keeping a distance from his new wife. Especially his two children.

One day, the queen insisted that his two children must move out of the castle altogether.