The King's Choice

The King continued, "I will announce my decision at a royal banquet to be held the day after tomorrow."

The six councilors nervously looked at one another, realizing the conflict in the date.

One of them (the one that was uninspired) spoke up. "Of-of course, sire," said he, his eyes darting right and left. "We will be there."

At banquet night, the King watched his councilors file in. One, two, three, four, five� Hmm, just five? He called the five councilors before him.

"Where is Lukas?" demanded the King, referring to the youngest councilor.

"He is not here," said one of the councilors (the one given to drink).

"And exactly why would he not attend my banquet?" said the King, his voice rising.

"Apparently he had an engagement," said another, "with a woodcutter."

"A woodcutter?" shouted the King. "Bring Lukas to me at once!"

An hour later, a frazzled Lukas was led before the King's throne.

"Exactly where were you tonight, Lukas," asked the King sternly, pointing his ringed finger at the young man's face, "when I specifically ordered you to attend my banquet?"

"I had accepted an invitation to dine with a woodcutter," said Lukas, as the five councilors tittered, "or so I thought, though when I went there tonight, the cottage that had been there only a few days ago seems to have disappeared."

"Not only do you stand up the King, your own royal liege!" The King was now shouting. "But you do so to attend dinner with a woodcutter, and one whose cottage isn't even there?"

"Sire, I had accepted," is all he could say.

"As I accept you," said the King, his shoulders dropping and his voice softening. He lifted his infant son from his queen's lap and handed the child to his youngest councilor.