THE BARGAIN
by Abbie Farwell Brown · from Kisington Town
Adapted Version
Harold had a big red book. He went to see the Red King.
Harold read a story to the Red King. The King was happy. He liked the story. He listened to every word.
Harold stopped reading. "I have no more book," he said. The King got angry. "Get the next book!" he shouted.
"I cannot," said Harold. "The rules say no. It is late." The King was very mad. He stamped his foot.
"The next day is church day," said Harold. "I must go. I will come back later." The King listened.
The King was mad. But he said, "Okay. I will wait," he promised.
Harold went home. The people were happy. They were proud of Harold. They had more time.
On Sunday, Harold came back. He had one more book. He carried a white flag for peace.
Harold read more stories. The King listened. He liked the stories very much.
The King said, "The story is good. Now I will fight," he said.
"I have a new story," said Harold. "It is a magic garden story. It is better."
The King wanted to know. "A magic garden?" he asked. "Tell me about it."
"Give me more peace time," said Harold. "I will read it," he said.
The King said yes. "I promise more peace," he said. The city was safe again.
Harold was a hero. People called him the story boy. He saved the day with his stories. All people were happy and safe.
Stories can stop fights and make friends. Stories are strong. Peace is good.
Original Story
VII. THE BARGAIN
You must not suppose that Harold read this whole story to the besieging King without pause. When he reached the end of the first part of the tale, Harold closed the red-and-gold volume and looked up.
"Go on!" urged the Red King. "Why do you stop, boy?"
"It is the end of the volume," said Harold.
Red Rex frowned. "Surely, not the end of the tale!" he cried. "Why, you have stopped short in the middle! That Oscar was up to some trick, I know. I want to hear what happened next."
"I am sorry, Your Majesty," repeated Harold. "It is the end of the volume. The rest of the tale is told in another book."
The Red King's eyes blazed with anger. "Why did you not bring the other book with you?" he roared.
"I was not sure that Your Majesty would like the tale," said Harold. "Besides, they will allow one to take from the library but one book at a time from a set of volumes."
"Then you must return and get the next volume immediately," commanded Red Rex. "I must know what happened to Arthur in his quest of the Dragon. Take the flag of truce and go back to Kisington; and let it not be long ere you return!"
"I am sorry, Your Majesty," said Harold, "but it is too late to take out another book to-day. The rules of the library are very strict."
"Now, did any one ever hear anything so absurd as this!" thundered the Red King, stamping like a bad-tempered child. "What is a mere library, forsooth, to have rules which I may not break?"
"You have rules for your army, do you not?" suggested Harold.
"I should say, verily!" growled Red Rex; "strict, stern rules."
"Well, a library is an army of books," answered Harold; "a peaceful army intended to help people and to make them happy; not to kill them. Our noble Librarian, who is general of a mighty army of books, must have rules as stern and strict to keep his army useful and efficient. If Your Majesty desires the rest of the tale you must wait until to-morrow."
"I will destroy the whole town first!" roared the angry King.
"Then you will never learn the end of the tale," retorted Harold.
It looked as if Harold were in great danger, in spite of the flag of truce. Red Rex stormed and ranted, and his soldiers stood ready with their weapons to do whatever he should bid them. But after a while the warrior's wrath somewhat calmed itself, and shortly he began to chuckle noisily.
"True!" he said. "If I destroy the library I shall not know the end of that tale. That would be a calamity! Well, it is now too late to resume the siege to-day. I may as well continue the truce until to-morrow. But see that you return early in the morning, with the rest of the tale."
Once more Harold shook his head. "I must go to Church to-morrow morning," he replied. "It is Sunday, you know. Surely, you do not fight on Sundays, Your Majesty?"
The Red King looked at him sideways. "I had forgotten Sunday," he said. "I have mislaid my calendar. Now, you remind me,--no, I suppose not. No, I do not fight on Sundays."
"I thought not!" said Harold, relieved. "It would not be quite knightly, would it? I will return to-morrow afternoon, as soon as I have had my dinner; and then we will go on with the story of the Dragon of Hushby. Good day, Your Majesty!"
"Good day!" growled Red Rex, watching him march away between the files of soldiers. "Youngster!" he called after the boy, "be sure you bring back the right volume."
Harold waved his hand in assent.
Now, when Harold told the Librarian and the other Leading Citizens what he had done, they were greatly pleased; for they saw that their city was safe for at least eighteen hours, while their mounted messenger went speeding to King Victor. Harold's chums Robert and Richard were so excited they could not sleep that night. Harold's mother was as proud as a peacock when he told the story to her; though it was with some dread that she looked forward to his return on the morrow into the camp of the fierce besieger. But Harold said:--
"I shall be quite safe, Mother. Never fear! Red Rex is too much interested in my story to hurt me. When he forgets war he is a different man. He is almost pleasant, Mother!"
"What a stupid King he must be to choose war for his pleasure!" said the mother. "But suppose he cannot wait for to-morrow afternoon? Suppose he should decide to take the city and win the library for himself, so that he can read all the books at his leisure. What then?
"Mother," said Harold, "I believe Red Rex has no joy in reading for himself; no more than you have,--though he may not have your excuse."
"La la!" cried the mother. "What a King is that who has no key to the treasury of books! You are richer than he, my son. With all his armies, you are more powerful than he, my dear son!"
On the Sunday, after dinner, Harold's friends escorted him to the gate; and as before he went to the Red King under the flag of truce. In his hand he bore the second volume of red-and-gold. Red Rex received him sulkily, yet with a certain eagerness.
"Well, boy, have you brought the book?" he asked. "I have been thinking of that tale all the night long, all this morning long. Come, let us hear what happened next to Arthur and the Dragon." Then Harold began the second part of the tale. Red Rex kept him at it, and would not let him rest until he had quite finished both the second and the third parts of the story; though Harold had meant to gain time by reading only the former on that occasion.
But when he had quite finished, Red Rex sat up, rubbing his hands together. "It is a good story!" he declared. "That Arthur was a brave fellow. I am glad I did not destroy your library until I had heard about him. But now I can return to the siege without delay. I give you warning, my boy! Do not go back to that doomed town. Desert those peace-lovers and come with me to be a fighter, like Arthur."
"Arthur fought wicked Dragons, not men," said Harold. "I would not desert if I could. I, too, am a peace-lover, and there is too much in Kisington from which I could not part. Besides, I must return this book safe and sound to the library, even if it is to be destroyed soon after, or I shall be fined. My poor mother can ill afford to pay fines for me!"
"But there will be no one left to fine you," retorted the Red King. "The whole city will be destroyed,--the library, the Librarian, the Lord Mayor, and all! What a ruination it will be!" He rubbed his hands gleefully.
Harold shuddered, but he was firm. "What a pity!" he said. "You really should know our Librarian. And there are still many fine books which Your Majesty ought to hear. You will never know them if they be destroyed now; their duplicates exist nowhere."
"There are none so good as the tale you have just finished, I warrant!" cried Red Rex.
"Oh, many far better than that, Your Majesty!" said Harold. "Indeed, that is one of the least important.--Did you ever hear of the Wonder-Garden, Your Majesty?"
"The Wonder-Garden!" echoed the Red King; "no, that I never did. What means a 'wonder-garden,' boy?"
"Ah, that you will never know, for it is another of the secret tales of Kisington," said Harold. "It is all about a Mermaid, and a Lord Mayor's son, and a fair stranger maiden, who--now I bethink me--might be from your own land across the border. The Wonder-Garden was hers."
"A maid from my land, with a wonder-garden!" mused Red Rex. "I would fain learn of her. I dare say there is good fighting in this tale also. Come, boy; will you read me that tale to-morrow?"
"Yes, Your Majesty; if you will give your kingly word that the truce shall last until the story be finished," replied Harold.
"Ho-hum!" the Red King hesitated. He mumbled and he grumbled; he winked and he blinked. But at last he said grudgingly, "Well, I promise. No soldier shall advance, no weapon shall be discharged until I have heard the tale of your Wonder-Garden."
With this promise, Harold joyfully hastened back to the beleaguered city. Kisington was safe for another day! The Lord Mayor and the Librarian shook hands and went to congratulate Harold's mother.
As for Red Rex, he dreamed that Harold had bewitched him with a red-and-gold book; as perhaps he had done. Were not Richard and Robert at that moment clapping Harold on the shoulder and declaring that he was indeed a "Book-Wizard"? This is the tale which Harold read to Red Rex on the following day; the story of The Wonder-Garden.
Story DNA
Moral
Even the fiercest adversaries can be swayed by the power of a good story and the promise of knowledge.
Plot Summary
Young Harold is reading a captivating story to the besieging Red King, but runs out of volumes. He cleverly uses library rules and Sunday observance to delay getting the next book, buying his city precious time. Upon returning with the second volume, he further enthralls the King. When the King threatens to resume the siege, Harold entices him with the promise of an even better, secret story, 'The Wonder-Garden'. The King, unable to resist the lure of a new tale, grudgingly extends the truce again, thus saving Kisington for another day through the power of stories.
Themes
Emotional Arc
tension to relief
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story reflects a pre-modern understanding of warfare, where truces could be negotiated and honored based on personal agreements, and highlights the value placed on literacy and stories in a community.
Plot Beats (14)
- Harold reads the first part of a story to the besieging Red King, who is captivated.
- Harold stops reading, explaining he only brought one volume and the rest of the story is in another book.
- The Red King is furious, demanding the next volume immediately, but Harold explains library rules and the lateness of the hour.
- Harold further explains that tomorrow is Sunday, and he must go to church, delaying his return until the afternoon.
- The Red King, after much anger, agrees to extend the truce until tomorrow afternoon to hear the rest of the tale.
- Harold returns to Kisington, and the citizens are relieved and proud of his cleverness, as it buys them time to send for help.
- On Sunday afternoon, Harold returns to the Red King with the second volume under a flag of truce.
- Harold reads the second and third parts of the story, further engrossing the King.
- Upon finishing, the Red King declares the story good but announces he will now resume the siege.
- Harold, undeterred, tempts the King with the promise of an even better story, 'The Wonder-Garden', which contains secrets of Kisington.
- The Red King is intrigued by the mention of a 'Wonder-Garden' and a maiden from his own land.
- Harold bargains for another truce, promising to read 'The Wonder-Garden' if the King will extend the peace until it's finished.
- The Red King reluctantly agrees to the extended truce, ensuring Kisington's safety for another day.
- Harold returns to Kisington, celebrated as a 'Book-Wizard' for his success in delaying the war with stories.
Characters
Harold ★ protagonist
A young boy, likely of average height and build for his age, with an earnest and determined demeanor. His features are probably soft, reflecting his youth, but capable of conveying seriousness.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing suitable for a young boy in a European town, such as a tunic or shirt, breeches, and sturdy shoes. Nothing ostentatious, reflecting his non-noble status.
Wants: To protect his city, Kisington, and its library from destruction, and to fulfill his duties as a library patron.
Flaw: His youth and physical vulnerability against a powerful army, which he overcomes with wit.
Transforms from a simple boy delivering a message into a diplomatic hero who single-handedly saves his city multiple times through his wit and storytelling.
Clever, brave, resourceful, polite, and responsible. He uses his intelligence and knowledge of stories to outwit a powerful king.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy, around ten years old, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a round, earnest face with bright, intelligent blue eyes and short, neatly combed light brown hair. He wears a simple, cream-colored linen tunic, dark brown breeches, and sturdy leather shoes. He holds a large, ornate red-and-gold bound book in both hands, held close to his chest. His expression is a mix of polite respect and quiet determination. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Red Rex ⚔ antagonist
A large, imposing man, likely with a robust build befitting a warrior king. His presence is commanding and often intimidating, reflecting his quick temper and power.
Attire: Regal but practical warrior attire. Perhaps a heavy, crimson tunic or surcoat over chainmail, with a thick leather belt and sturdy boots. His clothing would be rich in color but designed for battle, possibly adorned with gold or bronze accents.
Wants: To conquer Kisington, but also to satisfy his intense curiosity for stories and entertainment.
Flaw: His insatiable curiosity for stories, which Harold exploits. His quick temper can also be a weakness, making him predictable.
Begins as a fierce, destructive besieger, but is gradually softened and distracted by Harold's storytelling, leading him to postpone his war for the sake of entertainment.
Hot-tempered, impatient, easily angered, but also curious, surprisingly amenable to reason (when it serves his interest), and ultimately a lover of good stories.
Image Prompt & Upload
A large, burly adult man with a formidable presence, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a broad, ruddy face with a thick, neatly trimmed red beard and mustache, and piercing, impatient brown eyes. He wears a heavy, crimson wool tunic with gold embroidery at the collar, a wide leather belt with a large buckle, and dark, sturdy boots. His posture is authoritative, with hands often on his hips or gesturing impatiently. His expression is a mix of sternness and growing curiosity. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Harold's Mother ◆ supporting
A woman of modest means, likely with a caring and somewhat anxious demeanor. Her build would be typical for a woman of her social standing, perhaps a bit worn from daily life.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant or townswoman's clothing, such as a plain linen dress or skirt and bodice, with an apron. Colors would be muted and fabrics durable.
Wants: To ensure her son's safety and the well-being of her family.
Flaw: Her worry for her son's safety.
Remains a constant, supportive figure, her pride in Harold growing as he continues to save the city.
Proud, anxious, practical, loving, and somewhat skeptical of the King's motives. She values knowledge and peace.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult woman, around forty years old, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a kind, slightly lined face with warm brown eyes and dark brown hair pulled back into a neat bun. She wears a simple, long-sleeved grey linen dress with a plain white apron tied at the waist. Her expression is a mix of maternal pride and subtle anxiety. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Librarian ◆ supporting
A man of scholarly appearance, likely slender or of average build, with an air of quiet authority. His features would suggest intelligence and meticulousness.
Attire: Formal but practical scholarly attire, such as a dark, long-sleeved tunic or robe, possibly with a simple collar, and comfortable, sensible shoes. Nothing flashy, but well-maintained.
Wants: To protect the library and its contents, and to uphold its rules.
Flaw: His strict adherence to rules, which Harold must navigate.
Remains a steadfast figure, representing the values of knowledge and order that Harold defends.
Wise, orderly, principled, and dedicated to the preservation of knowledge and the rules of the library. He is a 'general of a mighty army of books'.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult man, around sixty years old, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a thin, intelligent face with wire-rimmed spectacles perched on his nose, calm grey eyes, and neatly combed, thinning grey hair. He wears a long, dark blue wool robe with a simple white linen collar, and dark leather shoes. His posture is upright and composed, with a thoughtful, serene expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Red King's Siege Camp
A military encampment outside the city walls, likely muddy or dusty ground, with soldiers standing ready with weapons. The atmosphere is tense and warlike, but occasionally lightened by the King's childish outbursts.
Mood: Tense, militaristic, but with moments of unexpected calm and curiosity.
Harold reads stories to the Red King, negotiating extensions of the truce.
Image Prompt & Upload
A medieval siege camp at the edge of a forest, with numerous canvas tents pitched on a slightly muddy, well-trodden field. Soldiers in chainmail and surcoats stand in formation, their spears glinting under a bright, overcast sky. In the foreground, a large, ornate royal tent with a crimson banner is partially visible. The ground is churned earth with sparse patches of grass. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Kisington City Gate
The fortified entrance to the city of Kisington, where Harold is escorted by his friends. It serves as the boundary between the besieged city and the Red King's camp.
Mood: Relief, hope, but also underlying tension and dread.
Harold departs from and returns to Kisington, carrying books and news of the truce.
Image Prompt & Upload
A massive, weathered stone city gate, with heavy oak doors reinforced with iron bands, set into a tall, defensive wall. Crenellated battlements rise above the archway, and moss grows in the crevices of the rough-hewn stones. A narrow, muddy path leads away from the gate into the distance under a clear, late afternoon sky. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Kisington Library
A place of strict rules and many books, described as an 'army of books'. It is the source of Harold's power and the object of the Red King's desire.
Mood: Orderly, intellectual, a sanctuary of knowledge.
Harold obtains the books he needs to continue his truce-extending storytelling.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, ancient library interior with towering wooden bookshelves reaching to a vaulted, timber-beamed ceiling. Rows of leather-bound and red-and-gold volumes fill every shelf, casting long shadows in the soft, diffused light filtering through tall, arched stained-glass windows. Dust motes dance in the air, and the scent of old paper and wood is palpable. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.