XIX: the RED KING'S VISIT
by Abbie Farwell Brown · from Kisington Town
Adapted Version
Once, a boy named Harold loved stories.
The Red King told a good story. He wore a big red ring. "You tell good stories!" said Harold. "I wish I could know like you."
The Red King smiled. "I tell stories to my girl," he said. "I want to tell her your stories."
"Come see our book room," said Harold. "We can go with a white flag for peace."
Harold and the Red King walked into the town. Many people watched them. Harold's friends were there too. They walked close behind.
The Mayor and the book keeper said hello. They talked and smiled. Their talk was friendly.
The book keeper welcomed the Red King. "Welcome to our book room," he said. "Books keep us safe."
The Red King looked at the books. "Books are strong," he said. "They are strong."
Inside, the Red King saw many books. "Wow! So many books!" he said. "They are a good army."
The book keeper was kind. "You can read all books," he said. "They are for all."
The Red King was happy. "Let's be friends," he said. "No more war." He shook hands with all.
"Harold made peace with books," said the Red King. He shook hands with Harold's friends too.
The Red King sent his soldiers home. "I will stay and read," he said. The soldiers went home.
The Red King saw so many books. "So many stories!" he said. He was very happy.
Harold read a story to the Red King. His friends listened too. All smiled.
Books bring peace and friends. Peace is happy.
Original Story
XIX: THE RED KING'S VISIT
"That is a fine story!" cried Harold, clapping his hands after the Red King had finished telling the tale of the Little Bear. "I wish I could remember all the tales that I read, and tell them as well as you do, Your Majesty!"
Red Rex looked pleased. "It is a tale that, when I am not at war, I tell often to my little daughter," he said. "She likes all kinds of stories, but especially those of countries different from our own."
"Then she ought to hear the Tales of Kisington!" cried Harold.
"So I think," mused Red Rex. "I would that you could read them to her, even as you have read them to me, Harold."
"Perhaps some day that may be," answered Harold. "But meantime Your Majesty may hear our tales and tell them to your little Princess when you return. She will like your way of telling them better than reading from a book, I know."
"Yes, I must read those tales again, at your library," said the Red King. "I must study them well, so that I can tell them without losing the point of each, as I am prone to do. My little Hope will be glad. Heretofore, I have never had time enough to read her as much as she craved."
"The library will welcome you," said Harold. "I can answer for that. It would rather have you inside its doors reading than outside battering down the statues and the glass! Will Your Majesty come with me now and visit the Town of Kisington under the flag of truce?"
"That will I," answered Red Rex.
Forth then went Harold and the Red King to the gates of Kisington. Side by side they went, with the flag of truce between them, borne by a big man-at-arms. After them followed a guard of the Red King's men; but these remained behind when the great gate swung open to admit Harold and his royal guest.
There were no soldiers to be seen anywhere in the streets of Kisington. It seemed a town wholly at peace. The Lord Mayor and the Librarian were waiting to receive them, and crowds of people thronged the street to catch a glimpse of the War-Lord, who for nearly a week had been besieging their city without firing a shot since that first day. Harold recognized among the crowd the faces of many of his school-mates, and presently, when he found the opportunity he beckoned to his chums, Robert and Richard, who were in the front ranks.
"Keep close to me," Harold whispered to them. "By and by I dare say you will have a chance to speak with Red Rex himself."
Robert and Richard needed no second hint to keep close at Harold's heels. Proudly they stepped along, one on either side of their friend, behind the Red King and the Lord Mayor who followed the Librarian and the bearer of the flag of truce. To the marketplace they went, the other school children trotting along in the rear of the little procession, and gazing with almost as much pride and awe at their lucky comrades as at the dreaded enemy, Red Rex. Indeed, the whole Town of Kisington seemed moving in the wake of these six most important personages.
What conversation took place between Red Rex and the Lord Mayor was never recorded. But it seemed to grow gradually pleasanter and pleasanter. By the time they had reached the steps of the library, their faces were wreathed in smiles and they beamed at each other like old friends.
At the door of the library the Librarian turned and, with a wave of his hand, said to Red Rex,--"Welcome, Your Majesty, to the treasure-house of Kisington."
"Glad am I to enter these doors," replied the Red King courteously. "For here, I believe, live the wonderful books which during these past days have been giving me much pleasure." He laid his hand on the shoulder of Harold and smiled. One would hardly have recognized the face of the grim War-Lord who had begun the siege so savagely. "I would fain see those friendly books in their own home," he went on.
"That you shall do, Your Majesty," said the Librarian; "for Kisington is so proud of her treasures that she is ever glad to welcome a stranger to the enjoyment of them. Is it not fortunate, Your Majesty, that the library is still standing to entertain you? Recently it was in great danger of being destroyed, as you may have heard." (The Librarian was an exceedingly polite gentlemen.)
At these words the Red King turned redder and bowed gravely. "The Books themselves rose up for the protection of books," he said. "They have proved in this case to be the best weapons of defense. I am beginning to think that they are better than any soldiers."
By this time they had entered the main hall, where a delegation of Leading Citizens awaited them,--in holiday robes and with expectant faces. They greeted Red Rex with profound bows, which he acknowledged graciously.
The Librarian then turned to the rows of patient, peaceful books which lined the walls, ready to be made useful. "Yes, Your Majesty. These are our bulwarks and batteries and bayonets," he said simply.
The air of the room was still and quiet, full of peace and kindliness. Beautiful pictures looked down from the walls. Noble statues stood in the niches. Soft lights came in at the windows and fell on the tables and desks, and on rows upon rows of fair volumes, well-dusted and cheerful. The shattered windows had been screened; the broken marbles removed; so that there was nothing to reproach Red Rex or to speak of discord.
The War-Lord looked up and down and around and along, and spoke no word. All the books seemed listening, waiting for him to speak. They were indeed like soldiers, shoulder to shoulder, standing at "attention."
"It is a noble army!" exclaimed Red Rex at last, and his voice was low and gentle. "It is the best kind of army for the world, I see, as I have never seen before. I would it were mine!"
"It is yours, Your Majesty," said the Librarian. "You have but to make free use of it. These soldiers are free-lances, at the service not of one master, but of any one who employs them intelligently. Read them, Your Majesty, and so make them yours, if you will." The Librarian spread out his hands in a generous gesture.
"By my Hope, you are hospitable and magnanimous!" cried Red Rex. "I am tempted to take you at your word. Come, let there be no more war between us. Let us make no brief truce, but agree, instead, upon a true, lasting peace. Already I have promised this Harold of yours to spare the city, east, west, and north,--which is the whole of it. But come; promise me now to spare me the scorn and hatred which you owe for my unfriendliness. Let us spare each other and be friends. For I would know more of your books and of your people."
"Good, Your Majesty!" cried the Lord Mayor, stepping forward. "By all means let there be peace. We have no wish for anything else. Our hastily gathered soldiers are eager to return again to private life. Send away your army, and let peace be proclaimed with no more formality than our true words given each to other in this library, with the witness of the books."
"Done!" shouted Red Rex. "Here is my hand on it!" And he shook hands first with the Lord Mayor, then with the Librarian, then with the other Leading Citizens. Harold and his chums were standing modestly a little way apart. He called the boy to his side and laid an arm affectionately about his shoulder. "Here is your true peacemaker," said Red Rex. "If Harold had not been so good a reader, I should never have been here in peace with you at this moment. To Harold and his books I owe the vision of what a library really is."
"Your Majesty," said Harold promptly, "will you also shake hands with Richard and Robert? It will make them very proud."
"That will I!" cried Red Rex. And he not only shook hands, but clapped the boys on the shoulder, calling each by name; which was a thing for them to remember all their lives.
"Now!" announced the Red King, taking a large seal ring from his finger and handing it to his soldier who bore the flag of truce. "Take this ring, and go back to my army; bid the generals lead their men home, and busy themselves in some useful work until my return. For as for me, I shall remain for a space in this peaceful city, in this peaceful Kingdom, to learn something further of its ways and wonders, which interest me hugely."
The soldier saluted and retired. And shortly after was heard beyond the walls the tramp, tramp of a retreating army. The Red King was alone in Kisington, among the books.
Little cared he for what went on outside. He was carried away by the fascination of a world new to him. The Librarian led him from room to room, from stack to stack, from shelf to shelf of tempting books. The Red King was fairly bewildered by the opportunities offered. He wanted to read all the volumes at once.
"I never dreamed there were so many books in the world!" he cried. "How can a man live long enough to read them all, if he does nothing else all his days?"
"Do you wonder we have no time for war, Your Majesty?" asked the Librarian.
"No more war for me!" declared Red Rex. They had reached a division of the books labeled in huge letters OUTLAND TALES. The Red King laid his hand upon a volume bound in green-and-silver, like ice. "This has a tempting look," said Red Rex. "Are these also Chronicles of Kisington?"
"Yes, in a sense," answered the Librarian. "The deeds here recorded happened not in our Kingdom; yet, being tales gathered by our forbears in their travels around the world, to and from Kisington, they had a part in our history. They helped our fathers the better to understand and sympathize with the stranger, and so made for the peace which they loved."
"This is a story for me," declared Red Rex, who had been peeping into the ice-bound volume. "I would fain hear another tale interpreted by my little friend. Harold, will you read me this story, as you have read so many ere now? I long to hear your pleasant voice again."
"I will read whatever Your Majesty wishes," replied Harold. "Shall we go into this alcove where we shall be quite undisturbed and undisturbing?"
"By all means," said Red Rex. And here, in a cozy comer under one of the great windows, with Richard and Robert on either side of him, Harold read to the delighted King the Icelandic tale of The Bear's Daughter.
Story DNA
Moral
Books and stories can foster understanding and peace, transforming enemies into friends.
Plot Summary
After a young boy named Harold reads him stories, the Red King, a war-lord besieging Kisington, agrees to visit the city's library under a flag of truce. Inside, the Red King is deeply impressed by the vast collection of books and the peaceful atmosphere, which the Librarian describes as the city's true defense. Moved by this experience and the hospitality, the Red King declares a lasting peace, sends his army home, and decides to remain in Kisington to learn from its books, acknowledging Harold as the true peacemaker. The story concludes with Harold reading another tale to the now-transformed Red King.
Themes
Emotional Arc
conflict to peace
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects an early 20th-century American idealization of education and literature as tools for peace and understanding, potentially as a response to or contemplation of conflict.
Plot Beats (14)
- Harold praises the Red King's storytelling and wishes he could remember tales as well.
- The Red King expresses his desire to tell Kisington's tales to his daughter, Hope.
- Harold invites the Red King to visit the Kisington library under a flag of truce.
- Harold and the Red King, accompanied by guards and the flag of truce, enter Kisington, observed by curious citizens and Harold's friends.
- The Lord Mayor and Librarian greet them, and the Red King's conversation with the Lord Mayor becomes increasingly friendly.
- At the library, the Librarian welcomes the Red King, subtly referencing the library's near destruction and the books' role in its defense.
- The Red King acknowledges the books as powerful 'weapons of defense' and expresses his desire to see them.
- Inside the main hall, the Red King is awed by the peaceful, well-preserved library and declares the books a 'noble army' and 'the best kind of army for the world'.
- The Librarian offers the books freely to the Red King, emphasizing their universal service.
- Moved, the Red King proposes a lasting peace, shaking hands with the Lord Mayor, Librarian, and Leading Citizens.
- The Red King credits Harold and his books as the true peacemakers and shakes hands with Harold's friends.
- The Red King sends his army home, declaring he will remain in Kisington to learn from its books.
- The Red King is overwhelmed by the vastness of the library and its 'Outland Tales'.
- Harold reads the Icelandic tale of *The Bear's Daughter* to the delighted Red King, with his friends by his side.
Characters
Harold ★ protagonist
A young boy, likely of average height and build for his age, with a friendly and earnest demeanor. His features would be typical of a child from a European, possibly English or Danish, town of the late 19th or early 20th century.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing suitable for a schoolboy in a European town, such as a sturdy wool or tweed jacket, knee-length trousers (knickerbockers), a button-down shirt, and perhaps a tie or bow. His shoes would be leather, well-worn but clean.
Wants: To share the joy and wisdom of books, to promote peace, and to protect his city and its treasures.
Flaw: His youth might be seen as a weakness, as he is a child in a world of adults and war, but he overcomes this with his intellect and courage.
Begins as a boy reading to a besieging king and transforms into a pivotal peacemaker, demonstrating the power of intellect and kindness over force. He earns the respect and admiration of a formidable war-lord.
Intelligent, articulate, diplomatic, kind, and brave. He demonstrates a deep love for stories and reading, and a remarkable ability to influence powerful figures through peaceful means.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has light brown hair neatly parted on the side, bright blue eyes, and fair skin with a thoughtful expression. He wears a sturdy tweed jacket, a white button-down shirt, a dark red bow tie, and knee-length grey knickerbockers with tall dark socks and polished brown leather shoes. He holds an open, leather-bound storybook in his hands. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Red Rex ○ antagonist | supporting
A powerful and imposing man, likely tall and broad-shouldered, with a commanding presence befitting a war-lord. His face, initially grim, softens significantly throughout the story.
Attire: Initially, military attire befitting a king leading an army, perhaps a deep red tunic or cloak over armor, with gold accents. Later, he might appear in slightly less formal but still regal clothing, perhaps a rich red velvet or wool tunic with a gold embroidered trim, dark trousers, and sturdy leather boots. His attire would reflect a European monarch of a medieval or early modern period.
Wants: Initially, to conquer or besiege Kisington. Later, his motivation shifts to learning, understanding, and achieving lasting peace, driven by his daughter's love for stories and Harold's influence.
Flaw: His initial reliance on military force and his 'grim War-Lord' persona, which prevents him from seeing alternative paths to resolution.
Transforms from a formidable war-lord besieging a city into a peace-loving monarch deeply impressed by the power of books and knowledge. He disbands his army and commits to a lasting peace, becoming a student of Kisington's library.
Initially grim and warlike, but also intelligent, curious, and surprisingly open to new ideas. He is a loving father, appreciative of stories, and capable of great magnanimity and a desire for peace.
Image Prompt & Upload
A powerful adult man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a ruddy complexion, a strong jawline, a neatly trimmed dark red beard, and piercing blue eyes that soften into a warm smile. He wears a rich, deep red velvet tunic with gold embroidery at the collar and cuffs, dark brown leather trousers, and tall, polished black leather boots. A heavy gold chain with a large pendant hangs around his neck. He holds a large, ornate golden seal ring in his right hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Librarian ◆ supporting
A refined and scholarly gentleman, likely of slender to average build, with an air of quiet dignity. His appearance would suggest a life spent among books.
Attire: Formal, scholarly attire typical of a European gentleman of the late 19th or early 20th century. This would include a dark, well-tailored suit (perhaps a frock coat or morning coat), a crisp white shirt, and a conservative tie or cravat. His clothes would be clean and meticulously kept, possibly with a subtle academic flourish.
Wants: To protect and share the knowledge within the library, to promote peace through understanding, and to welcome all who seek wisdom.
Flaw: Not explicitly stated, but perhaps a certain naivete about the ways of war, though his wisdom ultimately triumphs.
Remains consistent as the wise guardian of the library, successfully demonstrating the library's value and contributing to the peace treaty.
Exceedingly polite, wise, magnanimous, proud of his city's treasures, and a strong advocate for peace and knowledge. He is patient and welcoming.
Image Prompt & Upload
A scholarly adult man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a kind, intelligent face with a neatly trimmed grey beard, a high forehead, and gentle brown eyes behind round spectacles. His hair is thinning and combed back. He wears a dark grey frock coat, a crisp white shirt, a black cravat, and dark trousers. His hands are clasped politely in front of him. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Lord Mayor ◆ supporting
A dignified and authoritative figure, likely of a mature age, with a presence that commands respect as the leader of Kisington.
Attire: Formal civic attire, such as a dark, heavy robe or coat, possibly with a chain of office or other symbols of his position. His clothing would be of fine quality, reflecting his status as the city's chief magistrate, in a style appropriate for a European mayor of the period.
Wants: To protect Kisington and its citizens, and to secure a lasting peace with the Red King.
Flaw: Not explicitly stated, but perhaps a reliance on traditional political negotiation rather than the unconventional approach Harold takes.
Remains consistent as the city's leader, successfully negotiating and securing peace with the Red King.
Dignified, diplomatic, eager for peace, and proud of his city. He is practical and willing to negotiate for the well-being of his people.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dignified adult man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a round, kind face with a neatly trimmed grey beard and mustache, and warm, intelligent eyes. He wears a heavy, dark blue velvet robe with a wide fur collar and gold trim, and a prominent gold chain of office around his neck. His hands are clasped in front of him, and he has a relieved, beaming smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Robert ○ minor
A young boy, a schoolmate of Harold, likely of similar age and build, with an eager and curious demeanor.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing similar to Harold's, such as a sturdy jacket, knee-length trousers, and a shirt, suitable for a schoolboy in a European town.
Wants: To witness the events unfolding and to be close to the excitement, especially the Red King.
Flaw: Not explicitly stated, but his youth and impressionability could be seen as a minor weakness.
Remains consistent as a supportive friend, experiencing the events alongside Harold.
Curious, proud, and easily impressed. He is loyal to his friend Harold.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a round, curious face with bright brown eyes and short, neatly combed dark hair. He wears a brown tweed jacket, a light blue shirt, dark knee-length trousers, and sturdy brown leather boots. He has an eager, slightly awestruck expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Richard ○ minor
A young boy, a schoolmate of Harold, likely of similar age and build, with an eager and curious demeanor.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing similar to Harold's, such as a sturdy jacket, knee-length trousers, and a shirt, suitable for a schoolboy in a European town.
Wants: To witness the events unfolding and to be close to the excitement, especially the Red King.
Flaw: Not explicitly stated, but his youth and impressionability could be seen as a minor weakness.
Remains consistent as a supportive friend, experiencing the events alongside Harold.
Curious, proud, and easily impressed. He is loyal to his friend Harold.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has an oval, curious face with bright green eyes and short, slightly tousled blonde hair. He wears a dark blue wool jacket, a striped shirt, light grey knee-length trousers, and sturdy black leather shoes. He has an eager, slightly awestruck expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Man-at-Arms (Flag Bearer) ○ minor
A big, strong man, likely a soldier, with a robust build suitable for carrying a flag and serving as a guard.
Attire: Military uniform of the Red King's army, likely sturdy and functional, perhaps with elements of red or the king's insignia. He would wear armor or a heavy uniform, and carry a weapon.
Wants: To serve his king and carry out his duties.
Flaw: Not explicitly stated, but his role is purely functional, lacking individual agency.
Remains consistent in his role as a loyal soldier, carrying out his duties.
Loyal, disciplined, and obedient. He follows orders without question.
Image Prompt & Upload
A large, muscular adult man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a stern, weathered face with a short, dark beard and close-cropped dark hair. He wears a heavy, dark red tunic over chainmail, sturdy leather bracers, and dark trousers tucked into tall leather boots. He holds a tall staff with a large white flag of truce unfurled at the top. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Gates of Kisington
Massive, great gates that swing open to admit Harold and his royal guest. Beyond them, the sounds of a retreating army are later heard.
Mood: Tense, expectant, then relieved
Harold and the Red King enter Kisington under a flag of truce, marking the official end of the siege.
Image Prompt & Upload
A massive, weathered oak gate, reinforced with heavy iron bands and studs, stands slightly ajar, revealing a glimpse of a bustling town street beyond. Sunlight catches the edge of a white flag of truce held aloft by a tall figure. The ground before the gate is packed earth, showing faint tracks. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Streets of Kisington
Crowded streets, bustling with people eager to see the War-Lord. No soldiers are visible, creating an atmosphere of peace.
Mood: Curious, relieved, celebratory
The procession of Harold, the Red King, and Kisington's dignitaries moves through the town towards the library, observed by the townspeople.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide, bustling cobblestone street in a medieval European town, lined with half-timbered houses with thatched roofs and flower boxes. Crowds of townspeople, dressed in simple tunics and dresses, line the street, gazing towards a small procession. Sunlight casts long shadows from the buildings, illuminating the joyful, curious faces of the onlookers. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Main Hall of the Kisington Library
A grand, peaceful hall with rows of books lining the walls. Beautiful pictures hang, noble statues stand in niches, and soft light filters through screened windows. The shattered windows have been repaired, and broken marbles removed, erasing signs of conflict.
Mood: Peaceful, scholarly, welcoming, awe-inspiring
The Red King enters the library, marvels at the vast collection of books, and declares a lasting peace with Kisington.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, high-ceilinged library hall, reminiscent of a grand European university library from the 17th century. Tall, dark wooden bookshelves filled with countless leather-bound volumes line the walls, reaching towards arched windows that filter soft, diffused afternoon light onto polished wooden tables and desks. Ornate plasterwork adorns the ceiling, and classical marble busts rest in alcoves between the book stacks. The air is still and quiet, filled with the scent of old paper. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Library Alcove (Outland Tales section)
A cozy corner under one of the great windows, within the 'Outland Tales' division of the library. It's a quiet, undisturbed spot perfect for reading.
Mood: Cozy, intimate, magical, educational
Harold reads 'The Bear's Daughter' to the Red King and his friends, symbolizing the power of stories to foster peace and understanding.
Image Prompt & Upload
A snug, sunlit alcove within a grand library, nestled beneath a tall, arched window with leaded glass panes. Plush, upholstered benches line the walls of the alcove, inviting quiet contemplation. Surrounding bookshelves are filled with ancient, richly bound books, some with titles visible in elegant script. A particular section is marked 'OUTLAND TALES'. Soft light illuminates dust motes dancing in the air. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.