XXI: RED REX and KING VICTOR
by Abbie Farwell Brown · from Kisington Town
Adapted Version
One day, Harold and Red Rex read books. They were in the book room. They looked at the pictures. The room was quiet and nice.
Then, there was a happy noise outside. People were cheering. Red Rex felt scared. He thought he was in trouble. He hid behind a book shelf. He was very quiet.
Harold and his friends ran to the window. They saw a kind king on a horse. "Hurrah for King Victor!" they cheered. They were very excited.
King Victor walked into the book room. He was kind and happy. He smiled at everyone. He saw Red Rex hiding.
"Hello, friend," said King Victor. "You are safe here. Your promise is key. It is very important."
Red Rex was upset. "I don't trust you," he said loudly. He did not smile.
"My friends came to help," said King Victor. "They were worried. But now we want to be friends. We want peace."
"Books help us learn," said King Victor. "Please stay with us as a special guest. We can read together."
Red Rex smiled. "Okay," he said. "Let's be friends. I like books."
The kings gave each other a friendly hug. They sat down to talk with joy. They talked about peace.
King Victor called Harold. "Thank you for helping," he said. "I want to give you a gift. You are a good helper."
"Can you help my mom?" asked Harold. "She works hard." King Victor said yes. "I will help her," he said.
"Can we have a day off?" asked Harold. "To read books with my friends? We love stories."
King Victor smiled. "Yes," he said. He gave Harold a shiny chain. He gave him many books. "You are a Book Helper," he said. "You help everyone learn."
Bells rang loudly. All were happy. Kind talking helps us make friends. And so, peace and joy came to all. Everyone smiled.
Original Story
XXI: RED REX AND KING VICTOR
Hardly had Harold finished speaking these last words in the tragic story of the Bear's Daughter, when there arose from the market-place such a hubbub and commotion that the Red King's comments on the tale were quite lost. Voices were shouting and cheering; trumpets were blowing and drums beating; over the clang of weapons and neighing of horses one caught the tramp, tramp of marching feet.
Red Rex sprang to his feet, drawing his sword and growing very red in the face. Once again he was the fierce and terrible War-Lord. But Harold did not notice. He was too much excited at the tumult going on outside. He ran hastily to the window and looked out. The square was full of soldiers and banners and gayly decked horses. Men-at-arms crowded the side streets, pouring continuously into the square. The ruined porch of the library was crowded. A guard stood at the portal.
In the center of the square, bestriding a white horse, sat a stately figure, dressed all in white armor. His snowy head was uncovered and he spoke to the cheering people smilingly.
A great shout arose as he finished his speech. "Long live our good King Victor!"
Harold joined in the shout. "Hurrah! Hurrah!"
And Robert and Richard, scrambling up beside him, echoed the cheer,--"Hurrah! Hurrah! Long live King Victor!"
"Our good King has come to Kisington at last!" cried Harold, turning back into the library.
He had quite forgotten his warlike guest and why King Victor had come to Kisington. Indeed, for the moment every one seemed to have forgotten Red Rex. The Librarian, the Lord Mayor, and the other Leading Citizens had disappeared, and the library seemed quite empty. But in one corner of the alcove where the last story had been read, Red Rex was standing at bay. He had drawn up before him a heavy table, behind which he stood, sword in hand, one foot advanced, his red beard bristling.
"Yes, I am trapped!" snarled Red Rex. "You have caught me, boy. But you shall pay for this!"
Harold and the Red King stood staring at one another. The tramp, tramp of feet sounded on the staircase, coming nearer. Along the hall came the tread. The door of the hall opened, and a martial group crossed the threshold. Foremost came their King, King Victor himself, the splendid, white-haired peace hero. The three boys dropped each on one knee before him.
For a moment the King stood gazing about him mildly, without speaking. He was tall and stately, but his eyes were kind, even merry, and with all his dignity there was nothing to strike fear even into the heart of a child. Presently his eyes caught the figure of the trapped War-Lord, barricaded and at bay in the corner.
He stepped forward with a friendly air and held out his hand. "Welcome, Cousin!" he said in a hearty voice.
Red Rex glared at him, fairly bristling with rage. "Do not mock me!" he blustered. "I know well enough that I have been trapped and that the word of the Lord Mayor of this town, given to me, will not count now. But you shall not take me alive. I will slay the first who lays hand on me!" He waved his sword furiously. Harold had never seen him look so terrible.
"Nay, nay!" cried King Victor mildly. "You mistake, indeed, Cousin!"
But the enraged Red King would not listen, and went on with his wild accusations.
"I have been trapped by children!" he raged. "Delayed by tales! Deceived by promises! I trusted all these and disbanded my army, fool that I was! But take me if you can!" Again he flourished his sword and ground his teeth.
King Victor stood looking at the War-Lord without speaking. At last he raised his hand with a grand gesture and said with emphasis and sincerity, "You are making a great mistake, Cousin! You are not trapped. The promise of the Lord Mayor is sacred. In my land a word is as good as a treaty. You are quite free to go, if you list. But, indeed, we hope you will deign to stay, as our honored guest. It is the first time you have graced our Kingdom with your presence, Cousin. We long to be friends with you; to see lasting peace between our neighboring lands."
"You come with an army," retorted Red Rex sullenly. "You came in response to summons. You came to combat me."
"That is true," assented King Victor. "When we heard that Kisington was besieged, we gathered together our peaceful army and hastened hither in the interests of peace. But we arrive to find, instead of a bloody siege, a peaceful King enjoying this library. We hasten to add our own welcome to that of Kisington's Leading Citizens. We invite you to remain, Cousin, and enjoy not only these but other treasures of our Kingdom which it may be to your advantage to know better."
"If my army had not disbanded," blustered the War-Lord, "you would not be speaking to me so debonairly."
"Maybe not, maybe not!" agreed King Victor.
"Yet, our volunteer police force embraces every citizen of our Kingdom. We should have surrounded you without trouble or bloodshed, Cousin. We could have persuaded your army by sheer force of numbers and opinion, without doubt. But let us not think of that. Let us rather consider the pleasanter things which surround us. Shall we not be friends, Cousin? We know your Kingdom well. We have read and studied about it thoroughly in our books. We have, indeed, traveled all over it in peaceful disguise. Come, you ought to become as well acquainted with ours; then I am sure we should never misunderstand one another again. Say, Cousin Rex, shall it be?"
He advanced a step nearer the other, holding out his hand and smiling genially. His sincerity was plain.
The War-Lord dropped his sword. "I believe you!" he cried, stepping forward and grasping the proffered hand. "Cousin, Neighbor, let there be peace between our whole kingdoms; even as we promised between myself and Kisington."
"So be it!"
The two monarchs embraced in kingly fashion, and sat down in a retired alcove for a pleasant chat.
It was not long before Harold was summoned to the pair. King Victor received him kindly, and Red Rex grinned. "We have heard the tale of your service to the State and to our Royal Friend, Harold," said King Victor graciously. "We would fain give you a suitable reward, my brave Bookworm. What shall it be? Tell me your wish."
Harold flushed and stammered. "I do not wish a reward for the little I did, Sire," he said. "I had no thought of that. Indeed, it was a pleasure to read for His Majesty."
"Yea, so we believe!" smiled the King. "Yet some reward we owe for your true office. What shall it be?"
Harold hesitated, thinking. "Truly, for myself I ask nothing," he said. "Yet, perhaps, Sire, you would help my mother, my dear mother, so that she need not work so hard while I am learning to be a scholar."
"It shall be so!" cried the King. "She shall have a little maid to help her; money to pay the rent, buy food and clothes and modest pleasures. These shall she have. But for yourself, Harold? We must show you some special favor, for our own comfort."
"Well," said Harold, "one thing I scarcely dare to ask. But I should like more time to read in the library while His Majesty is here. Maybe I could serve him better if I had not to go to school these days. May the school children have a vacation of a week, Sire?"
"A fortnight!" cried King Victor, beaming. "It is the very pith of our talk, my boy. For a week the King our Cousin is fain to tarry in Kisington, and he asks no better than yourself to be his guide, philosopher, and friend. Then for a week he will be my guest, traveling with me over the Kingdom, visiting certain places whereabout you have made him curious by your stories. He asks that you may go as his page. Both these things are possible if we grant the school a fortnight's recess. It shall be done. But still, this is little reward for your wise doings, my boy. Ask something more."
"Then, Sire, I beg this," said Harold, with shining eyes. "Let Robert and Richard go with me as assistant pages. That will be a merry vacation for us all; no better boon could I ask!"
The King laughed merrily. "A boy's wish!" he said, "but it shall be granted. Now, come hither, Harold." With these words King Victor threw over the boy's shoulders a heavy gold chain with a cross hanging from it. "'Blessed are the peacemakers,'" quoted King Victor. "Wear this, Harold, a token from your grateful country. And with it goes the gift of a hundred books, which you shall choose for yourself, to be the beginning of a library of your own,--Book Wizard, as they call you!"
The bells of Kisington began to peal gayly and continuously, a triple rejoicing. The beloved King being in town was sufficient reason for festival. Therefore,--Ding dong! Peace was declared forever between the two neighboring nations. Therefore, Ding dong! Ding dong! A holiday for the school children of Kisington, Harold's friends. Therefore,--Ding dong! Ding dong! Ding dong!
Harold went home to his mother with the glad news. And proud enough she was of her lad when she heard why all the bells were ringing, and saw his golden cross.
Story DNA
Moral
Diplomacy, understanding, and the pursuit of knowledge can achieve lasting peace more effectively than conflict and suspicion.
Plot Summary
As King Victor arrives in Kisington, the warlord Red Rex, believing he's been trapped, barricades himself in the library, preparing for battle. King Victor, a peace hero, calmly approaches Red Rex, assuring him of his freedom and offering sincere friendship and peace between their kingdoms. Convinced by King Victor's genuine desire for understanding, Red Rex drops his sword, and the two monarchs embrace. Harold, who inadvertently facilitated this peace, is then generously rewarded by King Victor with a golden chain, a library of books, and a school holiday for his selfless actions and love of learning.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suspicion to trust
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story, part of a larger collection, uses a classic fairy tale setting to convey modern values of diplomacy and education over conflict.
Plot Beats (15)
- Harold and Red Rex are in the library when a loud commotion signals King Victor's arrival in Kisington.
- Red Rex, a warlord, immediately assumes he is trapped and prepares for battle, barricading himself in the library.
- Harold and the other boys are excited by King Victor's arrival, momentarily forgetting Red Rex.
- King Victor enters the library, a stately and kind figure, and approaches the bristling Red Rex.
- King Victor addresses Red Rex as 'Cousin' and assures him he is not trapped, and that the Lord Mayor's promise of safe passage is sacred.
- Red Rex, still enraged, accuses King Victor of deception and prepares to fight.
- King Victor patiently explains that his army came in response to a perceived siege, but finding peace, now offers friendship and hospitality.
- King Victor emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding through knowledge and invites Red Rex to stay as an honored guest.
- Red Rex, convinced by King Victor's sincerity, drops his sword and agrees to peace between their kingdoms.
- The two kings embrace and begin a friendly chat.
- Harold is summoned and King Victor offers him a reward for his service.
- Harold, selfless, first asks for help for his mother, which is granted.
- Harold then asks for a school vacation so he can continue reading and serve the kings, and for his friends to join him.
- King Victor grants all of Harold's wishes, extends the vacation, and bestows upon Harold a golden chain, a hundred books, and the title 'Book Wizard'.
- The bells of Kisington ring out, celebrating peace, the royal visit, and the children's holiday.
Characters
Red Rex ⚔ antagonist
A fierce and terrible War-Lord, with a robust build and a commanding presence. He is described as 'growing very red in the face' when angered, suggesting a ruddy complexion.
Attire: Initially, he is not explicitly described, but as a 'War-Lord' and 'Red King,' he likely wears practical, yet imposing, attire suitable for a military leader, possibly with red accents or a red cloak. When first seen, he is in the library, so his full battle regalia might not be present, but he carries his sword.
Wants: To assert his power and defend his honor, initially believing he has been tricked and trapped. He desires respect and to avoid humiliation.
Flaw: His quick temper and suspicion make him prone to misjudgment and rage, almost leading him to unnecessary conflict.
He transforms from an enraged, suspicious 'War-Lord' ready for combat into a 'Cousin' and 'Neighbor' who embraces peace and friendship with King Victor, even embracing him in a 'kingly fashion'.
Fierce, terrible, easily enraged, suspicious, proud, stubborn, but ultimately reasonable and capable of accepting peace.
Image Prompt & Upload
A robust adult man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a ruddy complexion, a square jaw, and intense, narrowed eyes. His thick, long, fiery red beard is slightly bristling, and his red hair is somewhat disheveled. He wears a dark, practical tunic of thick wool, possibly with leather accents, and sturdy breeches tucked into tall, worn leather boots. A heavy, broad leather belt with a simple metal buckle is cinched at his waist. He holds a large, well-used iron sword in his right hand, pointed downwards. His expression is initially suspicious and defiant, with a slight scowl. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
King Victor ★ protagonist
A tall and stately figure with a dignified presence. He is described as 'splendid' and a 'peace hero'.
Attire: He is dressed 'all in white armor,' which suggests a ceremonial or symbolic white plate armor, possibly with silver or gold accents, rather than purely functional battle armor. This white attire emphasizes his role as a 'peace hero.'
Wants: To maintain peace between his kingdom and neighboring lands, to uphold promises, and to foster friendship and understanding.
Flaw: None explicitly shown; his greatest challenge is overcoming Red Rex's suspicion, which he does successfully.
He remains consistent in his character, embodying peace and wisdom, and successfully transforms a potential conflict into a lasting alliance.
Kind, merry, dignified, wise, sincere, diplomatic, peace-loving, generous, and understanding.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly, tall, and stately man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a kind, merry expression with gentle lines around his eyes. His hair is thick, snowy white, and neatly combed, falling just above his shoulders. He wears gleaming white ceremonial plate armor with subtle silver filigree, a white tunic visible beneath, and a flowing white cloak draped over his shoulders. His hands are open in a welcoming gesture. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Harold ◆ supporting
A young boy, likely of average height and build for his age. He is described as a 'Bookworm' and 'Book Wizard,' suggesting a studious rather than physically imposing demeanor.
Attire: As a 'bookworm' and a child in a setting that seems to be a medieval-inspired kingdom, he would likely wear simple, practical clothing such as a tunic and breeches, possibly in muted colors like brown or grey, suitable for a commoner's child.
Wants: Initially, his motivation is to read and enjoy stories. Later, he is driven by a desire to help his mother and to continue his studies, and to share his joy with his friends.
Flaw: His modesty makes him hesitant to ask for personal rewards, though this is ultimately overcome by his thoughtfulness for others.
He starts as a simple boy who loves books and inadvertently delays a war-lord. He ends as a recognized 'Book Wizard' and 'peacemaker,' rewarded with a golden chain, books, and a special role as a page, demonstrating his growth from an ordinary child to a valued citizen.
Excitable, studious, modest, kind, thoughtful, loyal, and intelligent.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy, around 10 years old, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has bright, intelligent blue eyes and a modest, earnest expression. His light brown hair is slightly tousled and falls just above his ears. He wears a simple, knee-length tunic of undyed linen, cinched with a thin rope belt, and dark brown wool breeches. Over his shoulders, he wears a heavy gold chain with a prominent, ornate golden cross hanging at his chest. His hands are clasped loosely in front of him. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Harold's Mother ○ minor
Not explicitly described, but implied to be a hardworking woman, suggesting a practical, perhaps slightly worn, appearance from labor.
Attire: As a hardworking mother in a commoner's family, she would wear simple, durable clothing, likely a long, plain dress or gown made of linen or wool, possibly with an apron, in muted colors.
Wants: To provide for her family, working hard to support herself and her son.
Flaw: Her financial struggles, which Harold seeks to alleviate.
Her circumstances improve due to Harold's actions, receiving help and financial support.
Hardworking, loving, and proud of her son.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult woman, around 40 years old, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a kind, tired expression, with gentle lines around her eyes. Her dark brown hair is pulled back in a simple, practical bun. She wears a long, plain, earth-toned linen dress, possibly a muted green or brown, with a simple, light-colored apron tied at her waist. Her hands are clasped in front of her, showing signs of work. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Robert ○ minor
A young boy, likely similar in age and build to Harold.
Attire: As a school child and friend of Harold, he would wear simple, practical clothing like a tunic and breeches, similar to Harold's initial attire.
Wants: To join in the excitement and share experiences with his friends.
Flaw: None explicitly shown.
He receives a holiday and the opportunity to be an assistant page due to Harold's request.
Excitable, loyal to his friends.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy, around 10 years old, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a cheerful, excited expression and bright, curious eyes. His short, dark brown hair is slightly messy. He wears a simple, knee-length blue linen tunic over light grey breeches and sturdy leather shoes. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Richard ○ minor
A young boy, likely similar in age and build to Harold.
Attire: As a school child and friend of Harold, he would wear simple, practical clothing like a tunic and breeches, similar to Harold's initial attire.
Wants: To join in the excitement and share experiences with his friends.
Flaw: None explicitly shown.
He receives a holiday and the opportunity to be an assistant page due to Harold's request.
Excitable, loyal to his friends.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy, around 10 years old, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has an eager, smiling expression and bright, friendly eyes. His short, sandy blonde hair is neatly combed. He wears a simple, knee-length green linen tunic over dark brown breeches and sturdy leather shoes. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Kisington Market-place
A bustling public square, currently filled with soldiers, banners, gaily decked horses, and crowds of cheering people. Side streets pour continuously into the square. The ruined porch of the library overlooks this space.
Mood: Excited, celebratory, tumultuous, martial yet joyful
King Victor makes his grand entrance and addresses the people of Kisington, signifying the end of the siege and the beginning of peace.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide, bustling medieval market square in a European town, with half-timbered houses and stone buildings lining the perimeter. In the center, a stately king in white armor sits atop a white horse, addressing a cheering crowd. Soldiers with colorful banners and polished weapons are interspersed among the townsfolk. The ground is packed earth and scattered cobblestones. Overhead, a clear, bright afternoon sky. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Kisington Library
A large, quiet library, now mostly empty of citizens. It features an alcove where stories are read, and heavy tables. The entrance is a hall leading to a main door.
Mood: Initially quiet and studious, then tense and confrontational, finally peaceful and diplomatic
Red Rex is cornered and confronted by King Victor. This is where the peace treaty is negotiated and Harold receives his reward.
Image Prompt & Upload
An expansive, high-ceilinged medieval library interior, with tall, dark wooden bookshelves filled with ancient tomes. Sunlight streams through arched, leaded-glass windows, illuminating dust motes in the air and casting patterns on the polished wooden floor. In one corner, a secluded alcove with a heavy, carved oak table. The walls are adorned with tapestries and maps. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Harold's Home
Harold's humble dwelling, where he lives with his mother.
Mood: Warm, loving, humble, and filled with joy
Harold returns home to share the good news of the peace, his reward, and the school holiday with his mother.
Image Prompt & Upload
A cozy, humble medieval cottage interior, with a stone hearth glowing softly in the corner. Rough-hewn timber beams support a low ceiling, and a small, leaded-glass window looks out onto a simple garden. A wooden table and two chairs sit on a packed earth floor covered with a woven rug. Warm, inviting light fills the small space. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.