The Emperor’s Treaty
Once, barbarians ruled the forests of Harland. The ruler of a kingdom nearby, named Brinyar, had complete control over. The barbarians had already attacked Brinyar’s kingdom five times, and it was ready to fall apart. “Brinyar, enemies have arrived,” a messenger exclaimed, panting. “They are here to claim the land as theirs!”
” Arrange a meeting,” the Emperor said.
“Yes,” the messenger said.
“I shall go to the farmlands for soldiers, just in case we cannot find an agreement!” Brinyar exclaimed. The Emperor rushed into the royal stable. “Bring me a horse,” he said.
“How about Thunder?” asked the servant.
“Yes,” Brinyar replied. He swiftly attached a saddle and mounted the horse. “Onwards to the village!”
By the time they arrived, Thunder was very weary. “Is this the farmlands?” asked the Emperor.
“Yes indeed,” a man replied.
“I am searching for men to be in my army.”
“Well, a young man is in the farm shed. He is very clever and worth five men,” the man said. Brinyar headed off to the shed. As he stepped inside, he could hear the clucks of hens.
“Hello,” a voice said. The Emperor looked around and saw a boy tending to animals.
“Are you capable of being in my army?” asked Brinyar.
“What army?” asked the boy.
“The kingdom’s! Our army is small and depleting, and the people in the forests have attacked us five times. Our defense has failed us every attack. We need more men to continue the fight.”
“Well, talk to our goat, and if he bleats, then I will join your army,” the boy said. He left the shed, leaving the king to speak with the old goat.
“Oh holy goat of heaven, may you bless me with the greatest of gifts: a soldier,” Brinyar begged. The goat grunted and pointed his horns at a cat.
“I don’t understand,” the Emperor said. “What is there to see?” The cat pounced on a mouse five times, missing each. As he prepared for the next pounce, the cat paused. He grabbed a piece of fish and threw it at the mouse as a gift.
The goat bleated.
“I understand,” Brinyar murmured. He quickly returned to his kingdom with the boy, and they met with the barbarians.
“So we have a deal?” asked the Chieftain of the tribes.
“Yes indeed,” replied the Emperor. “A treaty.”
