by Aaron Shepard
There was once a man so wise that no one could say just how wise he was. He was also so old that no one remembered his name—and he’d forgotten it himself. So they called him simply the Wise One.
Now, the Wise One lived close to the kingdom’s capital, which was called the city of Here. Just a day’s ride away lay another city, which was called the city of There. And the single road between them carried many travelers by horse, cart, and carriage.
One day, when a merchant from Here had ridden his horse halfway to There, he came upon a huge man standing in the middle of the road. The man was half again taller than the merchant, and dressed like a merchant himself.
The giant shouted,
“None shall pass without a fight.
Choose your weapon, dark or light.
I’ll more than match you, wrong or right!”
“Never mind!” squeaked the merchant. And he fled back to the city, warning everyone he met on the way.
It was not long before he told the King too. “Dear me, dear me,” said the King. “What must I do? What must I do?”
The Queen leaned over to him. “Darling, why don’t—”
“Not now, my love,” said the King. “I must listen to my Council of Three!”
The First Councillor lifted his finger. “Your Majesty, a king must protect his subjects and uphold their right to travel where they wish. One of your warriors must battle the giant. Send the Master of Clubs!”
“Oh my, oh my,” said the King. But he called for the Master of Clubs and gave the order.
The next morning, the Master of Clubs rode out till he came to the giant, who was now dressed up like a Master of Clubs.
The giant bellowed,
“None shall pass without a fight.
Choose your weapon, dark or light.
I’ll more than match you, wrong or right!”
The brawny warrior dropped from his horse and growled, “I choose clubs.”
But as he raised his own club, the giant raised one bigger and heavier. Whomp! Whomp! Whomp!—and the Master of Clubs was shorter and wider than before...read more
