The Royal Herald

The Prime Minister stood before King Bartholomew’s throne.  “Today I am appointing Lord Barnaby Bragglesworth as Royal Herald,” said the king. “As a lawyer, he is exceptionally qualified to speak…

The Royal Ceasefire

King Bartholomew summoned the ambassadors of Ukravia and Ruzkovia to the palace. “Ambassadors, thanks for coming today. I am pleased to hear of the ceasefire between your countries.” The ambassadors…

The King’s Royalties

King Bartholomew summoned the royal scribes and bookmakers into his palace.  They bowed before his throne as he ate his noon meal. He motioned with his hands. “Scribes! Bookmakers! Rise!…

The King’s Alchemists

King Bartholomew summoned the Royal Alchemists to the throne room. They bowed before the king. “Alchemists! You have failed to turn lead into gold.” “From this day forward, I declare…

A Small Price to Pay

King Bartholomew’s armies attacked the distant land of Iranizbad. For months, the war dragged on. He assured his subjects that victory was near. Farmers couldn’t afford feed for livestock, or…

All You Can’t Eat

Mr. and Mrs. Termite tucked themselves into their little bed.  Mr. Termite’s tummy growled. “That was a long trip, honey. I’m really hungry.”  “Me too,” said Mrs. Termite, “let’s eat.…

The Royal Mosquito Defense Initiative

King Bartholomew smacked his arm. “Drat! The mosquitoes have invaded the kingdom!”  “Prime Minister: Prepare the Declaration of War on Mosquitoes.” “Minister of War: Prepare the armies to repel the…

Celestia

I watch from the side as the director counts down with his fingers… three… two… one. He points to the silver-haired man dressed in a navy power suit standing before…

Monumental Ambition

Rumors spread across the realm that King Bartholomew would build a triumphal arch in the city.  “The bigliest arch ever built,” boasted the King. “No one has ever seen bigger.”…

Coffee Rules

I pour some coffee into my mug A pinch of sugar a splash of cream And sit on the couch to rest my feet An aroma sweet a steaming brewI…