By: Madeline

The Miscellaneous Boy

Part One

Once upon a time, there lived a village of peasants. These peasants were forced to pay enormous amounts of money to the queen. The queen was selfish and kept all the money for herself. She had no husband, sons, daughters, or even a servant. She had recently realized that she needed a servant. She demanded that searches be held to find the right one.

Meanwhile, a boy of about eleven, who lived in the village mentioned earlier, was carrying a pail of water from the well to the town smith's house. The smith was a kind man and always gave the boy something to do when he could. He thanked the boy and paid him. Filled with pleasure, the boy skipped off to buy some bread. He was well fed for today and ready for sleep.

Watching the boy, the smith shook his head with great sadness. The boy was so excited about a single piece of bread. He had no home, no family, and no money except what he earned working. The whole village was willing to give him food and a place to stay, but he insisted on working for his money. The peasants found as much work for him as they could and paid him all that they could afford. As the boy curled up near a barn to sleep, the smith returned to his house.

The queen as it so happened was heading for this very village. "Who are you expecting to find in this filthy town of peasants," called the driver of the carriage as he directed the galloping horse through the thick woods.

Riding on the carriage was the queen who yelled back, "I'm looking for a child." As she saw the confused look on his face she added, "A child will be easily manipulated, controlled, and able to do labor. He will be perfect." They headed on to the village. The queen failed to hold back an evil cackle.