A Royal Invasion

A ROYAL INVASION

      When King Ralph woke up that Saturday morning and walked into the grand chamber, he wasn’t expecting to see such sad looks on the faces of his royal subjects. ‘A happy kingdom is a great kingdom’ was his motto, but the cooks, butlers, and maids were all sitting around with their heads in their hands, looking as if their best friend had just died.

      Even the court jester had painted a frown on his face.

      King Ralph immediately called for the Wizard and demanded an answer.

      “Marvin,” he said. “What’s going on around here? Why are all of my subjects so miserable?”

      The wizard swallowed hard, wishing that he didn’t have to be the one to break the bad news. It could very well cost him his life.

      “Your Highness, I don’t know how to tell you this, but your worst enemies have returned.”

      The king’s eyes grew wide with terror. He sat down on his throne and tried to comprehend this terrible situation.

      “How?” he asked. “When?”

      “We’re not sure, but we think they climbed over the wall sometime during the night.”

      “They climbed over the wall?” Ralph bellowed. "What about the guards?”

      “They must have been overtaken. I’m sure they tried their best, but…I’m sorry.”

      Great, Ralph thought. Just great. “Well, where are these enemies now?”

      The wizard once again swallowed hard. “They’re in here, your Highness. They’re in the castle.”

      Just then, a loud disturbance could be heard coming down the grand hall.

      “Ralph,” a voice screamed. “You cheap weasel, where’s my alimony?”

      “And where’s the child support, you worthless dead beat?” cried another.

      And then a multitude of voices erupted: “Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah…”

      “Oh, no,” Ralph sobbed. "This is a disaster!"

      “It’s even worse,” said the wizard. “They brought their mothers.”